Resources to help you get your business started.
You’ve done your homework, now you’re ready to start your business. You’ll need to get it registered, obtain licences and permits, find funding, hire staff and start paying taxes. We’ve gathered together a wealth of information and tools so you can easily meet your obligations and get your business up and running smoothly.

Registering a Business

Details you need to register your company.
Did you know that most businesses in Nova Scotia must be registered with the province’s Registry of Joint Stock Companies before they can start operating? You can determine if your company should be registered, and how best to do it based on your business structure, using the resources listed below. You’ll also find detailed information on when and how to register your business with the federal government.

• Business Structure
• Registry of Joint Stock Companies - How to Register
• Nova Scotia Business Registry - Online Entry
• Business Number

Obtaining Licences & Permits

Details on provincial operating requirements.
Once youve registered your business, you may need specific licences and permits to operate in Nova Scotia. The following sources will help you determine the licences and permits you require based on the services and goods you are selling and how to apply for them.

• Find a Licence or Permit for a Specific Business Type
• Nova Scotia Permits Directory
• Nova Scotia Business Registry - Online Entry

Financing & Funding

Find the funding you need to launch your business.
Looking for business start-up funding so you can buy equipment, hire employees and develop your markets? Below, you’ll find information on some of the many private and public programs, services and funds that are available to support you in Nova Scotia. You’ll also find tips and assistance on how to prepare your funding application.

• Business Development Bank
• Financing Info-Guide
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• Nova Scotia Business Inc.
• Small Business Financing/Loan Guarantee Program
• Canada Small Business Financing Program
• Self-employment Program

Taxes

Find out about your entitlements and obligations.
In Nova Scotia, every business must collect and pay a range of taxes, such as HST. We’ve gathered these guides and resources together to provide you with details on some of the taxes that will apply to your business. Youll also find advice you can trust on how to properly register for, report and pay these taxes.

Guides
• Guide for Canadian Small Businesses
• Taxation Info-Guide
• Canada Revenue Agency Business Taxes
• Excise Taxes & Excise Duties

GST/HST
• GST/HST

Employment
• Incentives and Taxes
• Record of Employment

Property Tax
• Commercial Tax Rate
• Business Occupancy

Tax Credits
• New Small Business Tax Deduction
• Equity Tax Credit
• Research and Development Tax Credit
• Nova Scotia Labour-Sponsored Venture-Capital Tax Credit
• Lower Taxes For Business
• Film Industry Tax Credits
• Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit

Employing People

Know your obligations as an employer.
Preparing to hire staff for your new business? Are you aware of your responsibilities as an employer when it comes to issues such as pensions, employment records, training, wages, overtime or maternity leave? You’ll find most of the facts you need to know using the following resources. You’ll also discover tools that will help you measure and improve your team’s performance, and increase your sales.

Guides
• Employer How-to Guide
• Employment Rights - Labour Standards in Nova Scotia
• Workers' Compensation Board Employer Registration

• HR for Employers
• Employment & Training Info-Guide
• Human Rights Publications
• Payroll Topics
• Record of Employment
• Private Pension Plan Registration

• Measuring Sales Force Performance
• Preventing Theft
• Services for Business

Occupational Health and Safety

Promote a safe and healthy work place.
You have a responsibility as an entrepreneur to provide a safe and healthy workplace for your employees. Here are a few handy sources you can refer to for clear and detailed information on your occupational health and safety requirements.

• Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees: A Practical Guide for Single Employer Workplaces
• Your Rights and Responsibilities and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Preventing Workplace Injury – It Takes Leadership
• Preventing Workplace Injury – Getting Started
• OHS Act, Regulations and Publications

Buying a Business

What you need to know when buying a business.
Buying a business may seem like an easy, affordable way to become an entrepreneur, but what are your obligations and liabilities, and what potential costs, sales or growth should you expect? Check out the following references for insights on the benefits, risks, legalities and questions you should ask when buying a business or franchise.

• Buying a Business
• Provincial Tax Commission
• Why acquire an existing business?
• How to Buy a Business Checklist

Clearance Letters

Is your company in good standing?
These tools will provide you with easy-to-understand details on clearance letters – what they are and how to request them.

• Workers' Compensation Board