Just incorporated?
Here's what comes next.
Congratulations on your new business. Now there are deadlines, registrations, and financial decisions that can't wait. We'll walk you through all of it in 15 minutes.
Book your free advisory call15 minutes. No obligation. No sales pitch.
The checklist most new businesses miss
Incorporating is step one. Here's everything else you need to get right — and the deadlines that come with them.
GST/HST Registration
If you expect more than $30K in revenue, you need to register. Doing it early avoids retroactive headaches.
Time-sensitivePayroll Setup
Hiring anyone — even yourself? You'll need a payroll account with CRA before the first paycheque.
Before first hireBookkeeping from Day One
The biggest mistake new businesses make: shoebox receipts for 11 months, then panic at tax time.
Start immediatelyBusiness Bank Account
Separate personal and business finances from the start. Your future accountant will thank you.
Week 1First Tax Deadlines
Your fiscal year-end, first T2 filing, and GST remittance dates are all set the moment you incorporate.
Calendar these nowCorporate Minute Book
Directors, share structure, registered office — your corporate records need to be organized from the start.
Within 60 daysBuild the foundation customers will find
The legal stuff keeps you compliant. These are the moves that actually bring you customers.
Google Business Profile
Free Google listing that puts you on Maps + Search. Critical for local visibility — shows your hours, photos, reviews, and pulls in customers searching for your category.
Free · Do it nowWebsite + Domain
Even a one-page site at yourbusiness.ca signals you're a real business. Gives you somewhere to send leads, partners, and Google to verify you exist.
Week 1Business Email
A [email protected] address (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365). Looks far more professional than gmail.com — and you'll need it for vendor accounts and contracts.
Week 1Business Insurance
General liability + commercial property at minimum. Required by most landlords, vendors, and B2B customers. Usually $500–$2,000/year for new SMBs.
Before operatingPayment Processing
Set up how customers actually pay you — Stripe, Square, Moneris, or your bank's POS. Match the method to how you sell (in-person vs. online vs. invoicing).
Before first saleGet the full checklist as a PDF
Not ready to book a call? Get the complete New Business Setup Checklist sent to you — all 11 steps to set up the financial, legal, and operational foundations of your new business.
- ✓ Printable PDF you can keep on your desk
- ✓ Specific to Canadian corporations
- ✓ Includes deadline calculator + CRA links
- ✓ Updated for 2026 tax rules
How the free call works
Book a time
Pick a 15-minute slot that works for you. Evenings and weekends available.
We review your situation
Tell us what you incorporated and we'll map out exactly what you need to do next.
Walk away with a plan
You'll leave with a clear checklist, key deadlines, and zero confusion — whether or not you work with us.
Book your free 15-min call
Pick a time below. We'll review your incorporation, map out your next steps, and answer any questions — no obligation, no sales pitch.
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JournalRelay combines AI-powered bookkeeping with real CPAs and CFAs who review everything. Your books are always accurate, always audit-ready.