Start your business

Discover the key steps to starting your own business

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What does it take to be an entrepreneur? What do I need to do before starting a business? How do I prepare a business plan? How do I get my business up and running? How do I finance my new business? What do I do after I start my business?

Are you looking to start your own business? There’s a lot you need to know about launching a company—from writing a convincing business plan to securing the right amount of financing. By making informed decisions you can turn your business ideas into a reality.

What challenges are you facing?

Read on to learn more about starting a business.

What does it take to be an entrepreneur?

As the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, we know what it takes for you to become an entrepreneur in today’s competitive market.

What do I need to do before starting a business?

Rule No. 1: It's not enough to simply have a good idea to start a business. Successful entrepreneurs must first look at the market and plan realistically to achieve their objectives.

How do I prepare a business plan?

Every ounce of work at the planning stage is worth pounds of success at the execution stage. For a new business, it all comes together in a business plan.

How do I get my business up and running?

Getting a business off the ground can be a real challenge for even the most zealous start-ups, but the right mix of business acumen and creative thinking can help you secure a foothold in your market.

How do I finance my new business?

Access to start-up financing is essential for most new businesses, but for many entrepreneurs just starting out, their biggest challenge is getting adequate financing.

What do I do after I start my business?

When entrepreneurs go into business, they are naturally focused on their first weeks and months, but they should always take the time to sit down and think about future growth.