Set Up Your Structure
Turn the structure decision into a setup the business can actually use.
The goal is not to formalize everything at once. It is to establish the registrations, records, financial separation and responsibilities the chosen structure needs.
Follow these three steps to put the registrations, accounts, and responsibilities in place.
🔵 Phase 1: The Logistics
Set Up the Basics So the Business Can Hold Shape
Identify the registrations, permits, licences and core records that may be required. Establish clear boundaries around accounts, commitments, records, owner activity and business money.
Registration alone does not complete the operating setup. The business also needs clear records and appropriate separation between business and personal activity.
Matching tools: Structure Setup Checklist
🔵 Phase 2: The People
Clarify Ownership, Decisions, and Responsibility Early
Make ownership, decision authority, and responsibility visible so important decisions do not depend on assumptions or informal arrangements.
Matching tools: Ownership & Decision Responsibility Map
🔵 Phase 3: The Boundaries
Set the Boundaries That Match Your Structure
Create clear boundaries around authority, commitments, records, owner activity, and business money so the structure is respected in day-to-day operations.
Matching tools: Structure Boundary Checklist
⚖️ Current Government Requirements
Use official registries and government agencies to confirm current filing processes, forms, fees and legal requirements.
- CRA Business Numbers and program accounts;
- federal, provincial, or territorial incorporation;
- business-name registration;
- permits and licences;
- industry-specific registrations or approvals;
- filing forms, fees, and deadlines.
🧠 Context: Frequently Confused Concepts
Use these short explainers if you want more context before putting your structure into practice.
| Explainer | Use it when… |
|---|---|
| Business Name, Business Number, and Corporation Number: What’s the Difference? | You need to distinguish name registration, CRA accounts, and incorporation numbers. |
| Registering a Business Name vs Incorporating | You need to understand why registering a name does not create a corporation. |
| Federal vs Provincial Incorporation | You are comparing the two main incorporation paths. |
| Shareholders, Directors, and Officers Explained Simply | You need a clearer understanding of the main corporate roles. |
| Permits, Licences, and Registrations Are Not the Same Thing | You need to determine which approvals may apply beyond basic business registration. |
➡️ Where to Next?
- I am still unsure whether incorporation is appropriate. Return to Choose Your Structure.
- I am already operating and questioning whether the current setup still fits. Continue to Review Your Structure.