Start a business

Have a great business idea? Find tools and resources to help you get your startup off the ground.

Ace your startup

Starting a business takes serious time and preparation. Browse our advice, tools and partnerships to help you create and fund your new business.

Plan your business

To start off on the right foot, make sure your idea is solid and you’re familiar with the process of starting a business in Canada. Next, create your business model, business plan and financial projections and choose a legal structure.

Inspiration

Develop your business idea and participate in a team challenge through the Cooperathon, an open innovation competition.

Learn more about the Cooperathon

Training

Get prepared and organized to start your business with the Transforming Ideas into Action course from the École des entrepreneurs du Québec.

Learn more about the course

Business plan

Take advantage of free resources from the École des entrepreneurs du Québec and learn how to create financial forecasts and a business plan for a startup. You can also develop your entrepreneurial skills through a wide range of online training options.

Learn more about the ÉEQ (site in French only)

Legal structure

Find information on which business structure to choose (such as a sole proprietorship or partnership) and which forms to fill out by going to these government websites:

Visit the Government of Canada website

Visit the Government of Quebec website

Legal documents

Get personalized assistance and legal document packages online through Scripta Legal.

See Scripta Legal’s packages

Finance your business

Once you’ve solidified your business idea, you can develop your financing strategy and figure out which options are best for you.

See our loans and financing solutions

Government programs and grants

Find start-up business grants and other sources of funding using the Fundica search tool.

Learn more about Fundica

Crowdfunding

Raise money for your startup with La Ruche’s crowdfunding platform.

Learn more about La Ruche

Social finance programs

If you don’t have access to conventional financing, you can apply for financial support through the Créavenir Youth Entrepreneurship and Desjardins Microcredit to Businesses programs.

See our social finance programs

Visa Business Freedom Solutions package

Get a 3-in-1 financing package tailored to the needs of your small business.

See the Visa Business Freedom Solutions package

Launch your business

To help make your business a success, we can help you find mentors, build your professional network and accelerate your growth.

Find a mentor

To get support for your entrepreneurial journey, tap into the experience of others through the mentoring services of Réseau Mentorat or Adopte Inc.

Learn more about Réseau Mentorat

Learn more about Adopte Inc.

Build your network

Take part in networking events like the OSEntreprendre challenge to make professional connections and get the word out about your new business.

Learn more about OSEntreprendre (in French only)

Grow your business

Get free coaching and resources for your new business through Accès entreprise Québec (AEQ), or find an incubator or accelerator through the MAIN network.

Learn more about AEQ (in French only)

Learn more about the MAIN network

Manage your business

Equip yourself with the right tools to run your business effectively.

Online services

Easily manage your business’s finances anytime and anywhere with our online services.

Learn about our online services

Global Payments solutions

Get an exclusive deal on payment solutions from Global Payments, including a $150 discount when you open a new account.

See our payment solutions

Solutions for employers

Take care of your employees and simplify your HR management with flexible and cost-effective solutions.

See our solutions for employers

Open a business account

Streamline your day-to-day operations and finances with a dedicated business account.

Open a business account

Contact us

Contact your account manager for personalized assistance. If you don't have an account manager, contact our team.

By phone

1-888-233-2473 Phone number for business account services in Canada and the United States. This link opens your phone app.

Or we can call you when it's convenient. 

Schedule a call