Richmond Hill | Office of Economic Development

Starting a Business

The Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre is available to assist persons starting or expanding small business in the Richmond Hill community. The following is a brief outline of steps that should be undertaken by entrepreneurs to ensure that he or she complies with Municipal, Regional, Provincial and Federal regulations.

VISIT THE RICHMOND HILL SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE

The Small Business Enterprise Centre counsels entrepreneurs about starting a small business in Ontario. Ask for research assistance, utilize our extensive business resource library and databases, or schedule an appointment for a no charge consultation.

To schedule an appointment for consultation contact:

Town of Richmond Hill
225 East Beaver Creek Road
2nd Floor, Suite 215
Phone: 905-771-2523 / 800-780-7831
Email: ecdev@richmondhill.ca

PREPARE THE BUSINESS PLAN

A well-prepared business plan is a key factor in the successful start-up and operation of your business. Persons contemplating starting a business should prepare a written summary outlining the overall activities of the business including the marketing, financial, labour, research and development and general information pertaining to the business. This plan is especially important when applying to any financial institution for assistance. Prepare your business plan in the start-up stage of your business, then consult and revise it on an ongoing basis. Be sure to check our information booklet “How To Write a Business Plan” for more information and to book a consultation with the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre for assistance and to have your plan reviewed.

CHECK MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS

Ensure that you check with the various departments listed below for any regulations that may affect your business. Please dial the Town’s main number 905-771-8800 and refer to the extensions below.

LICENSING (EXT: 2468)
Certain types of businesses within Richmond Hill require a Municipal License. Contact the By-Law Department for more information.
ZONING (EXT: 3599)
To ensure that the building, land or establishment where you will be operating your business is appropriately zoned, contact the Zoning Administrator. If you run a home-based business, there are regulations which you must adhere to.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT (EXT: 3599)
Should you be installing/erecting a sign for your business or making renovations to your business premise, check with the Building Department for any required building permits.
FIRE DEPARTMENT (905-883-5444)
As part of the building, zoning and licensing requirements, you may require inspection from the Fire Department. For further information, contact the Richmond Hill Fire Prevention Services at 905-883-5444, or email at fire@richmondhill.ca
PROPERTY TAXES (EXT: 8922)
Most property tax levies are paid directly by the property owner. To determine your property tax, contact the Finance Department.

BizPaL is an online service that allows you, the entrepreneur or business owner, a central place to find all the permit and licence information needed to start or grow your business. Click here to start generating a complete list of needed permits and licences from the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government in one place.

REGIONAL REQUIREMENTS

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT (1-800-361-5653)
With certain businesses the York Region Public Health Department will want to inspect your equipment and premises. For more information contact the Richmond Hill office at 905-762-2090.

OBTAIN NECESSARY LICENSES

In addition the Municipal and Regional licensing requirements as listed in Steps 3 and 4, you may be required to obtain additional licenses to operate your business.

PROVINCIAL LICENSES
Special Provincial licenses may be required for certain businesses (ie. Liquor License, Day Care, Commercial Vehicle Operation, Auto Mechanic, etc.). For more information talk to the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre.
FEDERAL LICENSES
Special Federal licenses may be required for certain businesses, such as import and export permits. For more information contact the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre.

REGISTER FOR APPLICABLE TAXES

HARMONIZED SALES TAX (HST)
A business whose gross annual sales/revenues exceed $30,000 must register for a Business Number from Canada Revenue Agency (no charge for permit) and charge their customers HST. If sales are less than $30,000, it is optional to obtain a HST number. You MUST register for HST if you are a Taxi or Limousine Operator, even if your revenue is under $30,000. Refer to the “Guide for Canadian Small Business” (produced by Canada Revenue Agency) for additional information. To register for a Business Number, contact Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525.
EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX (EHT)
Eligible employers should register and pay Employer Health Tax when their cumulative annual payroll exceeds the exemption amount for the year. The exemption amount for 1999 and subsequent years is $400,000. If you are considered an associated employer, you are required to register and remit Employer Health Tax. Contact the Ministry of Finance for more information.

North York Regional Tax Office
Ministry of Revenue
5 Park Home Avenue, Suite 200
North York, Ontario M2N 6W8
Tel: (416) 222-3226
Toll Free: 1-888-668-8297
www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/tax/eht/
CORPORATE INCOME TAX
If 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 Canada Revenue Agency within 45 days of incorporating. For more information contact Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525.

EMPLOYEE REGULATIONS

EMPLOYER NUMBER
All businesses are required to make payroll deductions from their employees for Income Tax, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance. You will need a federal Employer Number if hiring employees. Contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525.
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND INSURANCE BOARD
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. You will need to contact WSIB within 10 days of hiring your first full or part-time worker. Employers who do not register are subject to prosecution and penalties. Owners, partners and executive officers are not automatically covered under the WSIB insurance plan, but you can apply for optional insurance. For further information contact (416) 344-1000 or 1-800-387-0750 or visit www.wsib.on.ca.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
The Employment Standards Act provides for minimum terms and conditions of employment in most industries. For more information contact the Ontario Ministry of Labour at 416-326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551 or visit their web site at www.labour.gov.on.ca.

INVESTIGATE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

BUSINESS INSURANCE
Depending on the type of business that you plan to operate, various kinds of insurances are available to protect you and your business. Visit an insurance agent or broker to determine the type of insurance that will apply to you.
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND INSURANCE BOARD
Owners, partners and executive officers are not automatically covered under the WSIB insurance plan, but you can apply for optional insurance. For further information, contact (416) 344-1000 or 1-800-387-0750 or visit www.wsib.on.ca.

INVESTIGATE OTHER REQUIREMENTS

TRADE-MARKS, COPYRIGHTS AND PATENTS
A trade-mark is a word, phrase, logo, picture, shape, mode of wrapping or packaging, or a combination of any of the above used to specifically distinguish goods or services.
A copyright protects original literary, artistic, dramatic and musical works.
A patent gives the inventor the right to exclude others from making, selling or using the invention for 17 years. A patent is valid in Canada only, and therefore patents must be applied for in the various countries you wish the item to be protected from duplication.
For information on any matters relating to intellectual property contact the Canadian Intellectual Properties Office (CIPO) at 1-866-997-1936.
IMPORT/EXPORT
If you are exporting, an export number is required by Canada Border Services Agency. They can be contacted at 1-800-461-9999. Also check with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for any required Import/Export Permits.
Both the Federal and Provincial government have programs in place to assist new and existing exporters. For more information, contact the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre.