Planning your start-up

Do you have an idea and maybe even potential customers? Where should you start? Before you make any decisions, check out our pre-startup calendar and meet with a specialized business start-up advisor. You'll have what it takes to build a solid business plan in no time!
It goes without saying that all entrepreneurs want to succeed in business. To increase your chances of success, follow these pre-startup steps.
Do you have an idea and maybe even potential customers? Great! Now, where should you start? By finding a location? Recruiting staff? Before you make any decisions, meet with a specialized business start-up advisor. This expert will ask you the right questions and help you build a solid business plan. If your idea isn't fully hatched yet, you may need to think it through some more. But if you're brimming with all kinds of ideas, your advisor can help you set some priorities.
To learn more, see the Starting a business section.
Pre-startup calendar
Most businesses have to complete the steps outlined in the calendar below before they can officially launch. The list will help you plan the entire process up until you officially open for business.
All businesses are unique, so feel free to tweak the list as needed!
What | When |
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Write a business plan with the help of a business start-up advisor
To learn more, see the Desjardins interactive business plan. |
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Look for financing
To learn more, see Financing your business. |
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Incorporate or register your business
Learn more about Registraire des entreprises. Gouvernement du Québec |
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Register for Revenu Québec files
Learn more about registering for Revenu Québec files. |
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Register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Learn more about registering your business with the CRA. |
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Register with Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST)
Find out more about CSST. |
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Get any permits you need | |
Take out third-party liability insurance
To learn more, see Protecting yourself and your business. |
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Choose a location based on your location strategy
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Build out the premises and develop the site
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Buy and install production, sales, service and administrative equipment
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Buy inventory and supplies
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Buy equipment
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Hire staff
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Advertise the launch of your business
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Blow up the balloons—you're officially open! |
Need a hand putting together your business plan? For a detailed explanation of each step of the business start-up process, see the Desjardins interactive business plan.