Starting a Business

A business plan is the blueprint for your business. Writing a business plan is the best way to test whether an idea for starting a business is feasible. If working through a business plan reveals that your business idea is untenable, it will save you a great deal of time and money.

The process of writing a business plan will ultimately make for a smoother startup period and fewer unforeseen problems as your business gets up and running. A business plan will also create a financial picture of the business, its start-up costs and projected revenues which is often required when applying for funding or grants.

Here are some resources to help you write a business plan:

• Futurepreneaur interactive Business Plan Writer
• Government of Canada Business Plan Guide

The Town of Arnprior requests that you complete a Business Registration form when you start your business. This is not a business license, it is merely a way for the Town to know where and who is operating a business and allows us to promote your business.

Certain businesses are required by law to obtain a Business Licenses. This applies to those businesses that are regulated by by-laws such as Clothing Donation Bin/Drop Box, Old Gold &/or Precious Metal Dealer, Pawnbroker, Hawker/Peddler, Mobile Canteen/Refreshment Stand/Refreshment Vehicle/Ice Cream Stand/Ice Cream Bicycle, and Market Vendor at the Arnprior Sunday Market.

Register your business name

You may need to register for an Ontario Business Number for tax purposes

You may need a licenses from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

One of the first things you will need to decide is where your business will be located. You will want to first determine where your business can be located based on the Town's zoning by-law. Once you have determined what zone your business is allowed under you can then find an available property within that zone.

When looking to start a business you want to ensure you have enough financing to not only fund the startup of the business but also the cost of operation and marketing until the business begins to make a profit. The length of time it will take for a business to be profitable depends on how high start-up costs are and what the operational costs are, on average it takes two – three years for a business to be profitable.

There are some grants available for businesses including the Town's Community Improvement Plan as well as some non-traditional lending options available for those who do not qualify for traditional funding. More information on what is currently available can be found in our grants and funding section.

• Government of Canada Starting a Business Resources
• FedDev Ontario Small Business Services
• BDC Start Your Business Guide