IMMIGRAFAIRES - Guide For Immigrants Who Want To Start A Business in Québec

IMMIGR AFFAIRES
Guide for immigrants who want to start a business in Qubec 2010 EDITION
This guide was produced by SAJE
This guide was designed and produced by : SAJE 505 Ren-Lvesque West, suite 510 Montral (Qubec) H2Z 1Y7 514-861-7253 www.sajeenaffaires.org www.immigraffaires.org
This guide was produced with the nancial support of the ministre des Affaires municipales, des Rgions et de lOccupation du territoire.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any graphic, electronic or mechanical means whatsoever is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the author.
Legal deposit: Bibliothque et Archives nationales du Qubec, 2009. National Library of Canada, 2009. ISBN 978-2-9811546-0-6
Project supervision: Vincent Lecorne Coordination: Hlne Veilleux Research: Hlne Veilleux, Mihail Matache, Caroline Delorme, Nawal Hanani Writing: Hlne Veilleux, Mihail Matache, Caroline Delorme, Andr Menand, Me Frdric Letendre, Me Maude Frchette Copywriting: Yasmina El Jama Translation: Wendi Peterson, C.Tr. Graphic design: Denise Dupaul Printing: Gibraltar The information in this guide should be considered a guideline. To determine whether any changes have been made to this information, we recommend that you contact the reference organizations directly. The masculine form is used in this document for the sole purpose of simplifying the text.
The interior pages of this guide are printed on 100 % recycled paper
SAJE acknowledgements
The ImmigrAffaires guide is the result of extensive collaboration with many participants without whom the project would never have been achieved. First and foremost, the SAJE would like to thank our nancial partner, the ministre des Affaires municipales, des Rgions et de lOccupation du territoire, for its interest in immigrant entrepreneurship. Vincent Lecorne, assistant executive director of the SAJE, supervised the project with skill and enthusiasm, and for this we thank him. Hlne Veilleux, management and orientation consultant with the SAJE, coordinated the project, and we owe her our thanks and congratulations for her commitment and attention to detail. Several organizations also contributed to the creation of the ImmigrAffaires guide. We would like to thank all the following contributors and organizations whose invaluable assistance made it possible for the SAJE to provide promoters and entrepreneurs with a complete and thorough guide: the ministre de lImmigration et des Communauts culturelles, the ministre des Affaires municipales, des Rgions et de lOccupation du territoire, Valrie Vinuesa from Acto-Marketing, Vanessa Kanga from the Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Cte-des-Neiges, Marie-Pierre Veilleux from the Montral Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Saliou Coundoul from the Chantier dAfrique du Canada, Danny Roy and Ricardo Acevedo from the Confrence rgionale des lus de Montral, Robinson Mose from the Corporation de dveloppement conomique communautaire Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Anissa Kherrati from the Corporation de dveloppement conomique communautaire Cte-des-Neiges/Notre-Dame-de-Grce, Didier-K. Muamba from the Corporation de dveloppement conomique communautaire Rosemont/Petite-Patrie, Aziz Guellouz from Dveloppement conomique LaSalle, Jacinthe Daoust from Info entrepreneurs, Cyriaque Sumu from Interconnexion Nord-Sud, Linda Boughettaa from the PITREM, Komlan Messie from the Rseau des Entrepreneurs et Professionnels Africains, Abderrahmane Bnariba from the Service daide aux jeunes entrepreneurs Montral Centre and Nawal Hanani, Sylvain Martin, Jrme Matas, Caroline Trudel, Julia Vallelunga, Nizar Zaghdani, Manon Bisaillon, and Aurlie Alaume from the SAJE. Several immigrant entrepreneurs also helped enrich this guide by sharing their experiences with us: Nguyen Dinh Ba from Dinh Ba Design, Gilles Barbot from Esprit de corps, Alexandre Pernetta from La Cuisine de Lili Margot, Mourad Ghariani from Les Aliments Magrebia inc., Yasmina El Jama from Mdia et Rdacktica Pro, Susana Jimenez from Ptisserie S&S, Medhi Benboubakeur from Magazine Russir Ici and Magatte Fall from Transafrique Canada inc. Finally, our warmest thanks to our legal advisors Maude Frchette and Frdric Letendre of Lafortune Cadieux, s.e.n.c.r.l., whose wealth of knowledge afforded us valuable advice.
Michel Fortin Executive Director SAJE
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a message from our executive director
Here in Qubec, immigrant entrepreneurs are welcomed with open arms!

In recent years, more and more immigrants have been deciding to settle in Qubec. The newcomers are mainly from Morocco, France, China, Algeria, Romania, Columbia, Mexico, India, Haiti and Lebanon. Many decide to leave their home country to improve their economic situation. Qubec society has to be ready to welcome these immigrants and assist them in their social and professional adjustment process. Some of these newcomers will look for jobs, but others will decide to create their own businesses as entrepreneurs. These new arrivals have as much to offer the business world as people of Qubec origin. Our primary goal is to give them information and training. Then we will give them the tools to make the Qubec business model work for them, so their business will be a success. We welcome all immigrants who want to set up a business in Montral. Their expertise and cultural background can be signicant factors in the creation of their own business. It is up to us to support them and direct them toward the appropriate resources. SAJE is increasingly aware of the needs of our immigrant clients, and as such we have signed agreements with organizations that deal directly with newcomers. The various cultural communities are among the most effective incubators of entrepreneurship in Montral, so it is particularly important to build a solid and united network of entrepreneurs. Since our challenge is to open up to the new realities and emerging needs of our clients, it made a lot of sense for us to develop a reference guide. Today we are especially proud to unveil the ImmigrAffaires guide. ImmigrAffaires is a resource that provides a wealth of information to immigrants about the job market and the business world in Qubec. We hope that all this information and these references will help a growing number of immigrants leverage their own expertise to create thriving businesses here in Qubec. I wish all the best to all our immigrants.
Michel Fortin Executive Director SAJE
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financial partner
Going into business is an adventure, one that requires proper preparation, especially if you are starting out in a place that is not your country of origin, where you must decode a different business culture and learn what to do. This is what makes the ImmigrAffaires guide such an important tool. It assembles all kinds of information to give immigrants who want to start businesses in Qubec valuable data and references. Using the guide will make it easier to set up and launch a planned business, as well as integrate it with the citys business community. Every new arrival who comes to Qubec has a cultural background, knowledge and experience that enrich our society. This is especially true of entrepreneurs, go-getters who have determination and vision. Their drive, creativity, innovative approach and original ideas propel the development of Qubecs economy. I wish every success to those who dare to take on the challenge.
Laurent Lessard Minister for Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
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table of contents
PREFACE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 LEGAL PREFACE .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 INTRODUCTION .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
FROM IDEA TO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Part 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 BEING AN IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR IN QUBEC Your status Importance of the official language Recognition of diplomas, trades, permits and competency certicates Challenges for entrepreneurs during start-up Part 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 BUSINESS RULES AND CULTURE IN QUBEC Importance of culture in business Interpersonal relationships in business Specific characteristics of the business culture in Qubec Importance and practicalities of business networking in Qubec Part 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL SUCCESS OF YOUR PROJECT Are you meant to be an entrepreneur? Is your idea really a business opportunity?
FROM PLANNING TO START-UP

