WhyDufferin · Answers

What permits do I need to start a business in Dufferin County?

Short answer

Most new businesses in Dufferin County need: a registered business name or corporation (ServiceOntario), a CRA Business Number and GST/HST registration once revenue passes $30,000, confirmation that zoning allows your use, and a building permit for renovations or change of use from your local municipality. Food, alcohol, farm and home businesses have extra steps. The Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre gives free help.

What permits do I need to start a business in Dufferin County?: sourced figures
Step	Who	Source
1. Book a free consultation with the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre	Orangeville & Area SBEC	Official source
2. Register your business name or corporation (sole proprietorship $60, corporation $300)	ServiceOntario	Official source
3. Get a CRA Business Number and register for GST/HST once revenue passes $30,000 over four quarters (or sooner by choice)	Canada Revenue Agency	Official source
4. Confirm zoning allows your use at the address before you sign a lease or buy	Your municipality (see community list)	Official source
5. Get a building permit before renovations, change of use or new construction	Your municipality (see community list)	Official source
6. Check grants and loans that match your stage	WhyDufferin funding finder	Official source
7. Add your business to the free WhyDufferin directory and meet local owners through the Dufferin Board of Trade	Dufferin Board of Trade	Official source
8. Check power, gas, water and internet at your address	WhyDufferin utilities guide (links to each utility)	Official source

Requirements depend on your activity and address. Checked 2026-10-20.

Common follow-up questions

Where can I get free help?

The Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (https://www.orangeville.ca/en/economic-development/small-business-enterprise-centre.aspx) gives free, confidential consultations for all of Dufferin County.

When must I register for GST/HST?

Once your taxable revenue passes $30,000 over four consecutive quarters, or earlier by choice.

Go further

General information only. This is not legal, financial or real-estate advice. Rates and fees change: confirm every figure with the municipality and agency named before you rely on it, and speak to an accountant or lawyer before you sign a lease, buy property or commit money. Free, confidential help: the Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (serves Dufferin County; 519-941-0440 ext. 7310, [email protected]).

Every figure links to its official source. Values not found in an official source say "not found". Data checked 2026-10-21.