Launch Your Linen Supply Business in London, Ontario
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a linen supply business in London, Ontario (NAICS 812331). It breaks down the eight essential requirements you’ll need to meet—from business registration and tax accounts to permits, insurance, and laundry equipment. You’ll also get a clear overview of startup costs and a realistic timeline to move from planning to your first client pickup.
Learn what to do next: register your company, secure the necessary permits and health-and-safety approvals, estimate upfront costs, source reliable linens and laundry gear, and set up a service fleet. We outline a practical 4–8 week timeline and provide a concise requirements overview to help you budget and plan with confidence.
London’s steady demand from hotels, hospitals, and universities, plus a supportive business community and strong transport links, makes it a smart place to launch a linen service. If you want to grow a reputable linen supply business in southwest Ontario, London is a great starting point.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a linen supply business in London, Ontario is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal requirement you cannot operate without, and non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, or a shutdown. It means putting systems in place for safe training, hazard assessments, protective equipment, and clear procedures to protect staff while they work with laundry, heavy loads, and cleaning chemicals.
Beyond safety compliance, there are practical operational requirements to keep your business running smoothly. Make sure you have WSIB Registration and Coverage to protect your workers in case of an injury, and comply with Employment Standards to respect employee rights (minimum wage, breaks, scheduling, and related rules). You’ll also need a valid local Business Licence to legally operate your linen service, and consider registering your business name with ServiceOntario to confirm your trade name is legally registered.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to set up a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and register your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario. If you reach the GST/HST threshold, register for GST/HST as well. If you hire staff, set up Payroll Deductions Registration so you can handle withholdings and remittances properly. These registrations ensure you’re compliant with tax, reporting, and payroll obligations from day one.
You’ve got this. Start with a quick compliance check focused on OHSA, then tackle the registration steps in bite-sized steps (BN, Ontario name, GST/HST, payroll if applicable). Reach out to ServiceOntario and the CRA for guidance, set a simple project plan, and you’ll move from concept to compliant operation with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a linen supply in London:
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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 London. Apply to City of London 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 London 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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