Part 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 BUSINESS START-UP PROCESS IN QUBEC Different ways to go into business Importance of the business plan and models of business plans Choice of corporate structure Business registration Required permits, licenses and insurances Intellectual property
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Marketing strategies and customer service Sources of financing Location and where to look for business premises Commercial lease Imports and exports
table of contents
Part 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 PROGRAMS AND COURSES FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS IN QUEBEC Part 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 THE ACCOUNTING AND TAX SYSTEM IN QUBEC Income taxes GST (goods and services tax) and QST (Qubec sales tax) Source deductions and contributions Bookkeeping Part 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 LABOUR STANDARDS IN QUBEC Human resources management Public holidays Act respecting Labour Standards Recourse Minimum wage Withholding taxes and contributions Hire an employee Human rights Self-employed workers rights to employment insurance benefits and parental leave benets ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 CONCLUSION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BIBLIOGRAPHY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 APPENDICES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 GLOSSARY .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
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From Algeria to Qubec
preface
Having started two businesses in Algeria, I understand that achieving a goal can take some time. The task can be a challenge, and the road is all the harder when the entrepreneur is an immigrant. When I arrived in Montral, my decision to start a business was not solely motivated by the desire to create wealth by bringing a business idea to life. I also viewed the project as an important factor in my own integration. Whether or not they are immigrants, entrepreneurs all come bearing plans that exemplify the challenge of innovation. They venture outside their comfort zones and face down their fears. And it is not unusual for entrepreneurs to encounter resistance concerning the originality or viability of their projects. They need lots of willpower and patience to achieve their goals. The face of Qubec has changed profoundly in the last few decades. In anticipation of major economic and demographic challenges, Qubec has begun to rely on the contributions of immigrants. I am convinced that the ideas of people from the four corners of the earth have helped establish and communicate the image of a creative and innovative Qubec society. According to small business nancing surveys carried out by Industry Canada, the number of businesses belonging to visible minorities increased by 25% from 2004 to 2007. Those belonging to new arrivals doubled. Furthermore, visible minorities and new arrivals hold a majority stake in about 20% of businesses in the knowledge industry. The entrepreneurs who direct these businesses demonstrate great creativity, in part due to their cultural background in a market where economic competition is erce. And lets remember that for centuries, business has nurtured not only the economic integration of business owners but their social integration as well. Encouraging integration through business creation relies on coaching, but the specic needs of every entrepreneur are very different. Thats only to be expected, given the incredible diversity of entrepreneurial profiles: a retailer does not necessarily have the same needs as a small business owner, an entrepreneur in the start-up phase or someone practising one of the liberal professions. In addition to coaching, what new entrepreneurs really need is a reliable source of information that clearly explains the ins and outs of the Qubec business world. The ImmigrAffaires guide fulls this very need by combining valuable information, a wealth of practical tips and guidelines, as well as the contact information for a variety of stakeholders, organizations, and nancial institutions that can contribute to the success of the business venture. Finally, we can improve our chances of success by developing a solid business network and accessing mentors who can share with us the most valuable fruit of their efforts: their knowledge. Mehdi Benboubakeur Co-founder and CEO Magazine Russir Ici
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legal preface
Everyone is presumed to know the law!

When you launch a start-up or acquire an existing business, you will no doubt encounter a whole variety of pitfalls, but you will achieve victories as well. One of the best ways to make sure this experience is a success is to surround yourself with the right people. Its true: one of the keys to business success is the team you work with. Its risky to suppose you can do it all by yourself. In Qubec, an accountant and a lawyer are indispensable partners in business start-up or acquisition. These professionals should be part of your team, because everyone is presumed to know the law. Whether theyre born in Qubec, have just arrived in Canada or have been here for 10 years, all Quebecers are subject to the same laws and are treated equally under the law. Dont imagine that since youve only been here six months youll be exempted from any of the rules related to the signature of your commercial lease or the incorporation of your rm. Too often, in my job, I run into tricky situations that have a signicant negative impact on entrepreneurs, their nances and their families situations that could easily have been avoided if the entrepreneur had consulted a lawyer. Unlike some other countries, North American business lawyers can be engaged to act as business consultants when there are no matters in dispute, thus providing preventive advice. For example, entrepreneurs should hire a lawyer even before they incorporate in order to avoid common errors and anticipate various aspects of the new companys growth. Likewise, corporate bylaws and legal structure may differ enormously from one country to another. To some extent, laws reect the choices and values of the society that creates them. Not surprisingly, issues and disputes are not organized and resolved in the same way all over the world. When it comes to contracts, business relations, incorporation and many other business-related issues, Qubec is governed by its own legal rules. Even though we have a Civil Code and speak French, our legal practices are not identical to those of France or Belgium. So it is important to be well informed before doing anything you will later regret. The ImmigrAffaires guide includes chapters on legal matters. The success or failure of your business project will depend on a host of social, cultural, human, accounting, legal, taxation, and marketing factors, etc. The purpose of the ImmigrAffaires guide is to put you in touch with resources that can help you understand and take charge of all these success factors. I hope that SAJE and the ImmigrAffaires guide will be an integral part of your team. Frdric Letendre Lawyer and Trademark Agent Lafortune Cadieux, s.e.n.c.r.l. and Chair of the Board of Directors of SAJE
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Dear readers,
introduction
We hope you enjoy ImmigrAffaires, the guide for immigrants who want to start a business in Qubec. This volume will guide you throughout the process of your business start-up. Portrait of Qubec businesses Small businesses account for nearly 50% of all jobs in Qubec. About three-quarters of Qubec companies employ ve or fewer people, and about 98% of them employ fewer than 100. The threshold of 100 employees or fewer is often used to dene what we call small businesses. According to a May 2008 study by the ministre du Dveloppement conomique, de lInnovation et de lExportation du Qubec, nearly 30,000 businesses are created every year in Qubec, 92% of which have fewer than ve employees. These new businesses exhibit keen resolve in developing new niches, using new technologies and marketing innovative goods and services. Companies that have been in business for just one year create about 20-25% of the new jobs in Qubec. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees are the main driver of the economy. In 2002, small businesses contributed to the creation of nearly 90% of new jobs. And almost nothing has changed since then, because small businesses are still creating new jobs, even during the current economic slowdown. As an immigrant, you have skills and professional experience that may set you apart from established Qubec businesses. Entrepreneurship draws deeply on your knowledge and your personal background. All you have to do is transform your idea into a business opportunity that will be rewarding for you and for Qubec. This guide is a reference tool. To make your business project a success, you should and we strongly recommend that you do make contact with one of the business start-up assistance organizations described in this document. The information presented here provides the main guidelines for starting a business in Qubec, but your efforts will only be complete if you seek the help of competent resources. Before you get started Before you take the rst steps toward creating your business, you need to ask yourself whether you are comfortably settled in Qubec. Are your basic needs met (housing, food, clothing, etc.)? If not, please go to Appendix 1 to nd the names of some organizations that can help you. It is important for you to be well settled before you go into business. That way you can dedicate yourself fully to your business project and devote your attention to achieving your business idea.
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IMMIGR AFFAIRES PART 1

being an immigrant entrepreneur in Qubec
PART 1
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Originally from Viet Nam President and designer Dinh Ba Design www.dinhbadesign.com
Nguyen Dinh Ba
It is important to surround yourself with experienced people, to establish a vision of the future, and to pay close attention to every point of sale, because they are your guarantee of a prosperous future for the company.
PART 1

