General

Small Business Resources

From the business coaching professionals at Mentor Works Ltd.

The following is a list of online resources, tools and other helpful information for the small business owner (see also Canadian Federal Business Resources and Ontario Regional Business Resources):

Online Tools

Business Number (BN) Registration Register here for a Business Number for the following Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) accounts: Goods & Services Tax (GST), Payroll deductions, Import/Export and Corporate Income Tax.
Business Online Services A complete listing of online services from the government of Ontario.
Business Plan Templates and Samples

 Templates to ensure your business plan includes the information banks need to make a decision on financing your project.
Craig’s List – Ontario Classifieds For both goods and services, bought and sold. An unbelievable resource.
Goods & Services Tax (GST) Online Registration If your gross revenue (total sales before deducting expenses) will total more than $30,000 in any twelve-month period, then you must register for the GST.
Multi Web Concepts Domain names and website hosting options that are incredibly inexpensive and easy to use.
Ontario Business Registration & Renewal

Register or renew your business, and apply to the Ontario Ministry of Revenue for the Retail Sales Tax (RST) and Employer Health Tax (EHT), and to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Ontario Taxes File, pay and view Ontario business taxes online.
Record of Employment on the Web Canadian government service where employers can create, print and submit ROE forms via the internet, send one or many ROEs, receive instant validation and more.
SR & ED Tax Credit Self Assessment Tool See if you qualify for the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit.

Business Knowledge & Resource Materials

Business Insurance – Insurance Bureau of Canada Some of the types of insurance you may need to consider include: general liability, errors and omissions, inventory and assets, vehicle and bonding.
Company Directories by Industrial Sector Search for Canadian companies using four different methods: Industrial category, keywords, NAICS code, and Industry Canada’s specialized company directories.
Conserving Energy

 An excellent source for business owners looking for ways to conserve energy.  Information on Ontario incentives and rebates.
Employment Standards Act Before you hire an employee, it is important to know what their rights are. Download a copy from this site.
Importing Exporting Information

 If exporting is part of your business plan, you’ll want to visit this site. Also visit: Canada Border Services Agency and the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
Incorporate a Business Learn how to incorporate your company nationally, establishing it as a distinct legal entity.
Language Addicts Memorize 1000 words per weeks, perfect tones, and for all things language related.
Priceline.com – Cheap Airfare

 Airlines worldwide and you may bid in increments of $50. Also visit Fly Europe, Within Europe and Ryanair for European deals.
Web 2.0 – SME Direct (Small and Midsized Businesses)

 Information for SME about Web 2.0, a collective term that refers to many websites, tools and technologies that enable online interactivity, networking, sharing and collaboration.
Working Capital Solutions Export Development Canada can help you access a performance guarantee for your contract without tying up your cash or operating line.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) The WSIB covers most industries in Ontario. Employers must pay into the accident fund through assessments on their payrolls.

Financial Calculators

Cost of Borrowing Calculator From Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs, a good tool for comparison of visa, line of credit and rent-to-own options.
Financial Analysis Using Ratios Data is compared for multiple consecutive periods to determine if the business’s performance is following a predictable course. Following and reacting to these trends is your first line of strategic defense.
Lease or Buy Calculator This tool helps decide whether to buy or lease business equipment by displaying the comparative costs of both options while taking into consideration the tax implications. Also visit the Credit Card Interactive Tool and the Exchange Calculator.

Behavioural Assessment

Johari Game The game that corporations use to enhance teamwork, leadership, diversity, and intra-organizational issues.
Personality Assessment The top leaders have one thing in common – self-awareness. Do you know how you are wired behaviorally? Find out with this great website.
The Mind Gym Tools, tests and quizzes to help with stress and time management.

Contact Mentor Works today to learn more about other ways our professional business coaches can help your small business.