How to start a Photography business in Ontario, Canada?

Hi there -

 

I have been researching quite a bit on small business start-up and

aquiring a business number (for tax purposes) in Ontartio - Small

business start-up is specific pronvincially. I have a feeling that

the 'usual' business start-up methods aren't what works for a

photographer. I am just beginning is the business world and could

really use any Canadian specific advice. If anyone out there would

like to fwd me examples of invoices, sales sheets etc...it'd be a

huge help!

 

Can anyone from Ontario, in the promotional/commercial photography

field please PLEASE give me some direction on where/how to go to get

started? (specifically, sales sheets, invoices and how to get a

business number and to be recognized by Revenue Canada)

 

Thanks Incredibly!!

 

Katt Topolniski

Not sure about Canada. In the US, keep your day job and do photography on the side. This is a horrible time to start this kind of business. Wait until economy perks up and get in on the front-end, so when the hard times hit again, you'll probably survive.

<a href="../addHit?OpenAgent&http://bsa.cbsc.org/gol/bsa/interface.nsf/engdoc/0.html" class="cluster" title="External link: Business Start-Up Assistant">Business Start Up - www.canada.gc.ca</a>

Seek the advice of friendly, established shooters who are already established in business there, and the local Chamber of Commerce, and an accountant who is certified or chartered. As for all legal documents and procedures, check with the tax revenue people and those who regulate small business, usually found in city hall. Here, in King George's Farms, we have the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA). Surely you British Subjects have something similar. As for stationery forms, ie: invoices, sales forms, statememts, etc., there are still business form printers and those who sell and design software for these purposes. Finally, to go into the photography business in a serious way, you'll need two things for sure besides knowing photo, to wit: you must be a born and dedicated problem solver, and you must know business works. A smart puppy doesn't have to be shown the stick before it's thrown.

There is a book called:<br>

"Business and Legal Forms for Photographers (Business and Legal Forms)"<br>

by Tad Crawford<p>

 

You can find it on Amazon or Chapters. I don't have any direct experience on how good it is (2 out of 2 people on amazon gave it 5 stars)<p>

 

Also check out:<br>

<a href=http://www.cbsc.org/ontario>http://www.cbsc.org/ontario</a>