The Ultimate Pre-Launch Checklist for Starting a Small Business in Ontario
- Small Business Love
- Apr 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Free Download Below
Starting a small business in Ontario is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of moving parts. Before you open your doors or launch online, there are critical steps you should take to ensure your business is legally sound, financially prepared, and ready to make a strong first impression.
This comprehensive pre-launch checklist will walk you through everything you need to do before starting a business in Ontario.
1. Refine Your Business Idea
• Conduct market research to validate demand
Explore industry trends, competitor offerings, and customer behavior. Use surveys, focus groups, or online tools to gather feedback and confirm there's a market for your product or service.
• Define your unique value proposition (UVP)
Clarify what makes your business different. Why should customers choose you over the competition? Your UVP should be clear, concise, and customer-focused.
• Identify your target audience and customer needs
Create customer personas to define who your ideal clients are, what problems they face, and how your product or service solves them.
2. Create a Business Plan
• Outline your mission, vision, and business goals
These statements guide your purpose and direction. Your mission explains your core purpose, your vision outlines future goals, and your objectives define the specific milestones you'll aim for.
• Develop a financial plan, including projected costs and revenue
Include startup expenses, monthly overhead, expected revenue streams, break-even points, and profit margins.
• Establish a marketing and operational strategy
Plan how you’ll reach your audience, where you’ll sell (online, retail, both), and how your day-to-day operations will run smoothly.
3. Choose a Business Structure
• Decide between sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation
Each structure has different implications for taxes, liability, and ownership. Choose based on your business goals and consult a legal or financial advisor if needed.
• Register your business with the appropriate government entity
Use the Government of Canada Business Registration portal to make it official and get your business number (BN).
4. Register Your Business Name
• Conduct a name search through Nuans Name Search
Check the availability of your desired business name and avoid conflicts with existing trademarks or businesses.
• Ensure domain and social media handle availability
Reserve your domain name and social handles early—even if you’re not ready to launch them yet.
• Register your business name provincially or federally
Choose federal registration if you plan to operate across Canada; otherwise, provincial registration is often sufficient.
5. Secure Necessary Permits and Licenses
• Obtain required industry-specific permits
Depending on your industry (e.g., food service, construction, child care), special licenses or permits may be needed.
• Register for GST/HST if applicable
If your annual revenue is over $30,000, you’ll need to register for a GST/HST number through the CRA.
• Apply for any local business licenses
Ontario Municipalities often require local licensing or zoning approvals. Check with your city or town hall.
6. Set Up Business Finances
• Open a dedicated business bank account
Separate personal and business finances for easier bookkeeping and credibility.
• Establish accounting and bookkeeping systems
Use software like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Wave. Track income, expenses, taxes, and payroll from the start.
• Apply for funding or grants
Explore small business loans, government grants, or private investors. Look into the Canada Small Business Financing Program for startup support.
7. Develop Your Brand Identity
• Design a professional logo and branding materials
Your brand includes your logo, colors, fonts, and tone of voice. Consider hiring a designer or using a tool like Canva or Looka.
• Set up a business website
Platforms like Shopify or Wix make it easy to build a modern website even if you’re not tech-savvy. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly and includes key information.
• Create social media profiles
Secure your handle on all major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.), even if you only plan to use a few initially.
8. Prepare Your Products or Services
• Finalize product development or service offerings
Ensure your product or service is ready for market—no unfinished designs or unclear deliverables.
• Establish supplier relationships
Find reliable vendors or suppliers and negotiate terms early on to avoid delays or shortages.
• Conduct test runs or beta testing
Gather real feedback and fix any issues before your official launch. This helps improve your offering and builds early buzz.
9. Create a Marketing Plan
• Develop a content strategy and social media calendar
Plan what type of content you’ll post, where you’ll post it, and how often. Use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule ahead.
• Set up email marketing and advertising campaigns
Collect email addresses early and create a launch sequence. Consider paid ads on Google or social media to generate leads.
• Network with potential customers and industry professionals
Attend local events, join online forums or Facebook groups, and start building relationships in your niche.
*If you have a brick-and-mortar business in Ontario, you can target locally for marketing.
10. Hire and Train Employees (If Needed)
• Determine staffing needs and hire employees
Figure out if you need help with sales, customer service, production, etc. Post job ads on relevant platforms.
• Train staff on company policies and customer service
Ensure everyone understands your brand, expectations, and how to deliver consistent service.
• Set up payroll and employee benefits
Register for a payroll account with CRA and explore benefits like health coverage or vacation time.
• Consider hiring an HR specialist as your team grows
If you plan to scale your business or hire multiple employees, it may be wise to bring in an HR specialist. They can help with compliance, employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, and performance management, ensuring your workplace remains professional and legally compliant.
11. Establish Business Operations
• Set up inventory management and order fulfillment systems
Decide how you’ll track inventory, manage shipping, and handle returns or customer complaints.
• Develop customer service policies
Create guidelines for returns, response times, satisfaction guarantees, and conflict resolution.
• Establish legal agreements (contracts, NDAs, etc.)
Work with a lawyer to create templates for contracts, service agreements, and confidentiality clauses.
12. Plan Your Launch Strategy
• Announce your launch date and create buzz
Build anticipation through social media teasers, email countdowns, or pre-launch events.
• Offer promotional deals or events to attract customers
Use discounts, limited-time offers, or free trials to get early users and generate momentum.
• Monitor and adjust based on early feedback
Use tools like Google Analytics, surveys, or customer reviews to assess what’s working and what needs tweaking.
Final Thoughts
Launching a business takes preparation, patience, and persistence. This pre-launch checklist gives you a clear roadmap to follow so nothing gets overlooked. Take it one step at a time, ask for help when needed, and stay committed to your vision.
What part of launching a business feels most overwhelming to you? We are building a community of resources and networking, so you are always welcome to share any great business advice and tips, and tricks that worked for you. You can also fill out my “Contact Us “ form if you would be interested in doing a guest blog post.
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