Trusted by Entrepreneurs Since 2016

Register a Sole Proprietorship in Ontario

The simplest way to start your business. We file your registration with the Ontario government and email your Business Name Registration, within 2 business hours. $129+HST, no hidden fees.

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Register Today — $129+HST

Enter your proposed business name below. After payment, we’ll collect the remaining details needed to complete your registration.

Ontario Sole Proprietorship

$129.00

  • Total

100% Name Approval Guarantee — If your name isn't approved, we'll fix it or refund you.

  • Business Name Registration in 2 business hours
  • Government fees included
  • No NUANS report required

Official Intermediary for the Province of Ontario

As an officially recognized service provider, Opstart is authorized to submit business registrations and incorporations directly through government channels.

Our credentials ensure your filings are processed accurately, securely, and in full compliance with provincial requirements.

The basics

What is a sole proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship is the simplest way to run a business in Ontario. It's owned and operated by one person, with no legal separation between you and the business. That makes it fast and inexpensive to set up — but it also means you're personally responsible for the business's debts and obligations.

Registering your business name produces your official Business Name Registration (formerly known as the Master Business Licence) — the documentation you'll need to open a business bank account, invoice clients, and operate under a name other than your own.

Who it's for

A sole proprietorship is a great fit if you're:

Freelancing Contracting Consulting Running a side business A first-time owner Testing an idea
How it works

How to register a sole proprietorship in Ontario

Registering used to mean forms and trips to a registry office. Online, it's a short form and a single payment — Opstart handles the government filing and emails your Business Name Registration within 2 business hours.

Because we're a Registered Intermediary recognized by the Province of Ontario, your registration is submitted directly through official channels, so nothing gets lost between you and the registry.

  • 1
    Choose your business namePick the name you'll trade under — and run a free search to confirm it's a good fit.
  • 2
    Enter your name and check outStart with just your business name. We'll collect the rest by email — with a final review before filing.
  • 3
    We file with the ProvinceYour registration is submitted through official government channels.
  • 4
    Receive your Business Name RegistrationDelivered by email, within 2 business hours.
What you get

What's included

Everything you need to start operating and open a business bank account — all included for $129 + HST, with government fees covered.

  • Business Name Registration Your official Ontario record of your business name, emailed in 2 business hours.
  • All government filing fees Built into the $129 price. No add-ons at checkout.
  • No NUANS report required Sole proprietorships don't need a name reservation report.
  • Valid for 5 years Your registration is good for five years and renewable.
  • Lifetime support Real help from our team, long after you register.
Before you start

What you'll need ready

Have these on hand and the whole thing takes a few minutes:

  • Your business name
  • A short description of your business activity
  • Your business address
  • Your contact details as the registrant
Choosing a structure

Sole proprietorship or incorporation?

A sole proprietorship is the simplest, lowest-cost way to start. Incorporation costs more but creates a separate legal entity with liability protection. Here's how they compare.

Incorporation $447all-in · NUANS included

For a separate legal entity with liability protection — better for growth and raising capital.

  • Limited liability — a separate legal entity
  • Tax-planning options
  • A more credible structure for growth
  • Also filed within 2 business hours
Incorporate instead →
Why Opstart

Why Entrepreneurs Register with Us

Officially recognized

A Registered Intermediary for the Province of Ontario, filing through official government channels since 2016.

Fast turnaround

Registrations completed and emailed within 2 business hours.

Transparent pricing

One flat, all-inclusive price covering service and government fees. No hidden charges, ever.

Lifetime support

Real guidance long after you register, to help your business grow with confidence.