If you are an immigrant, starting a business can be a way to contribute to your new country and achieve one of your own dreams. No matter what your personal situation is, you have to be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a Canadian citizen in order to create or operate a business in Canada.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
economic development corporation) in your borough: see the list of CLDs and CDECs in Montral in Appendix 2 or visit one of the following sites: www.acldq.qc.ca, www.mdeie.gouv. qc.ca or www.mamrot.gouv.qc.ca K Carrefours jeunesse-emploi (CJE) (youth employment centre) for entrepreneurship information: see the list of CJEs in Montral in Appendix 3 or go to the CJE Network website at www.cjereseau.org K YES Montral (Youth Employment Services) services for Anglophones: 514-878-9788 or www.yesmtl.org K Compagnie-F Entrepreneurship for women: 514-381-7333 or www.compagnie-f.org K Other resources can be found in Appendix 4.
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Citizenship and Immigration Canada 1-888-242-2100 www.cic.gc.ca Immigration-Qubec 514-864-9191 www.immigrationquebec.gouv.qc.ca To nd out more about the use of French in businesses, general obligations concerning the language of work, commerce and business, violations, nes and sanctions, contact the Ofce qubcois de la langue franaise 1-888-873-6202 www.olf.gouv.qc.ca
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Your status
It is very important for you to know what your status is before embarking on a business start-up. If you are uncertain about the status of your immigration le, you can nd out from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. To obtain integration services for immigrants, please consult the ministre de lImmigration et des Communauts culturelles website at www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca I am a landed immigrant or Canadian citizen and I want to start a business If you want to create or start a business, you can get information about a variety of services, training opportunities, activities, etc., from the following business support organizations: K Info entrepreneurs : 514-496-4636 or www.entreprisescanada.ca K Services Qubec-Entreprises : 514-644-4545 or www.entreprises.gouv.qc.ca K SAJE : 514-861-7253 or www.sajeenaffaires.org K Service daide aux jeunes entrepreneurs Montral Centre : 514-485-7253 or www.sajemontrealcentre.com K Centre local de dveloppement (CLD) (local development centre) or Corporation de dveloppement conomique communautaire (CDEC) (community
Importance of the official language

French in Qubec
In the rest of Canada, the ofcial languages are English and French, but in Qubec French is the only ofcial language. The French Language Charter, often called Bill 101, obliges businesses in Qubec to use French in their commercial signage. All companies must also offer both oral and written services in French. Businesses that do not comply with Bill 101 on French signs are in violation of the law and liable to a ne. In Qubec, the language of business is French, but companies may also use other languages.
French courses
There are a number of organizations that assist immigrants in their efforts to learn French. You can enrol in a program that reects your grasp of the language and your needs. The Qubec government places a good deal of importance on learning French. Many free French courses are available, and grants are offered by the ministre de lImmigration et des Communuts culturelles (MICC) under cetain conditions.
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to grant certicates or permits to qualied individuals. A list of professions governed by professional orders can be found in Appendix 5. If you did your training abroad, you have to submit to a competency recognition process. To recognize your training or diploma, the order may also require you to complete a study program, internship or examination. It is in your best interests to contact the professional order in question before you come to Qubec, so you can evaluate the steps you will have to take to obtain a license and register with the order.
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Ofce des professions du Qubec www.opq.gouv.qc.ca or 1-800-643-6912 Conseil interprofessionnel du Qubec (The association of professional orders of Qubec) www. professions-quebec.org or 514 288-3574 Commission de la construction du Qubec (CCQ) www.ccq.org or 514-341-2686 Rgie du btiment du Qubec www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca 514-873-0976 Immigration-Qubec www.immigration-quebec. gouv.qc.ca
Full-time and part-time courses are offered in all the regions of Qubec. Anyone can sign up through the MICC website at www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca, in the Learn French in Qubec section. You can also improve your French directly online at www.francisationenligne.gouv.qc.ca. The school boards offer French courses too. For more information, visit the ministre de lducation, du Loisir et du Sport website at www.mels.gouv.qc.ca
Trades in the construction industry
The Building Act requires everyone who wishes to act as a construction contractor to hold a license issued by the Rgie du btiment du Qubec (RBQ). For more information, please refer to the RBQ website at www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Furthermore, to practise a regulated construction trade in Qubec, you need a competency certicate issued by the Commission de la construction du Qubec (CCQ). The certificate attests that you have the skills needed to work on Qubec worksites. The construction industry comprises two major job categories: trades and occupations. Unlike occupations, trades are subject to an apprenticeship process that is established by regulation. There are 26 trades and some 40 occupations. To learn more about construction industry trades and occupations, refer to the Commission de la construction du Qubec (CCQ) website at www.ccq.org or call 514-341-2686.
Recognition of diplomas, trades, permits and competency certicates

Regulated professions and trades
Depending on the profession or trade you want to practise in your business, you may need to obtain authorization from a regulatory organization. This is the case if, for example, you want to practise a profession that is governed by a professional order or a trade in the construction industry.
For information on regulated professions and trades, please go to the Immigration-Qubec website at www.immigration-quebec. gouv.qc.ca, and look in the Employment section. This section also offers information on obtaining an valuation comparative des tudes effectues hors du Qubec (Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Qubec).
Challenges for entrepreneurs during start-up
Professions governed by a professional order

Professional orders are mandated to protect the public, and as such they have the power to set access criteria and standards of practice, to evaluate competencies and diplomas, and
The decision to start or take over a business may be rooted in a business opportunity, a need for personal achievement, a dream clamouring to be realized or any number of other reasons. Challenges of varying degrees may arise before, during or after the start-up process, so you have to be ready for them in order to respond effectively. Here are a few of the obstacles you might encounter.
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3 Financial
order to maximize your business opportunities. Part 2 of this guide will provide you with more details on this important aspect of your business success.
PART 1
The initial start-up investment is often the biggest obstacle to nancing it. There are, however, many nancial institutions and organizations that offer loans (under certain conditions) to entrepreneurs who have a good idea and an excellent business plan.
Risks and personal implications
3 Informational
The business start-up process will not necessarily be self-explanatory to you as an immigrant and future entrepreneur. The most important thing is to knock at the right doors. One fast, reliable way to nd business information is to phone Info Entrepreneurs at 514-496-4636 or go to www.entreprisescanada.ca
Counsellors at one of the many business start-up organizations (see list in Appendix 2) can also help you nd your way for free!
Being an entrepreneur requires energy and time. To understand the commitment demanded by entrepreneurship, you need to learn more about it and everything it involves. You should be aware of the personal and professional implications it entails. Are you ready to deal with all these conditions and obstacles? Here is some food for thought to help you gure out whether you are suited for the entrepreneurial lifestyle and whether you have what it takes to make your project a success. Advantages : 3 Create your own job 3 Take advantage of a business opportunity that allows you to bring your ideas to life 3 Make use of your full potential and feel accomplished 3 Spend your time doing something other than the typical 9-to-5 routine, etc. Personal implications: 3 Work long hours for the company 3 Dedicate a lot of time to your business project 3 Earn a lower income for a given period, etc. Professional implications: 3 Understand that the start-up process is slow 3 Take and take responsibility for calculated risks 3 Understand that everything is resting on your shoulders 3 Deal with economic difculties and manage almost constant stress 3 Take on several roles (prospecting, production, development), etc. Advice: You may need to take a job in another organization if your own business is bringing in little or no income. This will allow you to pay your personal bills. It can also be a good opportunity to get more work experience and develop your network of contacts in Qubec, which will be useful in your future business dealings.
3 Linguistic
To start a business in Qubec, it is crucial to know the provinces ofcial language, which is French. If you cant communicate well in French, you can sign up for French courses with a recognized organization.
3 Technical
You will almost always need a business plan to get any type of nancing loans or grants. A business plan is a document that helps you structure your business idea, from the business offer to planning and market studies to market planning, operations management and nancial projections. Your business plan is your passport to achieving your business goals.
3 Cultural
What is considered normal in one culture may be anything but in another. Your cultural background will affect your reaction to the cultural differences you encounter as you adjust to your new home and even for many years afterward. If you feel that you are going through culture shock, visit the Canadian International Development Agency at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca for information and advice.
3 Networking
As a future entrepreneur, you need to expand your professional networks in
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PART 2
business rules and culture in Qubec
PART 2
Originally from Morocco President and certied editor Mdia et Rdaktica Pro www.media-redaktica.com
Yasmina El Jama
It is crucial to spread the word about your company by joining associations and chambers of commerce, and by getting involved as a volunteer on a board of directors. That visibility will denitely pay off.
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business rules and culture in Qubec

