Launch Your Markham Temporary Help Services Business Today
This page helps you start a temporary help services business in Markham (NAICS 561320). It lays out a practical, step-by-step path with a 13-item requirements checklist, plus the permits, costs, and timeline you’ll likely face. You’ll get a clear overview of what’s needed to legally operate, from business registration to regulatory considerations. Use this guide to plan with confidence, focusing on real-world steps you can take this week.
In this guide you’ll learn the 13 essential steps to get up and running, which permits to pursue, and how much you can expect to spend upfront. We’ll cover registration options and business structure, GST/HST registration, local Markham licensing possibilities, payroll setup, WSIB coverage, and insurance. You’ll also see rough cost ranges and a realistic timeline, so you can set a practical launch date and hit the ground running.
Markham is a growing mix of tech firms, service businesses, and manufacturing—great demand for reliable temporary staff and long-term partnerships. With the right plan, you can move from idea to first client in weeks, backed by a supportive local ecosystem, affordable business services, and ready access to talent.
Requirements Overview
In Markham, the top priority is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal requirement for any workplace, and you cannot operate without it. Meeting the Occupational Health and Safety Act is non-negotiable: it ensures your team has a safe work environment, proper training, and clear reporting processes.
Operationally, you’ll want to lock in safety, standards, and permits. Focus on Service Provider Workplace Safety Compliance and WSIB Registration and Coverage, so workers are protected and you’re meeting provincial rules. You’ll also need Employment Standards Compliance to follow rules on pay and hours, along with Commercial General Liability Insurance to cover day-to-day risks. Privacy matters matter too, so PIPEDA Compliance should be in place for administrative services. Finally, obtain the required licenses to operate: Business Licence, Employment Agency Licence, and Ontario Temporary Help Agency Licence.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll handle key numbers and registrations. This includes Business Number (BN) Registration with the CRA, Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario), GST/HST Registration, and Payroll Deductions Registration. These steps keep your finances organized and compliant with tax and reporting requirements as you grow.
Next steps: create a practical compliance plan with clear deadlines, gather the necessary documents, and reach out to ServiceOntario and the CRA to file registrations. Talk to an insurance broker about liability coverage, confirm all licenses are up to date, and set up internal processes to maintain ongoing compliance. You’ve got a solid path forward—take it one step at a time and you’ll be on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a temporary help services in Markham:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Markham. Apply to City of Markham 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 Markham Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Employment Agency License RequiredEmployment agencies, recruitment firms, and temporary help services must be licensed under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act and comply with fee restrictions and worker protections. Required since July 1, 2024 under ESA. Apply online to MLTSD. Fee: $750 non-refundable + $25,000 irrevocable letter of credit. Separate applications if both THA and recruiter. License valid 1 year. Clients cannot knowingly use unlicensed agencies. Penalties: $15K-$50K. Public registry available. Contact MLTSD.
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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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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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Ontario Temporary Help Agency Licence RequiredEmployment agencies and temporary staffing agencies must be licensed by provincial employment standards or labour departments. Licensing protects workers from exploitation and ensures fair recruitment practices. Requirements include business registration, security bonds or letters of credit, proof of workers compensation coverage, and compliance with employment standards. Agencies must provide written agreements to workers, cannot charge workers prohibited fees (only employers pay for placement services), must pay workers properly, and comply with record-keeping requirements. Temporary help agencies placing temporary foreign workers have additional federal and provincial requirements. Some provinces have specific regulations for entertainment/modeling agencies. Licensed agencies must follow ethical recruitment practices and cannot discriminate. Operating unlicensed agencies or charging illegal fees results in license revocation, fines, and potential criminal charges. To obtain a temporary help agency licence in Ontario: 1. Ensure compliance with Employment Standards Act, 2000 2. Prepare required security deposit ($25,000) 3. Submit licence application with $750 fee 4. Provide irrevocable letter of credit or surety bond 5. Receive licence 6. Renew annually with $750 fee
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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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Commercial General Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Wholesalers should maintain commercial general liability insurance covering product liability, premises liability, and completed operations. Often required by commercial leases and customer contracts. Ontario law requires general liability insurance for most businesses. Minimum typically $1M for small business, $2M+ for higher risk. Covers bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, advertising injury. WSIB also required for employees. Landlords, lenders may set higher requirements. Additional options: D&O, E&O, Cyber Liability. Cost: $500/yr to millions depending on risk. Contact insurance broker.
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Service Provider Workplace Safety Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Service providers working at client sites must comply with OH&S Act requirements including training, PPE, safe work procedures, and coordination with client health and safety programs. OHSA applies to all Ontario workplaces. Service providers: H&S awareness training mandatory. JHSC for 20+ workers, Safety Rep for 6-19. Bill 190 (Oct 2024): electronic posting, telework coverage, virtual JHSC. Supervisor competency. Violence and harassment policies required. WSIB coverage. Contact MLTSD: 1-877-202-0008.
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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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PIPEDA Compliance (Administrative Services) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Administrative services handling personal information (employment agencies, credit bureaus, investigation services, document preparation) must comply with federal privacy law including consent, security, and breach notification. PIPEDA compliance for administrative services. Privacy policy. Consent management. Data minimization. Breach notification. Contact OPC: 1-800-282-1376.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your temporary help services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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