Registering Your Business

Learn what you need to do to register a new business in Manitoba.

Creating a formal business entity is a crucial step towards turning your entrepreneurial vision into a tangible and legally recognized reality. Registering your business not only lends credibility to your venture but also provides a solid legal foundation that can help shield you from personal liability and opens avenues for growth. Registering your business is one of the first steps in creating your brand identity, attracting investors and accessing possible funding opportunities.

Follow the steps below to register your business and learn how to consult the Manitoba Companies Office with any questions or requests for more information.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Create a new online account with the Manitoba Companies Office.

Step Two: Choose your business structure.

We recommend consulting with a business advisor, accountant or lawyer before finalizing your business structure choice. However, you can use the Manitoba Business Structures Wizard to help you choose the right structure for your business.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a business structure:

Sole Proprietorship is the simplest form of a business, in which you and your company are considered a single business structure. There is no legal difference. As a sole proprietor, you do whatever is required for successful operation of your business. You make decisions, receive all profits and claim all losses. Although you may hire employees to assist you, you usually manage the business yourself. While a sole proprietorship is simple and inexpensive to set up, you also carry all personal liability. This means you are personally responsible for the business’ debts and legal liabilities. Profits will be taxed at your personal income tax rate, which is often higher than a corporate tax rate. If you need to raise capital, you will need to rely solely on your personal resources. Sole proprietors are typically ineligible for most grant and funding opportunities. Find out more about becoming a sole proprietorship here.
A Manitoba Corporation is a business structure that is separate from its owners. When a company is incorporated, it acquires many of the legal powers of an individual. It can, for example, own real estate, hold investments, acquire assets, go into debt and be legally liable. Depending on the funding or grant program, incorporations are typically eligible to apply. Find out more about the advantages of incorporating here.

Step Three: Choose and reserve your business name.

Name reservations are required to ensure that business names are not too similar to names already on record. This helps reduce confusion in the marketplace and reduces the frustration that companies and consumers would face if business names confusingly similar to each other existed.

Follow these guidelines to Choose a Business Name:

Step Four: Register your business online once you have created your online account.

Visit our Licenses and Permits page for more details on permit requirements to operate a tourism business in Manitoba.

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