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Incorporation

Federal or Ontario, set up properly the first time. Setting up the company and agreeing who owns what.

What it is

Incorporation creates your company as a legal entity separate from its founders, under federal or Ontario law. We file the articles, pass the organizational resolutions and by-laws, issue the founders’ shares and set up the minute book, so the company is ready to sign contracts, hire and take investment.

A quick online incorporation often stops at the filing, leaving shares unissued and the records empty. Investors check those records later, and gaps are easier to fix at the start than in the middle of a round.

You likely need this if

  • You’re about to start selling, hiring or signing contracts
  • A cofounder or investor is joining and needs shares
  • You incorporated online and never issued shares or set up a minute book
  • You’re deciding between a federal and an Ontario company

What the starting price includes

  • Federal or Ontario incorporation, up to three shareholders
  • Articles with one class of shares
  • Organizational resolutions and by-laws
  • Founder share issuance
  • Digital minute book

What can change the price

  • More than one share class

We tell you before doing anything outside the agreed scope, and agree the fee first.

Read first Should I incorporate federally or in Ontario? Either works for most Ontario startups. Federal incorporation lets you use your name across Canada, but at least 25% of your directors must be resident Canadians and you also register in Ontario. Ontario incorporation has no director residency rule and is simpler if you plan to operate mainly in Ontario. Read the guide

Terms you’ll hear

Articles of incorporationBy-lawsMinute bookResident Canadian directorIndividuals with significant controlDue diligence

Often needed with it

Questions founders ask

Should I incorporate federally or in Ontario?

Either usually works for a founder based in Ontario. The main differences are the director residency rules, whether your company name can be used across Canada, and the ongoing filings. Our guide compares them side by side.

What is a minute book?

The company’s official record: its articles, by-laws, resolutions and its registers of shareholders, directors and individuals with significant control. Investors usually ask to see it during due diligence.

Are government fees included?

No. Government filing fees, and a NUANS name search if you want a named company rather than a numbered one, are charged at cost on top of the fixed fee.

General information, not legal advice.

How it works

  1. A free 15-minute call. What you’re building and what you need.
  2. A written scope and fixed fee. Before any work starts.
  3. A short, tailored intake. A few focused questions for your matter, so we start with what we need.
  4. Drafting or review. Most work is back within three business days.
Send us a note All fees