Importance of culture in business
From one country to another, lifestyle, customs and daily habits may change. Thats why it is so crucially important, for the success of your business, to understand the cultural differences, perceptions, stereotypes and values of Qubec. Some cultural mistakes can cost you clients or cause you to lose a business opportunity. You need to model your behaviour on the people who come from the country where you will be doing business. To improve your understanding of Qubec culture, make a list of the specic characteristics of your native country, the reasons you emigrated, the languages you speak and write, your religion, your old jobs, your personal and professional status, your beliefs, your family background, and so on. By becoming more aware of who you are and where you are from, you will improve your understanding of Qubec culture. Montral is a multicultural city where business is carried out in a variety of ways, so it is important to watch and learn.
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K Go see a performance or play at your
local Maison de la culture centre
K Volunteer at your local community K Go to neighbourhood events and chat
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with other families things you say
K Take note of peoples reactions to the
Specic characteristics of the business culture in Qubec

In Qubec, there are a few business rules that are very important to uphold, even though they may seem ofcial and ofcious. It is very important for immigrants to pay close attention to the specic characteristics of the Qubec business world.
Attitudes and behaviours to adopt

We have put together a short description of some common behavioural traits of Qubec businesspeople, but it is only by spending time with them that you will learn how to behave and react in various situations.
Interpersonal relationships in business

To help you improve your interpersonal and professional relationships and nurture their development, we would like to share some tips and advice:
K Get involved in a business network K Go to shopping centres and watch
Customary practices
how people interact expression
K Buy books on Qubec culture and K Read books by Qubec authors K Speak to your neighbours K Read your neighbourhood newspaper
and take part in community activities
1. In Qubec, when you meet someone for the rst time and you are speaking to them in French, it is best to say Monsieur or Madame and to address them as vous. In English, say Mr. or Ms. and use the persons last name. 2. After meeting with the same clients or business partners a few times, you can usually start calling them by their rst name. 3. At business meetings, it is customary to shake hands rmly when you arrive and when you leave. 4. Quebecers are punctual and associate punctuality with respect. Always be on time, and if you think you might be delayed, call the person you are meeting before the meeting begins. Apologize for being late as soon as you arrive.
PART 2 business rules and culture in Qubec

5. It is best to arrive ve minutes early for any meeting. 6. It is considered rude to speak in a foreign language in front of people who dont understand it well. 7. It is best to turn off your cell phone during meetings. If you are expecting an important call, put your phone on vibrate, slip out of the room quietly and excuse yourself when you return. 8. When you promise someone a service, a price, etc., you have to deliver what you agreed. Your credibility may be affected if you do not deliver what you promised. The value of your word is at stake! 9. In Qubec, the hierarchy is relatively flexible. You may contact a higherup or an executive directly, with no intermediary, to invite them to come and meet with you. Relationships tend to be friendly rather than formal. 10.Quebecers are curious and may ask you questions about your background without necessarily wanting to establish a personal friendship. 11.Government employees cannot accepts donations or presents in anyway related to their ofcial functions. and greeting people are appreciated and expected.
Professional and business discussions
Recommended business attire
1. Depending on the kind of meetings you are attending, the appropriate attire may range from classic and conservative to relaxed (for example, business suit and tie for a negotiation meeting and more casual attire for a happy hour in a restaurant). 2. To avoid displeasing or distracting your clients or partners, please do not wear cologne. Some of the people you are meeting with may even be allergic to perfume.
Body language and eye contact
1. Direct eye contact is valued and appreciated in conversations between two or several people. For Quebecers, this attitude demonstrates your sincerity and interest in the conversation. 2. Quebecers rarely touch each other while conversing. They maintain a distance of about 60 centimetres. They feel uncomfortable when this personal space is invaded. 3. Common courtesies such as opening and holding the door for others, smiling,
1. In Qubec, business meetings are structured around a schedule that outlines the points of discussion. 2. It is common to begin the discussion with some informal talk about sports, the weather, etc., and to end on a positive note. Business is discussed in the middle of the meeting. 3. Business cards are exchanged at a rst meeting. 4. In Qubec, men and women are treated equally in business. If a woman asks you a question, make eye contact and direct your response to her. 5. If you invite a business partner to a restaurant, make sure you take care of the bill, because the inviter is usually expected to pay. 6. For a business meeting at a restaurant, we recommend that you go somewhere you know well, so you can be sure there are no nasty surprises. If your guest orders a drink (wine, beer, etc.), it is considered polite to order one too. If your guest does not order any alcohol, it is considered impolite to do so. 7. Calmness and tolerance are valued by Quebecers during negotiations. Personal or disrespectful statements can spoil your business relations. Above all, avoid raising your voice and getting into conict with your partners or clients! In general, people who stay calm are highly regarded. 8. During negotiations, be prepared to give reasons to justify an offer or a price. 9. During a business or negotiation meeting, Quebecers speak in turn. It is not considered polite to interrupt each other. 10. In conversation, it is better to go directly to the point, rather than speaking for a long time.
Importance and practicalities of business networking in Qubec

Business networking means meeting with other people to develop relationships that will be benecial for the business.
PART 2
PART 2 business rules and culture in Qubec

You can participate in different activities organized by people in the business world in order to expand your network of professional contacts. These activities are often great opportunities to nd business partners, clients, suppliers, mentors, and so on. The kind of activities offered include breakfasts, lunches or dinner, cocktail hours, presentations, training events, etc. These events are often organized by Chambers of Commerce, associations or business groups. To become a member of a Chamber of Commerce or to learn more about the different business groups in your area or industry, turn to Appendix 6.
K Name of your business K Your first and last names and title
PART 2
Tips and advice
1. Join a business group as soon as you can and get involved in organizing activities related to your area of expertise. 2. Qubec businesspeople love networking activities so join in and get talking. And dont forget to pass out your business card! Sample business card :
(e.g., accountant, landscaper, owner, president, etc.) K Contact information (mailing address, phone number, fax number, email address, website address, etc.) 3. If you are embarrassed to go to a networking activity alone, nd a friend to go with you the rst few times. Over time, you will develop more condence and be less embarrassed to go alone. 4. Be prepared to shake hands and smile. These small gestures help start your business conversations on the right foot. 5. Dont be passive at networking activities. Speak to others and take part in discussions to show that you are interested. 6. Find a mentor. A mentor can guide you and offer valuable advice and references.
Repair Experts inc.

