Starting a new business in Quebec, with its vibrant culture and supportive business environment, can be an exciting opportunity. Quebec offers various avenues for entrepreneurs like you, whether you’re looking to create and run an innovative business or contemplating the acquisition of an existing company.
The provincial government provides assistance to those who are bringing fresh ideas into the local market, especially if you have gained support from a business accelerator, incubator, or university entrepreneurship center.
When you decide to embark on this entrepreneurial journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the business landscape of Quebec. This includes understanding legal requirements for starting and running your business, such as choosing the appropriate business structure, conducting market research, writing a detailed business plan, and registering your business with the government.
Quebec’s commitment to fostering a thriving business community is evident in its resources and tools available to help new business owners navigate these steps.
It’s equally important to acknowledge the cultural and linguistic identity of Quebec. Adhering to the province’s language policies is not only about compliance but also about connecting with the market and the community.
This aspect can influence your business decisions, from selecting a business name that resonates with the local clientele to following regulations for commercial signage. By respecting and integrating these factors into your business strategy, you’re setting yourself up for a successful venture in Quebec.
When starting a new business in Québec, selecting the appropriate legal form is critical to your operation’s success. Depending on your situation, you might choose a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or cooperative. Each has distinct legal and tax implications that can affect your business.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure you can choose. It means your business is an extension of yourself, making you solely responsible for the debts and obligations of the business. Taxation is straightforward, as income from the business is included on your personal tax return. However, there is no legal distinction between you and your business.
Entering a partnership allows you to co-own the business with one or more individuals. In Québec, partnerships can take the form of a general partnership or a limited partnership. You share profits, losses, and management duties with your partner(s), and your personal assets can be at risk if the business incurs debt—unless you opt for a limited partnership, which provides some liability protection.
A corporation is a more complex structure, suitable for businesses that anticipate scaling or raising capital from shareholders. It is a separate legal entity that provides limited liability protection, meaning your personal assets are generally safe if your business runs into trouble. In Québec, corporations require more stringent record-keeping and can be subject to double taxation—profits are taxed at the corporate level, and dividends paid to shareholders are taxed again at the personal level.
A cooperative is an alternative to the traditional business structures where the business is owned and democratically controlled by its members. In Québec, a cooperative can serve the interests of either the consumers or the workers. Its focus is on service to its members rather than on profits, and it can enjoy tax advantages and grants not available to other business structures.
Starting a business in Québec requires you to understand and comply with several legal requirements to ensure your enterprise operates within the law from day one. From registering your business to understanding tax obligations and securing necessary permits, each step involves specific protocols that must be diligently followed.
Before you begin conducting business in Québec, you must register your enterprise with the Registraire des entreprises. This involves choosing a business name and deciding if your enterprise will operate as a legal person or a sole proprietorship. If forming a legal person, you will need to draft and file your articles of incorporation. Every new business must also complete an initial declaration that contains essential information about the company’s structure and operations. For a numbered company, the process may be slightly different, but the requirement to register is the same.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose a business name | Determine a unique name or obtain a numbered name. |
| 2. Determine the business type | Legal person or sole proprietorship. |
| 3. File articles of incorporation (if applicable) | Create and submit official company structure documents. |
| 4. Declare your enterprise | Complete the initial declaration with required information. |
Upon registration, you’ll need to acquaint yourself with tax obligations in Québec. Revenu Québec serves as the provincial authority for tax collection and enforcement of tax rules. As a business owner, you are responsible for various taxes, including sales tax, income tax, and employment taxes. Obtaining a business number for tax purposes is a crucial step to manage your business credit and fulfill your ongoing tax responsibilities.
Depending on your business type and industry, you may need to secure specific permits and certificates to operate legally in Québec. This can range from health and safety permits to zoning permits if your business requires a physical location. It’s imperative to verify which permits apply to your business to avoid any legal issues. Rights and responsibilities regarding employment, environmental regulations, and sector-specific rules also fall under this category, and you should ensure that you have all necessary permissions before commencing business activities.
Each legal requirement is a step towards establishing a solid foundation for your new business in Québec. By addressing these obligations with precision and attention, you will set the stage for a compliant and successful enterprise.
Before opening your doors, finalize critical elements to establish your business’s legal and financial foundation in Québec. This process includes registering your business name, opening a bank account, and managing corporate records—key steps to ensuring compliance and setting the stage for successful operations.
In Québec, you must register your business name with the Registraire des entreprises. Begin by searching to ensure your desired name isn’t already taken. Once you’ve selected an available name, file a Declaration of Registration online. For corporations, make sure the name meets the language requirements and includes a legal element like ‘Inc.’ or ‘Ltd.’ Your NEQ (Numéro d’entreprise du Québec) will be assigned, which acts as your unique identifier.
To manage your business finances, open a business bank account at a bank or credit union in Québec. This is essential for handling transactions, separating personal and business expenses, and establishing credibility. Bring your registration documents, including your NEQ, and initial share capital information, if applicable.
Maintain a minute book for your corporation, where you keep all your important corporate records, such as by-laws, minutes of meetings, and resolutions. Store files related to annual filings, tax returns, and financial statements safely and in an organized manner. It is vital to keep up-to-date records for legal compliance and potential audits.
Starting a new business in Quebec involves understanding the registration process, funding options, legal requirements, and tax considerations. These FAQs provide you with the essential information needed to get started.
To register a new business in Quebec, you must first select the type of business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Then, you need to reserve a name at the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) and register your business with the REQ, providing all required documentation and paying the applicable fees.
Quebec offers various grants for new businesses, including those for innovation, export development, and employment. Specific programs like Emploi-Québec provide support for hiring and training employees. Visit Investissement Québec and Canada Business Network for information on available grants and eligibility requirements.
Operating an unregistered business in Quebec is not recommended. Provincial law requires most businesses to register with the REQ. Failing to do so may result in fines and limitations on legal actions to protect your business interests.
Costs for starting a business in Quebec include registration fees with the REQ, which vary depending on the business structure, domain registration for a website, and costs related to any required permits or licenses. There may also be costs for legal and accounting services.
The process for obtaining a business license in Quebec varies by municipality and the type of business you plan to operate. Generally, you must apply with your local city or town and submit the required documents and fees. Some sectors may have additional regulatory requirements.
A small business in Quebec is exempt from provincial tax if it qualifies for the small business deduction (SBD) and its taxable capital employed in Canada is less than $10 million. The SBD reduces the corporate tax rate on the first $500,000 of taxable income for Canadian-controlled private corporations.
All prices are in Canadian dollars ~ convert currency here