Start a Business in Montreal
The 21 steps from idea to launch. Each step names the official body involved and the directory professionals who can help.
There is no single window. Starting generally means a legal structure, registration with the enterprise registrar, tax numbers, and the permits tied to your activity and your address. Requirements vary depending on your situation; consider speaking with a qualified professional.
- 1
Business idea
Pin down what you sell, to whom, and what makes you different.
Organizations PME MTL — Centre-VilleFuturpreneur Canada
Professionals Consulting
- 2
Market research
Test demand, competition and the price the market accepts.
Organizations Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan MontrealMontréal International
Professionals ConsultingMarketing Agencies
- 3
Business plan
Put the model, the forecast and the funding need in writing.
Organizations PME MTL — Centre-VilleBusiness Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Professionals AccountantsConsulting
- 4
Business structure
Sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation — each carries different tax and liability consequences.
Organizations Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ)Corporations Canada
Professionals LawyersAccountants
- 5
Business name
Choose a compliant name, check availability and consider trademark protection.
Organizations Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ)Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF)Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
Professionals Lawyers
- 6
Registration
Register the business in the Quebec enterprise register.
Organizations Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ)
Professionals LawyersAccountants
- 7
Incorporation
Incorporate provincially or federally, depending on where you operate.
Organizations Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ)Corporations CanadaChambre des notaires du Québec
Professionals LawyersAccountants
- 8
Permits & licences
Permits depend on your activity and address: municipal, sectoral, food, alcohol, construction, environmental.
Organizations City of Montreal — Business ServicesRégie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ)Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks
Professionals LawyersConsulting
- 9
Tax accounts & numbers
Business number, GST/QST, source deductions and instalments.
Organizations Revenu QuébecCanada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Professionals Accountants
- 10
Business banking
Separate personal and business finances from day one.
Organizations Desjardins — Business ServicesBusiness Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Professionals Accountants
- 11
Accounting
Set up bookkeeping before the first month of trading, not after.
Organizations Ordre des CPA du QuébecRevenu Québec
Professionals Accountants
- 12
Insurance
Liability, property, professional liability — and CNESST registration once you have staff.
Organizations CNESSTChambre de l'assurance de dommages (ChAD)
Professionals Consulting
- 13
Contracts
Terms of sale, customer and supplier contracts, shareholder agreements.
Organizations Barreau du QuébecChambre des notaires du Québec
Professionals Lawyers
- 14
Commercial location
Zoning, commercial lease, fit-out and utility connections.
Organizations City of Montreal — Business ServicesHydro-Québec — Business Services
Professionals Real Estate AgentsLawyersRenovation Contractors
- 15
Website
Domain, site, online payment, and language and privacy obligations.
Organizations Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF)Commission d'accès à l'information (CAI)
Professionals Web design
- 16
Branding
Visual identity, signage and print material — signage is regulated in Quebec.
Organizations Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF)
Professionals PrintingPhotographersMarketing Agencies
- 17
Marketing
Get found: local search, advertising, social and your business listing.
Organizations Tourisme Montréal
Professionals Marketing AgenciesWeb designPhotographers
- 18
Hiring
Labour standards, health and safety, source deductions and international recruitment.
Organizations CNESSTService Canada — Montreal DowntownMinistry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI)Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ)
Professionals ConsultingLawyers
- 19
Funding
Loans, development capital, public programs and venture capital.
Organizations Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)Investissement QuébecPME MTL — Centre-VilleFonds de solidarité FTQFondactionFuturpreneur CanadaCanada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Professionals AccountantsConsulting
- 20
Launch
Open, announce, and measure what works from the first weeks.
Organizations Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
Professionals Marketing AgenciesPrinting
- 21
Growth
Business development, exporting, partnerships and process improvement.
Organizations Export Development Canada (EDC)Montréal InternationalInvestissement QuébecMinistry of Economy, Innovation and Energy
Professionals ConsultingMarketing Agencies
Your industry changes the rules
Permits, the regulator and the risks differ from one sector to the next.
MTLPages is a business directory. This page provides general information and links to official sources. It is not legal, tax or financial advice.
Need help starting your business?
Tell us what you need — starting a business.
MTLPages is a business directory. We pass your request to our team; we are not the service provider and we do not guarantee a response. You can also contact a business directly from its listing.