Joseph Adams
Business owner
505, Ren-Lvesque blvd. West Montral (Qubec) H2Z 1Y7 Phone : 514 555-1234 Joseph.adams@repair-experts.com www.repair-experts.com
Here is the information you should put on your business card
NOTE: You must have French business cards, although you may have cards in another language or bilingual cards. If the card is bilingual, the French must be at least as prominent as the other language.

evaluating the potential success of your project
PART 3
Originally from Senegal President Transafrique Canada Inc. www.transafriquecanada.com
Magatte Fall
To make your business project a success, you need to be self-condent, you need to be determined, and you need to really know your sector.
PART 3
evaluating the potential success of your project

Are you meant to be an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurial traits and characteristics
If you want to start a business and be your own boss, its a good idea to gure out whether you have the interests and personality to do it in short, whether you t the entrepreneurial prole. You will find here a summary of several studies on the traits and characteristics most often associated with entrepreneurs. This will help you decide whether you see yourself in these descriptions and whether the prole reects your personality. Table 1: Behavioural traits of an entrepreneur 1 Characteristics
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
Management skills
Some management skills are very useful in business. The Portail daffaires des jeunes entrepreneur website has created a list of skills and entrepreneurial abilities that can be developed with experience or through training.
PART 3
Personality traits: 3 Be dynamic: be motivated by practical 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 Self-condence 3 Tenacity, determination, commitment 3 Energy 3 Talent 3 Ability to take calculated risks 3 Need for self-actualization 3 Creativity 3 Initiative 3 Flexibility 3 Responsibility in the face of challenges 3 Independence 3 Foresight 3 Enthusiasm 3 Versatility, knowledge: product, 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
market, equipment Technological skills Good people skills Open to suggestion and criticism Prot-oriented Vision Optimism Tolerant of ambiguity and uncertainty Non-conformist Leadership
3 3 3 3 3
things and by the idea of using your energy to the fullest Have ambition, be positive and optimistic: be able to see the good side of things, believe in your own capacities Be resourceful: dont get caught up with a problem, nd solutions no matter what Have a sense of responsibility: be accountable, know how to live with the consequences of your decisions Be tenacious and determined: keep your objectives in mind and persevere even when the going gets tough Be creative and imaginative: be original, set yourself apart Have intuition, good business sense, curiosity: go beyond appearances, rely on your instincts Demonstrate adaptability, exibility: be able to adjust to changing situations Have good time management skills and excellent self-discipline: know how to make the most of your time and avoid wasting time Be independent: be able to function on your own, using your resources to the fullest Like risk: enjoy challenges Be pragmatic, have good judgment: have common sense, be practical and know how to question yourself Be versatile: know how to do many thingssometimes all at once Have an iron constitution, nerves of steel, and unassailable moral force
Management and direction traits: 3 Be able to make decisions quickly: identify 3 Know how to delegate, direct, take
possibilities, choose and take action leadership: be able to mobilize a group of people to direct them toward a shared goal 3 Have foresight and planning ability: be able to establish objectives, develop action plans, make predictions and resolve problems
1. Timmons, 1978; Hornaday, 1982; Chell, 1986; Blawatt, 1995.
PART 3 evaluating the potential success of your project

3 Know how to organize work: divide tasks,
coordinate and achieve objectives and mould diverse components into a coherent whole 3 Think systematically: know how to organize your work and follow a vital lead 3 Have initiative: be able to recognize opportunities and take action to achieve objectives 3 Have clear vision: be able to imagine the target future and develop various scenarios for achieving it If you are interested in doing other entrepreneur prole evaluation questionnaires, take a look at the following sites: 3 Online self-evaluation questionnaire: Am I the entrepreneur type?2 www.potentielentrepreneur.ca
3 Entrepreneurial self-assessment
www.bdc.ca (under Tools) The results wont guarantee the success of your business, but they will help you decide whether you are predisposed to entrepreneurship. The questionnaire may help you gure out whether you have the aptitudes and temperament you need to be a good businessperson.
PART 3
Feasibility checklist Go to www.bdc.ca and look under Starting a Business/ Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?
Social traits: 3 Communicate easily and be sociable:
understand verbal and non-verbal communications and transmit clear messages 3 Know how to negotiate: be able to convince others, sell your ideas 3 Know how to surround yourself with the right people: be able to create a good network of business relations and a team that is competent, responsible and committed
Author: M. Jean-Benot Aub
Is your idea really a business opportunity?
Every business idea has to be subjected to several assessment criteria (technical, social, marketing, business risk considerations) to determine whether it has commercial value.
Entrepreneurial prole
Most entrepreneurs are leaders. They have strong entrepreneurial skills and traits. Before you embark on the process of starting your business, you should consider evaluating your entrepreneurial prole. This self-reection exercise may help you make choices about your approach to entering the Qubec workforce. To nd out whether you match the entrepreneurial prole, we suggest you visit this website: www.prolentrepreneurial.org
Suppose you have a business idea, but you dont know whether it is really a business opportunity. Have you thought about every factor that will inuence the achievement process for your idea? To help you do this, we have developed a list of criteria3 and points for reection that you should answer before launching into your business start-up (Appendix 7).
2. Business Development Bank of Canada, www.bdc.ca 3. Canada Business, www.entreprisescanada.ca

business start-up process in Qubec
PART 4
Originally from France President Esprit de corps www.espritdecorps.biz
Gilles Barbot
Establish a business plan that reduces your xed costs to the absolute minimum. Incorporate and apply for one of the grants available to under-25s.
PART 4
business start-up process in Qubec

Choosing to start a business or create your own job is an important decision. You need to keep in mind all the steps to follow before your business will open its doors for the rst time. The choices you make will have long-term consequences.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
3 There are two main ways to buy an existing
business: Buy the companys assets (e.g., furniture, buildings, goodwill, brand name, etc.). You need to choose a new corporate structure to operate the business and transfer all the assets to it. Buy the shares of the business (if it is a corporation or a company). In this way you buy the entire business, with its continuity and assets.
PART 4
www.entreprises.gouv.qc.ca www.entreprisescanada.ca www.succesreleve.com www.acquizition.biz www.quebeccommerce.com
Different ways to go into business
There are three main ways to become a business owner. Each method has its own advantages and challenges that you should know about before you make a decision.
ADVANTAGES You are starting with an established basis. The client base is established and the network of suppliers and distributors already exists. You may benefit from the credibility established by the former owner. DISADVANTAGES Meeting the commitments of the former owner. Harder to make changes. Harder to develop credibility if the former owner had a bad reputation.
1. Starting from zero 3 This is the route chosen by most
entrepreneurs. 3 You are in charge of all the arrangements for setting up the business. 3 The risks are greater than when you purchase an existing business, but you have full control over everything. ADVANTAGES
More freedom to make decisions. Changes can be made relatively quickly. The cost of the start-up can be changed more easily, if necessary. DISADVANTAGES
Planning the start-up can take a long time. There is no existing customer base. Starting from zero involves higher risks, depending on the type of business, and nancing can be hard to obtain.
From success to succession The HEC Montral Chair of Small and Medium-size Business Development and Succession interactive website offers extensive information and many tools for ownerassignors and entrepreneur-successors. If you want to take over the family business, you will nd a lot of advice and useful information for a successful handover. Go to www. fromsuccesstosuccession.com
2. Buying the shares and assets of an existing company 3 This is the easiest way to go into business. 3 The business risks are often lower than 3
3. Acquire a franchise or concession
with the other methods, depending on the business that you buy. Before you seal the purchase offer, you have to do serious research.
A franchise is an authorization to intellectual property rights related to brand names, distinctive signs or knowledge for the sale and distribution of goods or services. Acquiring a franchise gives you the right, for a specic period of time, to operate your business
PART 4 business start-up process in Qubec

using the intellectual property rights of the franchisor. McDonalds, Subway and Rtisserie St-Hubert are example of franchises that can be purchased by individuals or groups.
3 You sign a contractual agreement with a
franchisor that lets you sell a product or service, based on the provisions of the franchise contract and usually within a specic protected territory. In practice, you own the business and assume the risks and management but are still accountable to the franchisor and have royalties to pay. If you acquire a franchise or a concession, you will probably have to start a company or corporation, depending on the requirements of the franchisor. ADVANTAGES
PART 4
www. occasionfranchise.ca www.franchiseguide.org
Why do you need a business plan?
A business plan is absolutely indispensable to you as an entrepreneur. It allows you to structure your ideas and establish a development strategy. A business plan also provides information about your business to nancial institutions, investors and suppliers by showing them how you plan to use their money, which denitely contributes to your projects credibility.
Lower risks. The client base is targeted. The brand name is established. DISADVANTAGES The cost of a franchise is often high. The franchisors products and services must be used and respected. Little room for creativity.
When should you prepare a business plan?
The sooner the better. The nal version of your business plan will probably differ from the rst draft, because you will be updating it, revising it and rening it as time goes by, but it is important for you to consider all the relevant factors as soon as possible. You dont want to have any nasty surprises after your business is already in operation.
Who should prepare the business plan?
Importance of the business plan and models of business plans

