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Start a business in Northern Ontario

If you ran a business back home, or you've always wanted to, Northern Ontario has more support for newcomer entrepreneurs than you might expect. There's a funding stack designed specifically for people in your situation — no Canadian credit history required, multilingual support, and mentorship included.

Step 1 — Decide your structure

In Ontario, you can run a business as one of:

  • Sole proprietorship — simplest, you file business income on your personal taxes. Cost to register: about $60 online.
  • Partnership — two or more people share ownership.
  • Incorporation (Inc. or Ltd.) — separate legal entity, more protection, more paperwork. Provincial incorporation in Ontario costs about $300; federal is about $200.

For most first-time newcomer entrepreneurs, a sole proprietorship is the right place to start. You can incorporate later when revenue justifies it.

Register your business name through Ontario.ca/register-business-name.

Step 2 — Get your business number from the CRA

A Business Number (BN) is a 9-digit identifier the Canada Revenue Agency uses for everything tax-related — GST/HST, payroll, corporate tax. You'll need one if you'll have employees, charge GST/HST (required if you earn over $30,000/year), or import goods.

Register through CRA Business Registration Online (BRO). Free.

Step 3 — Stack your funding

This is where Northern Ontario newcomers have an advantage. Several programs specifically help people with no Canadian credit history:

BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan

  • Loan amount: $25,000 – $50,000
  • Eligibility: Permanent residents and protected persons in Canada under 3 years; in business for at least 12 months
  • Multilingual resources in Arabic, Punjabi, Mandarin, Tagalog, Spanish
  • Apply: bdc.ca/en/i-am/newcomer-entrepreneur

Futurpreneur Canada (ages 18–39)

  • Loan amount: Up to $75,000 (Futurpreneur loan + co-lent BDC loan)
  • 2 years of free mentorship matched to your industry
  • Eligibility: Canadian citizen, PR, or live-in caregiver; ages 18–39
  • Apply: futurpreneur.ca

Windmill Microlending

  • Loan amount: Up to $15,000 (typically used for licensing, training, equipment)
  • Interest: 5.95% fixed
  • Free career coaching included
  • Apply: windmillmicrolending.org

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

  • Provincial Crown agency funding businesses based in Northern Ontario
  • Programs include People & Talent (wage subsidies for hiring), Strategic Economic Infrastructure, and Invest North
  • Apply: nohfc.ca

Black Business Initiative + SBCCI

  • If your business is Black-led or your nonprofit serves Black communities, the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) offers grants nationally
  • Apply: sbcci.ca

Canadian women entrepreneurs

  • Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) — federal, multiple streams
  • BDC's Thrive Lab for women-owned businesses

Step 4 — Find local business support

Northern Ontario has free local business support — every region has a Small Business Enterprise Centre.

These centres have free templates, business plan reviews, and relationships with local lenders. They also know which NOHFC programs are open right now.

Step 5 — Open a business bank account

Keep your business and personal money separate from day one — your accountant and the CRA will thank you.

Most Big 5 banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) offer newcomer-friendly business accounts as part of their newcomer programs. Northern Credit Union is also a strong local option in NWO.

See our guide to banking for newcomers.

Step 6 — Get listed on Diaspora North

Once you're up and running, list your business in our directory — basic listings are free, and we actively promote diaspora-owned and newcomer-friendly businesses to the community.

Submit your business

Common newcomer pitfalls

  • Mixing personal and business finances — open a separate account from day one
  • Not registering for GST/HST when required — mandatory once you exceed $30,000 in revenue over 4 quarters
  • Skipping mentorship — Futurpreneur's mentorship alone is worth more than the loan to most first-time founders
  • Trying to fund everything yourself — Canadian funders expect newcomer entrepreneurs to use these programs. They're there for you.
  • Paying a "business consultant" for things SBECs do free

Next steps

  1. Decide your structure (sole proprietorship is usually fine to start)
  2. Register your business name on Ontario.ca
  3. Get a CRA Business Number
  4. Visit your local Small Business Enterprise Centre — free, no appointment required at most
  5. Check eligibility for BDC + Futurpreneur + Windmill + NOHFC
  6. Open a business bank account
  7. List your business in the Diaspora North directory

DON'T LIVE NEAR A SETTLEMENT OFFICE?

Call the regional org for your area.

Settlement workers will register you by phone or video and help you find local supports. There's no requirement to live in the same town as the office — these services are funded for all of Northern Ontario.

See all settlement services →

Last reviewed: April 2026. Funding programs and eligibility rules update annually — confirm current details on each provider's official site before applying.

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