The Office Goblin - Before You Register_September 2026
Before You Register
What to know and decide before you make your Ontario sole proprietorship official.
Starting a business is exciting. Figuring out what you're actually supposed to do first? Less so.
Before You Register is a short, practical guide for new and aspiring Ontario sole proprietors who want to understand the important decisions before they register — without getting buried in jargon, unnecessary steps, or information they don't need yet.
Inside, you'll work through:
- Whether a sole proprietorship is right for you
- What being self-employed actually means
- Choosing and registering a business name
- What you need to have figured out before registering
- What can genuinely wait
- HST and the $30,000 small-supplier threshold
- Business banking and separating your money
- Business numbers, insurance, licences and permits
- Common worries and misconceptions
- What to expect after registration
- A practical Before You Register Checklist
12 pages of plain-English guidance, practical checklists and worksheets to help you stop wondering whether you're missing something and start working through what actually matters.
You don't need it all figured out.
You just need to know what to figure out.
Made for Ontario sole proprietors
Plain English. No jargon. Actually useful.
Educational material only. This guide is not individualized legal, accounting, tax, financial, insurance or other professional advice.
The Office Goblin