Launch a Brampton Travel Agency: 10 Essential Steps
This page helps aspiring travel agents in Brampton understand how to start a travel agency (NAICS 561510). It offers a practical, step-by-step plan that breaks down the 10 essential requirements, plus the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to go from idea to open for business.
What you’ll learn: the exact sequence to set up legally and operationally—business registration and choosing a structure, local permits, insurance and bonding for sellers of travel, supplier contracts, booking systems, and compliance with privacy and consumer protection laws. You’ll also get a clear view of costs (licensing, insurance, software, marketing) and how long each stage usually takes, helping you budget and stay on track as you prepare to launch in Brampton.
Why Brampton: this diverse, fast-growing city offers strong local networks and opportunities to partner with regional suppliers, making it a great place to start small and grow a Brampton travel agency.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel agency in Brampton is Travel Agent and Wholesaler Registration. This is a legal obligation to offer travel services in Ontario, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s non-negotiable—without this registration (handled by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, or TICO), your business cannot book or sell travel.
Next, you’ll want to secure mandatory operational requirements that keep your workplace safe and compliant. This includes Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance, which covers the basics of a safe work environment. You may also need Service Provider Workplace Safety Compliance as part of day-to-day safety rules. For people who work for you, ensure Employment Standards Compliance and, if you have staff, set up Payroll Deductions and related obligations. Finally, protect your business with practical risk controls: Commercial General Liability Insurance and WSIB Registration and Coverage to cover injuries and worker claims.
On the business and tax side, you’ll handle registrations that keep money matters in order. Start with Ontario Business Name Registration via ServiceOntario (if you’re operating under a name different from your legal entity) and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. The BN will cover GST/HST registration and payroll deductions, so you’re set up for seamless tax reporting and employee taxes as you grow.
If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple action checklist with exact forms, links, and timelines. Your travel agency can get up and running smoothly with a clear plan—take the first step today, and you’ll feel more confident as you build your business in Brampton.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a travel agencies in Brampton:
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Travel Agent and Wholesaler Registration RequiredTravel agents and tour operators must register with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) and maintain consumer protection fund contributions. Protects consumers from business failure. Register with Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). Head office: $3,000 initial + $750 min renewal; branches $800 initial + $300 renewal. Need: $10,000 security deposit, $5,000 operational funds proof. TICO exam: $150 (single program from Jan 2026). Compensation Fund: $0.05/$1,000 sales (as of April 2024). Contact: 905-624-6241.
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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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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your travel agencies:
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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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