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Opstart NUANS is straightforward and quick. We had our results and our name reserved in about 10 minutes. Thank you!
Brandon Gaulin profile picture
Brandon Gaulin
2 years ago
The website was really easy to use and navigate. The steps for incorporation were clearly laid out and I got through it with ease. I was contacted immediately the next day by Jonathan who helped clarify some things and helped me get the company set up. Would recommend for anyone who has never started a business before. They make it really easy.
The Opstart Team has truly been instrumental in ensuring the documentation required for my business to remain compliant is submitted accurately. So far, the process has been without any issues and Johnathan is gracious enough to respond to any additional questions or concerns we may have. We trust their services and highly recommend them.
Atona Stanley profile picture
Atona Stanley
4 years ago
Opstart helped me to achieve and overcome my worries at the time when I wanted my company to be incorporated within the shortest time possible. The staff at Opstart are so professional and prompt in communication. It’s amazing to work with them and always source out their online services for business registration, Name reservation and incorporation.
Becky Nethery profile picture
Becky Nethery
4 years ago
Excellent customer service and affordable solutions for small business owners.

The expertise and advice I received were greatly appreciated and simplified the incorporation process, so I could rest assured I was doing things properly, without having to worry about legal consequences in the future.

Trusted professionals who take the time to understand your needs and help you achieve your goals.
Drew Choi profile picture
Drew Choi
4 years ago
I am a regular Opstart customer using its service on a regular basis. Due to the nature of my business, I have been using other service providers, who offer the same types of services, for many years.
At first, I was uncertain about the quality of service by Opstart since it was relatively unknown compared to other popular service companies.
However, it has been a great experience with Opstart every time I rely on its expertise. It is fast, professional, easy to communicate, accurate and importantly reasonably priced for the services.
I recommend Opstat for others.

Drew
Owner of an accounting firm in Toronto, Ontario.
Moira Francis profile picture
Moira Francis
4 years ago
To Whosoever It May Concern

This is a brief testimonial to tell you about my experience as a small business Entrepreneur with “Opstart”.

I am a new small business Entrepreneur who needed to incorporate my company and services with the Government. After researching a few companies, I did speak to “Opstart” and found them very efficient and they quickly provided all the information, documentation and pricing. My experience in dealing with them was positive as they were very professional with clear timely communications. They delivered on time and sent me all the documentation and most importantly made it stress free with a successful experience.

If you are looking to get your company Incorporated, I would highly recommend getting in touch with “Opstart” who will explain the process and deliver all your documentation on time for an economical fee.

Thank you “Opstart” and wish you continued success!
surinder paras profile picture
surinder paras
4 years ago
I have been using Opstart for Incorporation as well as Business Name Searches from last two years and have been very satisfied with their services. They have a great team of expert personnel who are knowledgeable as well as fast in responding and solving any issues that arise. I personally would suggest Opstart to everyone in need of Business Incorporation, Registration and NUANS name search services.
San Faw profile picture
San Faw
4 years ago
Opstart has been my go to website for incorporations for several of years now. The service is fast and reliable and cost effective. Customer service is available promptly when and as needed. I have referred many clients as well and the feedback is always positive. I can highly recommend this company for all your business registration requirements.
Questions

Sole proprietorship FAQ

Do I need to register a sole proprietorship in Ontario?+
If you operate under any name other than your own exact legal name, yes. Registration produces your official Business Name Registration and is what lets you legally operate under a business or trade name, open a business bank account, and invoice clients under that name.
Do I need a NUANS report for a sole proprietorship?+
No. NUANS Name Reservation Reports are only required for named Ontario corporations. We still recommend a free name search first so you don't choose a name that's already in heavy use.
How long does registration take?+
We email your Business Name Registration within 2 business hours of receiving your completed details.
How much does it cost?+
$129 + HST, including all government filing fees. No hidden fees.
How long is the registration valid?+
In Ontario, a business name registration is valid for five years, after which it can be renewed.
Am I personally liable as a sole proprietor?+
Yes. A sole proprietorship isn't a separate legal entity, so the owner is personally responsible for the business's debts and obligations. If you want liability protection, consider incorporating instead.
What's the difference between a sole proprietorship and a corporation?+
A sole proprietorship is the simplest, lowest-cost structure, but offers no liability protection. A corporation is a separate legal entity that provides liability protection and more tax-planning options — at a higher setup cost.
Do you help after my business is registered?+
Yes. Opstart offers lifetime support, with ongoing guidance long after your registration is complete.

Ready to register your sole proprietorship?

Get your business registered within 2 business hours — government fees included, no surprises.

Register now — $129 + HST

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