Launch a Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers Business in Markham
This page guides you through starting a wholesale trade agents and brokers business (NAICS 425120) in Markham. It delivers a practical, no-fluff roadmap—clear requirements, permits, costs, and a realistic timeline—so you can move forward with confidence. You’ll also find a quick overview of the nine essential steps, plus practical tips to help you assess startup needs and set realistic milestones.
What you’ll learn: the nine essential requirements to launch, from choosing a legal structure and registering your business to obtaining a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number and GST/HST setup. You’ll also learn about Markham permits you may need, municipal licensing, insurance basics, contract templates, and compliance checks. We outline typical startup costs and offer a straightforward 3–6 month timeline to be market-ready.
Why Markham? It’s a dynamic GTA hub with a strong base of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, plus solid logistics, business services, and local support programs. Starting here puts you near key suppliers and buyers, speeds connections, and taps into a growing economy that benefits wholesale brokers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a wholesale trade agents and brokers business in Markham is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation you must meet before you can operate, and you cannot legally run your business without it. It is non-negotiable and must be implemented with an effective safety program, proper training, and accurate record-keeping as Ontario law requires.
Mandatory operational requirements: Beyond safety compliance, you’ll need the right permissions to operate. This includes obtaining a City of Markham business licence where required, and any necessary Wholesale Agent and Broker Registration. If you hire employees, you’ll also need to follow Employment Standards, ensure WSIB coverage, and set up payroll processes to handle deductions correctly. These steps keep you compliant while you run daily operations.
Business Registration & Tax: For the business side, you’ll register for a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and you may need to register your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario if you’re using a name other than your own. You’ll also register for GST/HST if your revenue crosses the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. Payroll deductions and WSIB are additional obligations to plan for once you bring on staff.
Encouragement: Start with the basics and build from there. Begin by confirming OHSA requirements and creating a safety plan, then tackle licensing and registrations in order. If you’re unsure, talk to a local business advisor or regulatory expert who can map out the exact steps for Markham and your specific operation. You’re on the right track—taking these steps one by one will set you up for a solid start.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a wholesale trade agents and brokers in Markham:
-
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.
-
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).
-
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
-
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.
-
Wholesale Agent and Broker Registration RequiredWholesale agents and brokers must register, maintain proper records, comply with trade regulations, and meet bonding requirements for certain goods. No general wholesale license in Ontario. Industry-specific requirements apply: AGCO for liquor/cannabis wholesale, OMVIC for auto wholesale, TICO for travel wholesale. Business registration required. Municipal license may apply. Industry-specific regulations. Contact relevant regulatory body.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: