Business Finance

Business finance guides for Canadian entrepreneurs covering grants, loans, business registration, startup planning, funding decisions, industry bookkeeping, and financial management basics.

Grants vs Loans: Tax Implications Every Business Owner Should Know

grants_vs_loans_tax_implications

You know that feeling when business funding gets approved? It is genuinely one of the best days in business ownership. Whether it is a government grant, a business loan, or one of those forgivable programs that felt like a lifeline a few years ago, money flowing into your business feels like things are finally moving. […]

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The Complete Guide to Ontario Small Business Grants (2026)

People looking at small business grants documents.

Ontario small business grants are non-repayable government funding programs that provide eligible businesses with between $3,000 and $50,000 in capital for:  startup,  employee training,  digital adoption,  export development, and  regional growth.  No equity is surrendered, and no repayment applies to non-repayable programs. Ontario small business grants in 2026 are divided into 5 use-case categories, with

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Are Ontario Small Business Grants Taxable? A Complete Guide for Ontario Business Owners

Grants-taxable

Yes, most Ontario small business grants are taxable income and must be reported on your business tax return in the year you receive them. The CRA classifies non-repayable government assistance as business income under Canada.ca — Sources of income, whether the grant came from a federal, provincial, or municipal program. Receiving the grant from a

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What is considered a small business in Canada?

A small business in Canada.

A small business in Canada has 1–99 paid employees. Medium-sized businesses have 100–499 paid employees, and large businesses have 500+ paid employees. This employee-based definition is set out in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Key Small Business Statistics report (ISED KSBS PDF). That answers the main question, but you will also see “small business”

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Registering a Business in Ontario: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide

A picture reflecting compliance after registering a business in Ontario

Starting a business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re unsure how to separate your personal and business finances. Maybe you’re worried about tax rules or feel stuck because bigger clients want to work only with registered businesses. These are common concerns, and the good news is that registering your business in

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How to Choose the Right Business Structure When Registering a Business in Ontario

Vector illustration of a person confused about registering a business in Ontario

Introduction: Why Your Business Structure Matters Registering a business in Ontario involves more than just completing forms. One of the most important early decisions is choosing your business structure. Most entrepreneurs in Ontario choose between a sole proprietorship and a corporation. This decision impacts taxes, liability, paperwork, and your ability to grow or attract investment.

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