How to Start a Business

The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce is committed to advocating for growth and economic development in our region.  Below you will find a list of resources to help you set up your new business and reach your goals!

Before Starting your Business

There are several things to consider prior to starting your business. Are you offering a product or service? How will it be delivered to your customer and be profitable? And more...

• BDC – What to do before starting a business

Create a Business Plan

1. Market Research and Competitor Analysis

Conduct market research and competitor analysis to better understand your customer’s needs, demographics, target customer, and industry.

• BDC – Guide to Market Research
• BDC – 5 Steps to a Low Cost Competitor Analysis
• Futurpreneur – How to do Market Research
• Government of Canada – Research and Business Intelligence
• Statistics Canada – 2016 Census
• The World Trade Center – Research Information Services

2. Financial Needs

What are your financial needs?  Identify them and how you plan to finance them. 

• BDC – Financing and Loans
• Community Futures Triple R – Startup Funding
• Export Development Canada – Financial Support for Canadian Export companies
• Futurpreneur – Financing Loans for Business Owners Aged 18 - 39
• Government of Manitoba – Tax Credits and Programs
• Government of Manitoba – Business Grants and Financing
• Steinbach Chamber of Commerce - List of Professional Financial Institutions
• Women’s Enterprise Center – Loans and Financing Options

3. Business Structure

Choose the structure that best suits your business.

• BDC – Choose the Right Structure for your Business
• Government of Manitoba – Choose your Business Structure

4. Sales/Marketing

Develop your unique marketing plan and brand.

• Steinbach Chamber of Commerce – Advertising and Media Business Directory

Business Plan Templates

• BDC – Business Plan Template
• Futurpreneur – Business Plan Example

Register your Business

1. Choose and Reserve your Business Name

Choosing your business name can be very exciting!  You must choose and reserve your business name with the Government of Manitoba.

• Government of Manitoba – Choosing your Business Name
• Government of Manitoba – Reserve your Business Name

2. Apply for Permits, Licenses, and Taxation

Permits, licenses, and taxation requirements vary by area and industry.  The below resources will help you identify what is required and where to apply.

• BizPal Manitoba – Find the Permits and Licenses needed for your Business
• City of Steinbach – Steinbach Registration and License Applications
• Government of Manitoba – Do I Need to Register?
• Government of Manitoba – Taxes Home

Other Things to Consider

WCB - Determine whether your business requires coverage.

Resource:  Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba 

Professional Services - Does your business need professional services? This includes: 

• Financial Institutions
• Lawyers
• Accountants/Bookkeeping Services
• Real Estate
• Insurance Advisors

Resource:  Steinbach Chamber of Commerce - List of Professional Services

Chamber Membership - Consider us your business partner and support as you navigate your path to success.

Resource:  Steinbach Chamber of Commerce - Join Us!

Business Planning Help

Aurora Project - New Business Development

BDC – Advisory Services

Community Futures Triple R - Business Services

Futurpreneur – Mentor Program

North Forge Technology Exchange – Founders Program

Women’s Enterprise Center – Advise and Training

WTC - Trade Accelerator Program