What is a business plan?4
A business plan is a recognized management tool used by prosperous businesses and future businesses in every industry. It denes the company objectives and sets out steps for achieving these goals within a specic timeframe. It is a written document that describes who you are, what you hope to accomplish, where your business is located, when you expect to start your activities and how you intend to overcome the risks inherent in your business idea to earn your projected income.
4. Info entrepreneurs : www.entreprisescanada.ca
The business plan should be prepared by the people who will be running the business. Advisors, consultants, accountants, bookkeepers and experienced entrepreneurs can be of great help, of course, but you have to draw up the initial plan yourself. Think long and hard about every aspect of your business plan in order to be sure you have a good overall understanding as well as intimate knowledge of all the details. To get help, show your business plan to other people to get constructive criticism and advice, and to draw on their experience to modify your plan, if needed.
Models of business plans
You can find guides for writing business plans, at one of the following websites: 3 Canada Business, Templates and Samples : www.newcanadabusiness.ca

3 Small business: www.smallbusinessbc.ca 3 Scotia Bank: www.scotiabank.com 3 RBC Royal Bank www.rbcroyalbank.com
We recommend that you base the rst draft of your business plan on a model plan.
Share corporation (compagnie or socit par actions) 3 A share corporation is a legal person
PART 4
Choice of corporate structure

The legal forms of business5, 6, 7
There are several legal forms of business in Qubec, including sole proprietorship (entreprise individuelle in French), general partnership (socit en nom collectif), share corporation (called compagnie when constituted under Qubec provincial law and a socit par actions when constituted under federal law), limited partnership (socit en commandite), cooperative (cooperative) and not-for-profit organization (organisme sans but lucratif). Several factors may influence the choice of the legal form of your business: the number of people involved, whether or not it is for-prot, the projected sales gures, the inherent implications of each form, and so on. Depending on the criteria established, a business might be a for-prot organization, a not-for-prot organization or a cooperative. Every business has to operate under a specic legal form, so it is very important for you to nd out about these main forms in order to choose the one that best suits your needs and objectives.
(body corporate) with its own juridical personality. 3 It is the only corporate structure that allows shares to be issued. 3 The corporation is independent from its owners, the shareholders. 3 It is identied by the words Limited/ Ltd. (limite/lte) or Incorporated/Inc. (incorpore/inc.). 3 The liability of the administrator(s) or shareholder(s) is limited. 3 It is easier to nd capital. 3 This corporate structure is highly regulated and among the most expensive. 3 The tax rules are often complex. 3 The prots are redistributed, often as dividends. 3 Decisions are made by the administrators (or by voting shareholders if there is a unanimous shareholder agreement).
Cooperative 3 A company organized by people who 3 It is owned and managed by its members. 3 The control is democratic. 3 The distribution of prots to the members
share a need.
is done by way of member dividends (often called ristournes in Qubec). 3 The decision-making process is democratic.
General partnership 3 Results from a contract under which
Sole proprietorship 3 It consists of a single individual who 3 It is the simplest corporate structure. 3 The entrepreneur assumes all of the risks
operates a business alone.
two or more physical or legal people (e.g., companies) establish a partnership to exercise an activity, pooling their resources (assets, knowledge or efforts) and sharing the prots.
associated with the business. 3 Start-up costs are low and minimum working capital is required. 3 The business owner keeps all the benets. 3 Liability for all of the business debts remains with the owner; creditors can seize the owners personal assets. 3 It may be difcult to nd funding. 3 There is no distinction between the juridical personality of the business and that of the owner.
5. Services Qubec Entreprises, www.entreprisesgouv.qc.ca 6. Portail daffaires des jeunes entrepreneurs (PAJE), www.paje.ca 7. Entreprises Canada, www.entreprisescanada.ca
Limited partnership 3 A limited partnership is formed between
one or more general partners who administer the company and one or more limited partners who contribute to the companys pooled assets (e.g., money or assets). 3 Unless otherwise specied, the limited partners do not have any decision-making authority in the company. 3 The limited partners assume the risk of losing their contribution to the company.

Not-for-prot organization
3 A not-for-prot organization (often
called a non-profit) is a non-share corporation whose members share a moral, not-for-prot goal. Not-for-prot organizations do not pay dividends. considered to be not-for-prot. These enterprises are sustainable business collectives that are run like businesses, producing goods and services for the market economy, but they manage their operations and redirect their surpluses to the pursuit of social and environmental goals.
Business registration
In Qubec, most businesses have to register with the Registraire des entreprises (business registry) at www. registreentreprises.gouv.qc.ca and declare their legal form (see Appendix 8). Registration is mandatory except for sole proprietorships that operate under a business name that contains the rst and last names of the owner. Registration protects the chosen name of your business. Annual fees must be paid each year to maintain your registration.
3 Social economy businesses are
PART 4
Association du jeune barreau de Montral (Young Bar Association) provides online access to its business start-up guide, which focuses on legal issues. www.ajbm.qc.ca Registering a business name 8 To nd out whether the name you want to give your business already exists, consult the NUANS database at www.nuans.com
Whether you want to work with partners or be a sole proprietor, you need to be informed about the liabilities that the corporate structure of your business entails. We suggest that you look at the comparison chart in Appendix 8, which provides information about steps to take, start-up costs, legal consequences and other important issues.
Business name
No matter what legal form you choose for your business, you must comply with the legal requirements of these two laws when you choose your business name: 3 Act respecting the legal publicity of sole proprietorships, partnerships and legal persons 3 Qubec Charter of the French Language Dont forget to do a name search as well, so you wont be sued by another company that feels your business name may be confused with theirs.
Depending on the legal form you have chosen, the registration costs may vary. Go to the Registraire des entreprises website to find out the exact cost. You can also refer to the comparison chart in Appendix 8 to gain a better understanding of the steps to take to register your business and of the responsibilities with regard to it. Once you have completed all the formalities, the Registraire des entreprises will assign you a Qubec business number (NEQ). Provincial incorporation (Qubec) Registraire des entreprises Constitution des personnes morales 2050, De Bleury, RC 10 Montral (Qubec) H3A 2J5 Phone: 514-644-4545
Registering your business name and getting a business number

The business number (BN) is a number assigned by the federal government that businesses need when they deal with the Canada Revenue Agency concerning corporate taxes, goods and services taxes and harmonized sales tax, source deductions and import/export accounts. To get your business number, please go to www.entreprisescanada.ca.
SAVIEZ-VOUS QUE? LAssociation du jeune barreau de Montral, lAJBM, offre une heure de consultation gratuite aux entrepreneurs en dmarrage. En effet, le service Juri-Conseils aux entreprises vous permet de bncier dune heure en compagnie dun avocat bnvole. Pour une consultation juridique concernant votre entreprise (les dossiers litigieux sont exclus de ce programme), inscrivez-vous en ligne au www.ajbm.qc.ca, section services au public , tlphonez au 514 954-3450 ou envoyez un courrier lectronique juriconseil@ajbm.qc.ca.
Federal incorporation (Canada) Industry Canada Corporations Canada 5 Place Ville-Marie, suite 700 Montral (Qubec) H3B 2G2 Phone: 514-496-1797
8. Canada Business, www.canadabusiness.ca

