Starting a Business in Ajax

Did you know that approximately half of Ajax's 1,600 plus businesses have less than 5 employees. When Ajax's small businesses succeed and prosper so does the entire community. Ajax's small business electronic resource section has been created to provide thorough and relevant information to anyone from a local entrepreneur starting a new venture to established businesses seeking to grow.

Below is a list of resources that will help in the "thinking stage" of starting your small business. These resources will assist you in understanding the factors to consider prior to going into business and will help you determine whether you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Subsequent sections go into greater detail of specific small business related information and resources.

Business Start-up Information Guide

The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) has created a Business Start-up Information Guide, while the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship has also developed a Guide to Small Business. Both these Guides are comprehensive and quintessential resources for existing entrepreneurs and small business start-ups. Topics covered include:

 Points to Consider When Starting Your Own Business
 Definition and Components of a Business Plan
 Choosing Your Organizational Structure
 Registering a Business Name and Number
 Dealing With Business Taxes
 Hiring Employees and Employment Standards
 Intellectual Property, Trademarks, Copyright and Patents
 Marketing Your Products or Services

Feasibility Checklists

There are a number of problems and issues that a small business person faces on a daily basis. If you are thinking of owning and managing your own business it is important to know in advance what to expect. Undertaking a feasibility analysis involves gathering and evaluating information with the purpose of determining if you should go into business. Click here for a going into business checklist and click here for a feasibility checklist. The types of questions you should expect to answer include: 

 Personality Traits and Background
 Financial Requirements
 Partnerships
 Knowing Your Suppliers and Customers
 Building, Equipment and Supplies
 Business and the Law
 Purchasing an Existing Business or Starting a New Venture