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Start It!

Set It Up - Business Structure

Are you going to structure your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, cooperative, or non-profit organization? If you incorporate, will you do it on the federal or provincial level? Find out more about each type of business organization as well as where to obtain and file the necessary paperwork.

Your Business or Their Business?

Should you start your own business, buy an existing one or consider a franchise? Each method has it's pros and cons.

"What's that place again?" Getting your clients to remember you.

You want your clients to remember you. Find out why the name you choose for your business and where you locate it are so important.

Your Business Plan

The business plan...you may not get financing without one, and it's a useful tool when charting the growth of your business. Find out more about it and how to create one.

Profits

Business Loans

Find out what lenders are looking for and what's currently available on our Financing page.

Taxation

Taxation can affect how you structure your business, where you locate it and your budget plans. Find out more about Manitoba's Provincial Sales Tax (PST), the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other taxes which may be applicable to your business on our Taxation page.

Licenses/Permits

Does your business require any licenses or permits?

For businesses located in Winnipeg, visit the City of Winnipeg website for for business licencing requirements.

Our publication Starting a Small Business in Manitoba: A Guide to the Basic Legal Requirements (PDF file) contains a listing of these as well as who to contact. (Note: this publication is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download a free copy from the Adobe web site.)

BizPaL is an online service that provides businesses with one-stop access to permit and licence information for all levels of government. In Manitoba, there is currently information available for 36 different local governments. Additional locations will be active in the near future.

Employees

Advertising/Marketing

Customers won't buy what you're selling if they don't know you're there. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, know what you need to do and how to accomplish it.

e-Business

Do you need a website? Will it simplify your business or make it more complicated? Find out more about incorporating technology into your business.

Other things to consider...

Banking

From business accounts, credit and what you need to accept debit and credit card payments for your goods and services...find out what banking services are right for you.

Insurance

Protect yourself and your business - investigate insurance coverage for business premises/home (fire, theft), vehicle, liability, business interruption or loss-of-income, disability, and partnership.

Intellectual Property

Your intellectual property (IP) is one of your most valuable business assets. When used strategically in your business, it can increase your competitiveness and allow you to reap numerous benefits.

Office Equipment

Business phones, answering machines, internet connections…what do you need to operate your business?

Professional Services

Lawyer…accountant…do you need one? Find out more about Selecting Professional Services.

Promotional Material

Business cards, stationary, brochures…are they a good investment? See:


 

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.
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Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.