How to start a technology or innovation business in Ontario

Table of contents

Introduction
Getting started
Innovation support
Regulations
Taxation
Financing
Other resources

Introduction

Technology and innovation businesses cover a wide range of industries. They often focus on researching and developing new products or providing innovative solutions to existing processes. This guide will help you learn about starting a technology or innovation business.

Getting started

Getting started

When you start a business there are several things to consider before you can sell your product or service. Most businesses in Ontario need to complete a minimum of three basic steps:

  • Find out what licences and regulations apply to your type of business
  • Choose a business structure and register or incorporate your business
  • Determine if you will need to collect and remit HST

Our Starting a business guide will give you more information on these steps and other basic requirements for starting a business in Ontario.

Innovation support

Innovation Canada

If you are looking for funding or expert advice, Innovation Canada has programs and services to help your business innovate, create jobs and grow the economy. 

  • Innovation Advisors are former entrepreneurs and private-sector professionals who can help you find  government programs and services — from financing to technical advice to foreign market expertise.
     
  • Strategic Innovation Fund provides funding for eligible established businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are incorporated in Canada and are seeking funding for innovation and growth projects.
     
  • Innovative Solutions Canada provides funding and partners with eligible small businesses and innovators to help with early development, testing and validation of prototypes.
     
  • Clean Growth Hub offers advice and resources for businesses with clean technology projects.
     
  • Accelerated Growth Service helps established businesses that are incorporated in Canada navigate and access the government supports they need to grow and scale.

Regional Innovation Centres

Regional Innovation Centres

Ontario’s Regional Innovation Centres offer several programs and services for your early-stage technology or innovation business:

  • Expert advice and mentorship
  • Training and workshops
  • Market intelligence
  • Connections to resources, funding and partners
  • Intellectual property expertise

Find your nearest Regional Innovation Centre location online.

Technology Access Centres

Technology Access Centres

You can find expert help and research facilities for your applied research and development (R&D) at a Technology Access Centre (TAC).

TACs provide tailored services for a fee, including:

  • Training on new equipment and technologies
  • Connections to student research teams
  • Specialized technical services and advice

Find your regional Technology Access Centre online.

Intellectual property protection

Your designs and inventions are your intellectually property. You can protect your intellectual property with trademarks, patents or copyrights. Learn about each option on the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) website or by contact them directly at 1-866-997-1936.

Regulations

Regulations

Your business may need licences and permits from federal, provincial and municipal governments.

In addition to the information in this guide, you can use BizPaL to find licences, permits and regulations that may affect your business.

Chemical substances

You need to follow the regulations for any chemical substances that you handle, develop or dispose of as part of your business. 

Refer to the Businesses and organizations managing chemical substances website for more information.

Medical laboratory & health related regulations

Refer to the regulations below if your business includes a medical laboratory or health-based research.

Science-based health products

If your business will be involved in developing or working with chemical technology, biotechnology or medical technology, contact Health Canada to learn more about regulations for science-based health products.

Contact Health Canada:
1-866-225-0709
Health and the environment

Ontario laboratory accreditation

If you want to run a medical research laboratory, you will need to get an ISO certificate and follow the standards set by the Ministry of Health and by Accreditation Canada Diagnostics.

Contact Accreditation Canada Diagnostics:
1-877-323-9540
Lab accreditation services

Legal questions

Legal questions

You can contact Pro Bono Ontario’s free legal advice hotline to enquire about getting help with your everyday civil legal needs (no family law, immigration or criminal law). The service is generally aimed at those who cannot afford a lawyer.

Note that service is not guaranteed and you will be asked questions as part of the qualifying process, such as the amount of personal income earned by your household, your name, postal code and age range.

Contact Pro Bono Ontario’s Free Legal Advice Hotline:
1-855-255-7256

Read online:
Pro Bono Ontario - Free Legal Advice Hotline

You can also contact the Law Society of Ontario's Law Society Referral Service if you have legal questions of a business nature. The service may be able to assist you in finding a lawyer or paralegal, based on your needs.

Use online:
Law Society Referral Service

Taxation

Taxation

Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

Read online:
Taxation guide

If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to collect and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Most businesses that make less than $30,000 in any 12-month period are not required to charge HST; however, you can register voluntarily and claim input tax credits.

Contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information:
1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency

Financing

For more information on financial and non-financial support for technology and innovation entrepreneurs, please refer to the following guides:

Business Benefits Finder

Business Benefits Finder

Business Benefits Finder

Get a tailored list of government programs and services for your business in less than 2 minutes.

Other resources

 

Contact us

1-888-576-4444

Contact us by email

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