Business etiquette landmines to avoid when making a sales pitch to Japanese business owners. [more inside]
posted by 256 on Nov 14, 2012 - 7 answers

In Canada, what kind of (government) disability benefits can a separated, self employed person qualify for and how? [more inside]
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats on Oct 1, 2012 - 15 answers

I'm a web developer in Toronto who is currently operating as a sole proprietor. A prospective new client would really like to hire me for a major new project, but they can only deal with incorporated companies and cannot hire a sole prop. I'm looking for advice on incorporating from a) people in Canada and especially Ontario, but also from b) anyone who has any relevant advice about the experience of becoming an Inc., even if you are not Canadian. Yes, I will be engaging an accountant or lawyer for specific advice if I do decide to move forward, so I'm not worried that some specific advice may not be appropriate for my jurisdiction: I'm just trying to get a broad picture of what it's like (and some recommendations for lawyers/accountants). [more inside]
posted by maudlin on Aug 31, 2012 - 13 answers

I just started a new (technology) consulting business. We are incorporated in the US (Inc, not LLC). One of my first clients is located in Canada. You aren't my lawyer. The client wants to start work next week. The engagement will last about a week. What do I need to know (visa?, taxes?) before heading to Canada next Monday? [more inside]
posted by arimathea on Dec 21, 2011 - 9 answers

The Canadian Wheat Board's monopsony is being abolished. If I were a wheat farmer in Saskatchewan, what could I expect to see over the next five years? [more inside]
posted by twirlip on Oct 17, 2011 - 9 answers

I will be traveling to Toronto, Canada on business. How much questioning should I expect from Canadian officials regarding the purpose of my visit? [more inside]
posted by jeremias on Nov 29, 2010 - 5 answers

I need an accounting solution for small business. Difficult: in Canada. More difficult: on a Mac. [more inside]
posted by hamandcheese on Oct 13, 2010 - 6 answers

I'm launching a digital record label this month. I live in Canada on an unrestricted work permit. I'm still a US citizen. Can I incorporate? Should I incorporate? Where? [more inside]
posted by setanor on Oct 15, 2009 - 3 answers

I just got a new job in a retail store in Toronto, Canada. We want to import items from the USA and Europe in order to resell them. I am concerned about getting hit with customs/duty/taxes/broker fees/etc. What fees am I able to avoid and how can I avoid them. Who do I need to contact in order to get this stuff across the border as quickly and cheaply as possible. [more inside]
posted by You Should See the Other Guy on May 27, 2009 - 15 answers

I own with my partner a transcription service for film and TV production companies in Ontario. Recently, a company asked us to do something I consider slightly shady, and I'd like some opinions about what to do. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 15, 2007 - 21 answers

Opening a small business in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. What do I do to register a small business with the government? I've been interested in doing this for a few reasons, mostly because I want to work for myself (a good enough reason I know) but am unsure how to register it bureaucratically. [more inside]
posted by Napierzaza on Feb 14, 2006 - 11 answers

I'm a Canadian who has very recently bought a pre-owned computer for a business I'm starting. Can I claim it in the upcoming income tax? Should I have registered the business first, and then make the necessary purchases? What is the deadline for claiming small business expenses on income tax anyway?
posted by rinkjustice on Jan 17, 2006 - 5 answers

Online contact lenses. For the past year or two, I have been ordering contact lenses online. I've never been asked for a doctor's prescription before. Now it seems no site will allow me to order contact lenses without a doctor's prescription. What happened? The doctor who I saw for my contact lenses, I've long since forgotten his name. I just got a eyeglass checkup but skipped the contact lens because mine are working fine, and are cheaper online. Is there a canadien or foreign contact lens company someone can recommend that doesn't require a prescription?
posted by patrickje on Feb 6, 2004 - 5 answers