Required permits, licenses and insurance
Regulations, licenses and permits 9
In the national business market, three levels of government (municipal, provincial, federal) enact laws or regulations that may affect your business in different ways. All of this legal documentation is important. Businesses that dont pay attention to and dont comply with certain legal requirements, do so at their own risk and peril. Certain legal or regulatory requirements apply to specic sectors. In Qubec alone, there are HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) standards on food safety, ISO/ IEC 17025 (International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission) for laboratory certification, OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series) for workplace health and safety, QS 9000 standards for the automobile industry, and the list goes on. For any type of business related to animal or plant production, commercial shing and aquaculture, food distribution and processing, restaurants and retail sale, you can contact Ministre de lAgriculture, des Pcheries et de lAlimentation, the MAPAQ, www.mapaq. gouv.qc.ca, to learn about the various regulations you need to uphold and the permits you need to acquire. If you serve or sell alcohol in your business, dont forget to get an alcohol permit from the Rgie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, www.racj.gouv.qc.ca. And if you are selling anything to individuals or consumers, you must uphold the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (www.opc. gouv.qc.ca). Depending on your sector, you may also have to apply for certain permits and licenses from the Ofce de la protection du consommateur. In addition to these regulatory standards, certain legal regulations are of a more general scope and apply to all stakeholders in the business world. Physical and legal persons are subject to the general and specic provisions of the Civil Code of Qubec. More specically, another type of civil liability related to manufacturing defects may lead to legal
9. Service Canada, www.servicecanada.ca
PART 4
proceedings in the courts. Under the Civil Code, in certain cases the liability for manufacturing defects can also have repercussions for the entire distribution chain, including the wholesaler, the retailer and the salesperson. Other legal regulations are in effect to protect the environment. They have a direct impact on businesses whose manufacturing processes result in pollution. Obviously, there are many other regulations besides the ones mentioned above, so it is very important for you, as an entrepreneur, to carefully research the laws and regulations in effect in the industry you plan to participate in. Find out more by contacting the Ministries in question through the Qubec government site at www.gouv.qc.ca
Other regulatory requirements 3 Register your business, if necessary 3 Register for the GST and QST, if applicable, 3
(business number). payroll deductions, income tax, your tax account, etc. Comply with export laws and regulations (Permits and licenses for regulated goods, import-export account of the Business Number, reporting exports, customs tariffs and Harmonized System (HS) code, etc.). Comply with import laws and regulations (Customs laws, Harmonized System (HS) code, permits and import controls, reporting, penalties, etc.). Comply with hiring and personnel management laws and regulations (Social Insurance Number (SIN), Employment Insurance (EI), Record of Employment (ROE), protection of personal information). For more information on this point, go to www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca and www.cra.arc.gc.ca If you have employees, enrol your business with the CSST. If you are renting commercial premises, get your occupation permit from the city.
3 3
Required and suggested insurance
An insurance policy protects you from unpredictable risks and damage to third parties. When you start your business, you have to at least purchase insurance to cover the companys assets and its civil liability.

You can also purchase other, optional insurance coverage. For more information, ask an insurance broker, and get quotes from different insurance companies to nd the best price for what you need. (optional insurance) are often less than 3% of the entrepreneurs gross salary after business expenses. 5. Directors and ofcers liability insurance It protects the company directors from any proceedings against them due to decisions made in their ofcial capacity and personal proceedings due to damages caused by a decision made for and on behalf of the company. For information on the costs of these different types of insurance, please contact your nancial institution or several insurance agencies. Feel free to call several companies to shop for the best price.
Mandatory insurance
1. Business property insurance This covers losses that affect buildings and building contents (office supplies, equipment) such as: 3 Fire, theft and embezzlement 3 Equipment breakdown 3 Operating losses 2. Civil liability insurance This protects the insured against the pecuniary consequences of civil liability resulting from bodily harm (including death) or material damages to third parties (clients, employees, suppliers, etc.) caused by business activities. It includes product civil liability insurance. It indemnies consumers who may be victims of consequential damage due to the use of your companys products or services.
PART 4
Insurance Bureau of Canada www.bac-quebec.qc.ca or www.infoassurance.ca Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association www.clhia.ca
Intellectual property
Copyright and intellectual property
We can dene intellectual property very simply as intangible property that is the result of creativity and is protected by rights. Although there are different types of intellectual property rights, we will only present the four most common ones here: copyright, trademarks, industrial designs and patents.
Optional insurance
1. Disability insurance (illness and accident) It covers: 3 Business costs (phone, advertising, rent) for one year 3 Salary for long-term coverage to age 65 2. Term or whole life insurance It provides a certain amount of coverage in the event of death. 3. Health care insurance This is complementary to RAMQ drug insurance. 4. Critical illness insurance It provides some coverage in the event of critical illnesses identied in the insurance contract, such as cancer. It is recommended that self-employed workers purchase these optional kinds of insurance when the business reaches cruising speed. The basic costs of the premiums for a personalized insurance policy
10. Canadian Intellectual Property Ofce, www.cipo.ic.gc.ca
The denitions of these four rights are drawn from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) website, www.cipo.ic.gc.ca.
In the simplest terms, copyright means the right to copy. Only the owner of copyright, very often the creator of the work, is allowed to produce or reproduce the work in question or to permit anyone else to do so. Suppose, for example, that you have written a novel. Copyright law rewards and protects your creative endeavour by giving you the sole right to publish or use your work in any number of ways. You may also choose not to publish your work and to prevent anyone else from doing so.10 A trademark is a word, a symbol, a design (or a combination of these features), used to distinguish the wares or services of one person

or organization from those of others in the marketplace. Trademarks come to represent not only actual wares and services, but the reputation of the producer. As such, they are considered valuable intellectual property. A registered trademark can be protected through legal proceedings from misuse and imitation.11 An industrial design is the features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament (or any combination of these features) applied to a nished article made by hand, tool or machine. It may be, for example, the shape of a table or the shape and ornamentation of a spoon. The design must have features that appeal to the eye. To be eligible for registration with the Industrial Design Ofce, your design must be original. 12 Patents are for new inventions or processes that offer innovative and useful functions. Canadian law regards the functional aspects and design aspects of articles quite separately. Therefore, you cannot list a function as an element of your industrial design. You may, however, be able to obtain a patent for your articles functional aspects and an industrial design for its aesthetic ones. Suppose you develop a new kind of folding chair. The way the chair folds, its lightweight construction, its strength and its durability are all functional qualities. The industrial design features could include the shape or conguration of the chair, and any patterns or ornamentation on it or any combination thereof. 13 The CIPOs mission is to apply Canadas intellectual property laws and regulations. For example, you have to le your applications to register intellectual property rights with the CIPO, and it is the CIPO that manages the various databases related to intellectual property rights. When ling for intellectual property rights, it is strongly recommended that you hire a specialist, such as a patent or trademark agent. A specialist in the eld can save you time and is in a better position to fully protect your rights. Of course, you can also license your own intellectual property rights to someone else, or purchase a licence to someone elses intellectual property rights. In either case, you have to sign a licence agreement (i.e., something similar to a rental lease on the rights) or a transfer agreement (i.e., which is the same as selling the rights). Here again, it is highly recommended that you consult specialized intellectual property lawyers to ensure you are well protected.
PART 4
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) www.cipo.ic.gc.ca 1-866-997-1936 CIPO IP Toolkit www.opic.ic.gc.ca Fondation du Barreau du Qubec Your Rights, your Business www. fondationdubarreau.qc.ca
Marketing strategies and customer service

Importance of a market study to dene and reach your target client base
A market study is an important step in the success of your business project. Before you launch your business, you should research and analyse the data about the environment youll be working in, about your potential customers and about the competition youll be facing. This will reduce your risk of failure, because you will have veried that the clients really are out there, youll be familiar with their behaviour, needs and expectations, and you will know the strengths and weaknesses of your future competitors.
Studying the market allows you to verify and validate a business opportunity by:
1. Revealing the other players in your sector (suppliers, customers, partners and competitors), where they operate and what they charge 2. Analysing market trends in other words, social phenomena that drive consumption 3. Evaluating your projected sales and validating your project nancially 4. Making the right choices to succeed with the project 5. Making your start-up process more credible in the eyes of potential partners
11. Canadian Intellectual Property Ofce, www.cipo.ic.gc.ca 12 - 13. Id.

