Most new businesses have to register with the federal government to obtain a business number. This 9-digit number is used to manage GST/HST, payroll deductions, and import/export accounts.
As an RSW, you may not need to register your business because RSWs, like some other health practitioners, are exempt from collecting GST/HST on many services. If you decide not to register your sole proprietorship or partnership, you can use your SIN for income tax returns. If you offer services that are not GST/HST exempt or you decide to incorporate, you will need to register for a business number.
If you choose to operate your business under a name that is different from your personal name, you need to ensure that the name has not already been taken. Business name searches are usually the first step of the business registration process.
Depending on your business model and where you live, you may need to register with your province/territory as well. To find out about your registration requirements and how to apply, please contact your provincial/territorial government directly.
Helpful Links
International
Create your business plan
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-busines...
International
Real Psych Practice Blog
www.realpsychpractice.com/blog/
Canada
Checklist for small businesses
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/sm/chcklst-eng.html
Canada
Starting a business
www.canadabusiness.ca
Canada
Canada Revenue Agency: Small business and self-employed information
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/sm/menu-eng.html
Canada
Canadian business news, articles and information www.canadaone.com
Canada
Service Canada: Starting a business
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/business.shtml
Alberta
Business programs and services
http://www.programs.alberta.ca/business/indexb.aspx?N=772
see starting a business
British Columbia
Small business B.C.
www.smallbusinessbc.ca
Saskatchewan
Start a business
http://www.saskatchewan.ca/work/manage-a-business/start-a-business
Manitoba
Starting a business
http://www.gov.mb.ca/business/startingsmart/index.html
Ontario
Small business advice, support services and regulations
http://www.ontario.ca/business-and-economy/small-business-advice-support...
Quebec
Start a business
http://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/entreprise/
New Brunswick
Starting your own business
http://www.welcomenb.ca/content/wel-bien/en/moving_here/business/startin...
Nova Scotia
Business advice and services http://business.novascotia.ca/en/home/businessprograms_info/businessadvi...
Prince Edward Island
Starting a business
http://www.opportunitiespei.ca/working-startabusiness
Newfoundland and Labrador
Starting a business http://www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/starting/index.html
Northern Canada
Starting a business in Nunavut www.nunavutbusinessguide.ca
Starting a business in Yukon
http://www.invest-yukon.com/
Business NWT
http://www.bdic.ca/canada-business-nwt/