Thousands of Canadians dream about having a stable source of income and reaching monetary stability. Newcomers also wish to experience opportunities available in this country and aspire to launch their own startups.
Are you willing to become your own boss? If you also dream of starting a new business here, you should understand what steps need to be made to achieve success and navigate this process. Here is what you should take into account.
1. What Business Are You Going to Start?
Before you invest your own money or borrow funds to launch a new business, it’s essential to understand whether your business idea has prospects to succeed. Remember that the world we are living in is rather competitive. There are plenty of other businesses, and not many of them survive within the first couple of years.
Do research to realize who your target customers are, how your venture will outshine the competition, and how much funds you need to launch it. Remember that in each city, the situation is different. If in Regina you do not need to look for small payday loans, you may need to take out a Northnloans in Winnipeg or vice versa. Doing market research is beneficial as it will help you understand your target customer’s desires, the need to search for additional financing, and learn how to attract your potential clients.
2. Choose a Business Structure
Besides, you need to select a business structure. Here are the widespread types to choose from:
- Sole proprietorship. It is an easy format for businesses to start. It is a common business structure that many newcomers and entrepreneurs choose. However, you will be personally liable for all debts and functions of your venture.
- Partnership. It is similar to a sole proprietorship, but there are two partners who have some contractual agreement to manage and share all the tasks, expenses, and profit.
- Corporation. It means there are ownership shares. They create legal distance between shareholders and the company. The owners can benefit from tax advantages. The corporation offers certain liability protections from debts. But there are ongoing expenses for legal and accounting charges.
3. Make a Business Plan
The next important step is to create your business plan. It needs to be strong and solid. Make sure you add some estimates and figures to have a better understanding of your cash flow. Try to make a well-researched and realistic plan. It will help you qualify for affordable financial assistance and business loans from banks and other lenders.
4. Register Your Business with the Government
Depending on the way you structure your venture, you might need to register the name of your startup. You don’t have to register if you are a freelancer and a sole proprietor functioning under a legal name.
In case a new business is a corporation or a partnership, it should be registered with the Canadian government. Visit the website of the Government of Canada to get assistance with this process.
5. Get the Necessary Financing
Statistics show that small businesses in Canada tend to have more financial constraints than their larger counterparts. Over one-quarter (26.9%) of companies with 1 to 19 employees reported that they didn’t have the ability to take on more debt.
Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-621-m/11-621-m2022004-eng.htm
On the contrary, 16.7% of businesses with 20 to 99 employees and 6.2% of businesses with 100 or more employees claimed to have the same issues. The results demonstrate that the number of companies that cannot take on more debt has increased over the past few months.
Three-quarters (75.8%) of businesses with 1 to 19 employees reported that they had the cash or liquid assets necessary to function. In comparison, 82.3% of businesses with 20 to 99 employees and 82.5% of businesses with 100 or more employees said the same.
Hence, launching a new business can be expensive and require additional financing. You may take out a small business loan, borrow some funds from your family and friends, or turn to alternative lenders. Make sure you compare the crediting terms and conditions to choose wisely.
6. Open a Business Bank Account
Financial coaches recommend entrepreneurs separate their personal and business finances from the moment they plan their new business. You need to open a separate business bank account to help you with this transition and ensure your business finances are in order.
Besides, local banks and other providers may offer perks and additional features to help different types of businesses and their needs.
7. Try Government Grants and Programs
Apart from traditional lending options and crediting tools for business owners, you may also qualify for programs and grants from the Canadian government. There is a wide choice of such programs available for entrepreneurs in different industries and communities.
Go to the official site of the Canadian government to check what grants you may apply for. Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is one of the popular programs that offer business loans of up to 1 million CAD. The funds from this program can be used to start a new business or grow an existing one.
8. Grow Your Business
Once you establish a new business, you will also need to consider the growth and expansion strategy. Provided that you are in charge of the process know how to manage your business finances, and have a solid business plan, your venture will reach success.
It takes a lot of effort and dedication to growing it. If you need help, you may work with a mentor to guide you through the challenging periods.
The Bottom Line
If you are a newcomer to Canada, you may want to start your own business. This process is challenging, but if you follow these steps and divide them into manageable milestones, you will be able to launch a startup in any city.
Open a business bank account, create a solid business strategy and plan, separate your business and personal finances, turn to financial assistance and government funding programs, and ask for help if necessary. It may seem daunting to start a business in a new country, but it isn’t as scary as you may consider.
