Step by Step Guide to Starting a Business

Choosing and setting up a location

There are a number of things to consider when deciding where to locate your business and how to arrange your office, store or facility. For some businesses, the decision may even be to operate the business entirely online as an e-business. This information will help guide your thoughts.

• Store Location
  Learn about the factors you should consider when deciding where to set up shop.
• Merchandazzling: Tips for Great Merchandising
  
  http://www.retailcouncil.org/news/resourcelibrary/retailersguide/v2_i2/
  Want to increase sales in your store? Learn how to lay out your store and make your customers feel welcome and comfortable.
• Choosing a Commercial Building
  
  http://www.bdc.ca/en/my_project/Projects/articles/acquisition_building_criteria.htm
  Find out how to choose the right commercial building for your business.
• Home-Based Business
  Working from home is one of the most economical ways to start your own business. Find out more about starting a home-based business.
• E-Business
  Programs and resources to help you do business over the Internet.
• Making Your Business Accessible for People with Disabilities in Ontario
  
  http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario
  Every business and organization operating in Ontario that provides goods or services to the public or other organizations and has at least one employee has to comply with the Customer Service Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Public sector organizations must comply by January 1, 2010. All other obligated organizations have until January 1, 2012.
• VISTA (Value-Added Incubator Services Throughout Alberta)
  
  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/summary/3627/
  Applies to: Alberta
  Discover how a business incubator can help you start and grow your Alberta business, and help your rural community thrive.