Startup Incorporation Lawyer in Toronto — Federal & Provincial
Incorporating your startup is the first real legal step in building your business. It separates your personal assets from your company's liabilities, establishes a formal ownership structure, and sets you up to issue shares, bring on co-founders, and raise capital. At For Founders Law, we handle startup incorporations at a fixed fee — no hourly billing, no surprises.
Federal vs. Ontario Incorporation: Which Is Right for Your Startup?
Federal Incorporation (CBCA) is the right choice for most startups. It gives you name protection across all of Canada, the ability to operate in any province, and is generally preferred by investors and accelerators. Most of our clients incorporate federally.
Ontario Provincial Incorporation (OBCA) may make sense if your business will only operate in Ontario and you want to avoid the extra step of registering in other provinces. It can be slightly less expensive in government filing fees, but the difference is minimal.
We will advise you on the right structure during your consultation — there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the choice depends on your plans for growth, fundraising, and geographic reach.
What Is Included in Our Incorporation Package
Articles of Incorporation
We draft and file your articles of incorporation with the appropriate government authority (Corporations Canada for federal, ServiceOntario for provincial), including your share structure, restrictions, and any special provisions.
Complete Minute Book
Your minute book is the official corporate record of your company. We set it up with all required initial documents: organizational resolutions, by-laws, director and officer appointments, registered office address, and share issuance records.
Share Issuance
We issue your initial shares to founders and prepare the share certificates and ledger entries. If you have multiple founders, we will structure the share classes and ownership to reflect your agreed equity split.
CRA Registration
We register your corporation with the Canada Revenue Agency to obtain your Business Number, GST/HST account, and payroll account (if needed). This is required before you can open a business bank account or file taxes.
Initial Resolutions & By-Laws
We prepare all required corporate resolutions for your first directors' meeting, including the adoption of by-laws, appointment of officers, approval of banking arrangements, and selection of your fiscal year-end.
Why Founders Choose Us for Incorporation
Fixed-Fee Pricing — You know the total cost before we start. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices.
Startup-Specific Advice — We do not just file paperwork. We advise on share structure, whether you need multiple share classes for future investment rounds, and how to set up your corporation for growth.
Fast Turnaround — Most incorporations are completed within 5-7 business days. We can expedite if you are on a deadline.
Future-Proofed Structure — We set up your corporation so it is ready for shareholder agreements, ESOP plans, and investment rounds down the road — not just for today.
Common Questions About Incorporation
Do I need to incorporate before I start working on my idea?
Not necessarily, but you should incorporate before you take on co-founders, sign contracts, accept payment, or begin hiring. Incorporation protects your personal assets and establishes the legal entity that will own your IP.
How much does it cost to incorporate a startup in Canada?
Government filing fees are approximately $200 for federal incorporation and $360 for Ontario provincial. Our legal fees for the full incorporation package (articles, minute book, share issuance, CRA registration) are quoted at a fixed fee during your consultation.
Can I incorporate online?
Yes. We handle the entire process virtually. You do not need to visit our office — we work with founders across Toronto and all of Canada through secure document sharing and electronic signatures.
Book a Free Consultation
Ready to incorporate your startup? Book a free 20-minute consultation and we will walk you through the process, recommend the right structure, and provide a fixed-fee quote. No obligation, no hourly clock.