Business Law — Incorporation & Planning

Why Proper Business Structure Matters

Lay the legal foundation for growth.

Starting a business is exciting—but structure choices affect taxes, liability, financing, and succession. We help founders and owners navigate Ontario and federal frameworks from day one.

Business Structures in Ontario

Sole Proprietorship — simplest, but personal & business liability are the same.
Partnerships — general/limited; roles & profit sharing set by agreement.
Corporations — OBCA/CBCA entities with limited liability & flexible ownership.
Professional Corporations — for regulated pros (lawyers, accountants, doctors).
Not‑for‑Profit Corporations — ONCA or federal; for charitable/community purposes.

Key Benefits of Incorporation

✓

Limited Liability

Protects personal assets from most business debts.

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Tax Planning

Lower corporate rates and income‑splitting opportunities.

★

Credibility

Added legitimacy with clients, lenders, and investors.

∞

Continuity

Exists beyond the life of its founders.

⇡

Attracting Investment

Easier to raise capital through shares or financing.

The Incorporation Process

1

Business Name Search & Registration

NUANS report to confirm availability or incorporate as a numbered company.

2

Articles of Incorporation

Filed under OBCA or CBCA; set the structure, share classes, and rights.

3

Organizational Resolutions

Initial by‑laws, directors’/shareholders’ resolutions, officer appointments.

4

Shareholders’ Agreements

Essential with multiple founders to prevent disputes later.

5

Regulatory & Tax Registrations

CRA BN, HST, payroll, WSIB, and any industry licences.

6

Corporate Minute Book

Legal record of the company for compliance and due diligence.

Business Planning Services

  1. Start‑Up Planning

    Business plans aligned with legal compliance.

  2. Commercial Contracts

    Partnership/service/supplier agreements & terms of use.

  3. Employment Compliance

    ESA‑compliant contracts, workplace policies, and procedures.

  4. Financing & Investment

    Shareholder financing, venture capital, private lending.

  5. Risk Management

    IP protection, confidentiality, and non‑compete measures.

  6. Succession Planning

    Sale, transfer, or continuity strategies.

We align legal structure, contracts, and financing to support sustainable growth.

How We Can Help

  1. Business structure advice

    Choose the best legal form for your goals.

  2. Incorporation services

    Articles, minute books, and by‑laws done right.

  3. Shareholders’/Partnership Agreements

    Prevent disputes and protect your interests.

  4. Contract drafting & review

    Clear, enforceable, and practical business agreements.

  5. Growth planning

    Match structure to capital strategy and expansion.

  6. Ongoing compliance

    Annual returns, director changes, governance.

From incorporation to scale—legal clarity at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I incorporate federally or provincially?

Federal incorporation protects the name across Canada; provincial (OBCA) is often simpler and cost‑effective for Ontario‑only operations.

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