Launch an All Other Personal Services Business in Mississauga
This page provides a practical guide to starting an All Other Personal Services business in Mississauga (NAICS 812990). You’ll get a clear, step-by-step path with an overview of the 8 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the permits and registrations required to operate. We also break down typical startup costs and a realistic timeline from concept to opening, including where to apply for permits at municipal and provincial levels.
What you’ll learn is exactly which licenses and permits apply to this service, how to register your business name, and the filing steps with the Ontario government. We outline the eight requirements, flag common fees, and share a practical timeline so you know when approvals are likely and when you can open your doors.
Why Mississauga works for this mix: a large, diverse customer base and a supportive small-business ecosystem create strong opportunities for service ventures. With easy access to regional markets and local resources, you can start smart and grow confidently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Mississauga is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal must-have, and you cannot legally run a personal services business without meeting its rules. It means putting in place basic workplace safety practices, keeping safety records, providing necessary training, and following incident reporting obligations. This requirement is non-negotiable and applies from day one, even if you operate solo or with a small team.
Beyond safety, you’ll need to keep the operation running safely and within the law. This includes creating a safe workspace, conducting risk assessments, and having clear emergency procedures and signage. If you hire employees, you’ll also need WSIB coverage and to stay compliant with Employment Standards requirements, such as fair pay and reasonable hours. Keeping these operational basics in place helps protect both you and your clients.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll want to set up your official business identity. Start with a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, then register your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario if you’re using a name other than your own. A City of Mississauga business licence is typically required to operate a personal services business, and GST/HST registration may be needed once sales reach the threshold. If you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions registration, and ensure WSIB coverage is in place.
Next steps: map out these registrations and licenses, add safety policies to your plan, and set up the required accounts with federal, provincial, and municipal authorities. Start with the most critical piece (safety) and then tackle the registration and tax steps one by one. If you’d like, I can tailor a practical checklist and timeline for your Mississauga personal services business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other personal services in Mississauga:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Mississauga. Apply to City of Mississauga for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Mississauga Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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