The City of Port Colborne requires municipal business licences for trailer parks, public garages, lodging houses, hawkers and peddlers, refreshment vehicles and kennels. If you operate a second-hand goods business, salvage yard or transportation business, you need a licence from Niagara Region.
- Note: The current business licensing by-laws are under review.
Visit the Small Business Enterprise Centre |
The Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre is your first stop for information on starting and growing your small business.
Resources Available Include:
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Prepare your Business Plan |
Your business plan is one of the most important elements of your business start-up. It is also often a critical element when applying to a financial institution for financing; or a government funded program. Prepare your business plan in the start-up stage of your business, and revise it on an ongoing basis.
Why write a business plan?
The bottom line – the purpose of a business plan is to improve the success rate of any venture. |
Attend a Business Seminar, Workshop or Event |
You can check out our current listing of events and register online: Listing of Business Seminars, Workshops and Events
Please note that registration is required to ensure space is available. You can register online or directly with the Centre by calling 905-356-7521 extension 5130. |
Check Municipal Regulations |
Municipalities across the Niagara Region will have specific regulations regarding business operation within their municipality. Ensure that you check with the various departments listed below for any regulations affecting your business.
A listing of municipal offices within the Niagara Region is provided on the last page of this guide. LicensingMunicipalities across the Niagara Region (and Province of Ontario) will license certain types of businesses. Each municipality will have a different licensing by-law and the types of business licenses will vary from municipality to municipality. In Port Colborne, you can contact Kristina Domenicucci in the Clerk’s Department at 905-835-2900 extension 121. NOTE: If required, your application will be circulated to the necessary departments, including Building, Fire, Police and Public Health. Zoning/PlanningTo ensure that the building, land or establishment where you will be operating your business is appropriately zoned, contact your municipalities zoning administrator. If you operate a home-based business, there is likely a home occupation by-law which you must adhere to. Christopher Roome is the Planning Tech/Clerk at the City of Port Colborne and can be contacted at 905-835-2900 extension 205. You may also want to have your lawyer and accountant evaluate any leases or purchase and sale agreements you are contemplating to ensure you are aware of all the legal and financial implications associated with your decision. BuildingIf you are installing or erecting a sign for your business, or making renovations to your business premise, make sure to check with your City Hall’s Building department for any required building permits and inspections. Building Services is responsible to ensure that all building construction governed by a building permit meets the minimum acceptable standard as required by statutory authority under the Building Code Act. This is accomplished through the processing of all building permits, the review of applications for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, and the site inspection of all construction projects. Building Services is also responsible to ensure that minimum standards of property maintenance are enforced through the Property Standards By-law in order to protect the members of the public from situations that may be unsafe or aesthetically unacceptable. The Department responds to complaints from members of the public. Inspections are then required to confirm a by-law violation. In addition, the Building Division is responsible for the issuance of Sign Permits. In Port Colborne, the City’s Building Department can be reached by telephone at 905-835-2900 extension 229. Fire DepartmentAs part of the building, zoning and licensing requirements, you may require inspection from the Fire Department. You are also required to ensure you meet all Fire code regulations. To contact the Port Colborne Fire Department, please call 905-834-4512. |
Regional and Provincial Regulations |
Niagara Region Business LicensingAs of June 1, 2019 certain businesses previously licensed by the NRPS will be licensed, inspected and enforced by the Niagara Region Business Licensing Department. For a complete list, contact the Licensing Department at 905-980-6000 ext. 6380 or visit: Niagara Region Business Licensing
Public Health DepartmentThe Niagara Regional Public Health Department will inspect the equipment and conditions for certain businesses. For more information you can contact the Public Health Department at 905-356-1538 or visit: Niagara Public Health Department
The Public Health department also offers the safe food handler safety and certification program: Food Handler Certification Program Provincial LicensesCertain business may require special Provincial licenses. A partial list is provided below
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Decide on the Form of Business |
There are 3 main business structures including:
Sole ProprietorshipRefers to an unincorporated business with one (sole) owner.
General PartnershipRefers to an unincorporated business with 2 or more owners.
CorporationAn entity with rights and responsibilities as a distinct person under the law.
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Register Your Business Name |
Online: Online Master Business Licence Registration In Person: Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre 4343 Morrison Street, Behind City Hall 905-356-7521 x 5130 If you choose to operate your business using your legal name (for example: John Smith) with no additional words in your business name, a business name registration is optional. Most financial institutions will require you to provide a Master Business License or Articles of Incorporation prior to opening a commercial bank account. |
Federal and Provincial Taxes |
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)The HST tax rate of 13% is comprised of Ontario’s 8% portion, and a 5% federal portion. You meet the CRA small supplier definition if you generate revenue of $30,000 or less in the last four consecutive calendar quarters and in any single calendar quarter. You can register voluntarily if your taxable sales are less than $30,000, but once registered you must begin collecting and remitting the HST. There is no charge for this Business Number (BN). Contact the Canada Revenue Agency for more information about claiming your input tax credits. Canada Revenue Agency 32 Church Street, St Catharines 1-800-959-5525 | Canada Revenue Agency or Online Business Number Registration Employer Health Tax (EHT)If your business has a cumulative annual payroll in excess of $450,000 or are considered an associated employer, you are required to register and remit Employer Health Tax. Contact the Ministry of Finance for more information. Ministry of Finance – Tax Revenue Division 1-866-668-8297| Employer Health Tax Corporate Income TaxIf you have incorporated your business you will have to remit income tax to the federal government. In most cases, new corporations will receive a Business Number from Revenue Canada within 45 days of incorporating. For more information contact: Canada Revenue Agency 32 Church Street, St Catharines 1-800-959-5525 | Canada Revenue Agency or Online Business Number Registration |
Insurance |
Insurance needs for businesses vary greatly. It is best to choose an insurance agent or broker familiar with your size of business and, in particular, an agent familiar with your type of operation. If you don't have an insurance agent, you may wish to ask other business owners in your area to recommend one.
The following list is included to remind you not to overlook the complex areas of business insurance. It is best, however, to discuss your specific requirements with your insurance agent. Basic insurance:
Importing/ExportingIf you import goods into Canada or export goods to other countries, you should register for an import/export account number. This number is used to process customs documents. To avoid delays in releasing your goods at the border, open your account before you import or export goods.
Canada Revenue Agency 32 Church Street, St Catharines 1-800-959-5525 | Canada Revenue Agency or Online Business Number Registration
Canada Border Services Agency 1-800-461-9999 | CBSA Website |
Intellectual Property |
There are 5 types of intellectual property including:
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) 1-866-997-1936 | CIPO Website |
Employee Regulations |
Payroll AccountYou will need a CRA payroll account if hiring employees. All businesses are required to make payroll deductions from their employees for: Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI) and Income Tax. For more information contact: Canada Revenue Agency 32 Church Street, St Catharines 1-800-959-5525 | Canada Revenue Agency or Online Business Number Registration Workplace Safety and Insurance Board(WSIB)Most businesses in Ontario that employ workers (including family and sub-contractors) must register and make remittance to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). It’s the law.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board 905-687-8622 or 1-800-387-0750 | WSIB Website Employment Standards
Ministry of Labour 1-800-809-4731, Ministry of Labour Website |
Starting a home business | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If you are inquiring about a home business, please call our Planning Department for more information. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Small Business Enterprise Centre Business Contacts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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