Tips and advice
1. Just thinking about doing a market study is overwhelming for some entrepreneurs. Others nd it a waste of time. But theyre wrong. You can never have too much information. Doing a market study is a matter of good sense. 2. If you do not nd any direct competitors, there must be indirect competitors that is, someone that meets the same needs you plan to meet, in a different way. For example, an ice cream shop competes with shops that sell other products, like pastries and chocolates. 3. Look at the habits of the other suppliers and your potential customers. It is important to conrm the conclusions of your theoretical study (history, statistics, etc.) using field research. 4. Present your project to job creation networks to get advice. As an entrepreneur from another country, you can also look for cultural business associations, which can give you access to an entire network of contacts to get to know. If your budget allows, you can use an advertising agency to choose the best strategy. Even if thats not possible, that is no reason to neglect this very important factor. Buy business cards, call potential clients to set up meetings, get testimony from satised customers to show at your presentations, and take part in networking activities.
PART 4
Tips and advice
Getting the word out
You have to spend at least an hour a day promoting your business. The tools and approaches that will spread the word about your business differ depending on your sector. A chocolate maker will not choose the same promotional strategies as a dentist or a specialized aeronautics rm. When it comes to promoting your business, you have to remember a number of parameters: 3 Scope of the company (local, regional, national, international) 3 Target clientele 3 Type of offer 3 Budget 3 Number of competitors In terms of means, there are at least three categories to consider: 1. Advertising to attract customers to the product. For example, an ad on the radio, the internet, or a newspaper. 2. Promotion to attract customers to the product. For example, offer your product or service at a reduced rate for a limited time. 3. Prospecting to make direct contact with the customer.
1. Establish a uniform and consistent business image. In other words, always use your logo and name, the same colours, the same font and the same layout on anything and everything that communicates your visual identity (product packaging, signs, vehicles, letterhead, brochures, ads, etc.). Your clients and suppliers will soon recognize you at a glance. Dont forget that your image can change and develop as design and colour trends change. 2. Feel free to be a little original in the way you present your business. In Qubec, people like new ideas and using originality will help set you apart from the herd. It is also a good idea to have your promotional strategy assessed by communications and marketing professionals or asking an honest opinion from your friends, family and professional contacts.
Customer service in Qubec
In Qubec, businesses place a good deal of importance on customer service. Naturally the same is true in many places around the world, but there are a few local peculiarities you should know.
The rst thing to remember is that it is important to be able to address your customers in Qubecs ofcial language: French. In fact, as was explained earlier, the French Language Charter obliges all businesses to serve and provide information to their customers in French. The same goes for advertising and business offers. Second, Quebecers are generally warm and helpful, and they expected to be treated the same way. Feel free to chat about this

and that (weather, weekend activities, etc.). Pay attention and smile. Be pleasant but maintain a professional distance. Third, use your instinct and listen to the reactions of your partners, customers, etc. If you are not yet familiar with Qubec culture, you might affront people with your words or gestures, even if you dont intend to. Be tolerant and clear up any misunderstandings by staying calm and being respectful. to buy ofce supplies, rent a car or premises, own a Canadian credit card to make a purchase online, etc. For all these things, your credit history (credit cards, loans) will be checked to ensure that you repay your debts. If you have a good credit history, you should have no problems getting nancing. It is easiest to get loans if you have a credit history, because it means you have proven your ability to repay debts. Credit is a very practical payment method for current expenses related to your future business. But you have to make sure you maintain a good credit rating. Your credit rating measures your solvency and your repayment reputation. Your credit rating is assigned based on your credit history, so its important to adopt responsible credit and debt habits to keep your rating high. It is not considered bad in Qubec to have debts, especially if they are repaid on time as arranged. Many people get loans to buy things. You have to remember, though, that your credit history in your native country will not be considered here.
PART 4
The customer is king!

In Qubec, the customer is king. This isnt just an expression: it is applied in customer service policies. In restaurants, retail stores, businesses and other organizations, Quebecers expect to be treated like kings and to receive service with a smile and the full attention of the server, owners, salesperson, etc. Avoid making your customers wait, disappointing them or contradicting them! Theyll think you dont respect them. The idea of being customer-focused is very important in Qubec businesses. You have to adjust to the customers demands, because if the customer isnt happy, theyll go do business with someone else, eat in another restaurant and stock up with another supplier. In Qubec, customers like to negotiate the price of major purchases, because theyre looking for the lowest price and the best quality. Thats why some businesses reward loyal customers by giving them discounts, special deals and gifts. Customer satisfaction has to be your number-one consideration. Many businesses develop their promotional strategy around the customer, because their growth and longevity depends on it. They know that if they dont satisfy their customers, their competitors will be happy to.
Do you need help managing your personal budget?

Find out more from one of these organizations: 3 Association cooprative dconomie familiale (ACEF) de lEst de Montral: 514-257-6622 or www.consommateur.qc.ca/acefest 3 ACEF du Nord de Montral : 514-277-7959 or www.acefdunorddemontreal.org 3 ACEF du Sud-Ouest de Montral : 514-362-1771 or www.consommateur.qc.ca/acef-som 3 Option consommateurs : 514-598-7288 or www.option-consommateurs.org
Sources of nancing
Importance of a credit le for entrepreneurs seeking nancing
It is important, in Qubec, to have a solid credit record. As an immigrant, you have to build a credit history in Qubec. When you arrived in Qubec, you may have had some money set aside, but one day you will need
Sources of nancing
Before you start looking for nancing, you need a Qubec bank account. If you dont have one, contact the nancial institution of your choice and open a personal account. Depending on the type of business you plan to open, you may also need a business account. There are several sources of financing (loans or grants) that can help you start your business.

Every loan and grant has its own particular features and is geared toward a particular clientele or business type. You wont have access to every type of business nancial assistance. In any case, you need a business plan. Based on your business plan and your nancial projections, you can get money in the form of a loan or a grant to start your business project. 2. Socit locale dinvestissement dans le dveloppement de lemploi or SOLIDE (Local employment development societies) 3. Fonds de dveloppement Emploi-Montral or FDEM (Montral job development fund)
Personal investment and love money
Subsidies 1. Fonds dconomie sociale or FS (Social economy funds), managed by certain CLDs and CDECs
2. Jeunes promoteurs or JP (Young Promoters Program)
PART 4
If you have a credit history in Qubec, you can get your credit le and check your credit rating with one of these organizations: Trans Union Canada inc. Customer Relations 1 Place Laval, suite 370 Laval (Qubec) H7N 1A1 1-877-713-3393 or 514-335-0374 www.transunion.ca EQUIFAX Canada inc. Consumer Relations Service PO Box 190, station Jean-Talon Montral (Qubec) H1S 2Z2 514-493-2314 or 1-800-465-7166 www.equifax.ca Canadian Bankers Association www.cba.ca
Before you apply for nancial assistance, it is a good idea to establish your personal balance sheet to see whether you have savings you could invest in your own business. The government and banking institutions do not usually require a personal investment, but it is always preferable. If you are thinking of applying for a grant from a para-governmental organization, a personal investment is mandatory. It is easier to get nancing for your business if you invest some of your own capital in the project, but if you dont have any personal money to invest, you can ask your friends and family to invest, in the form of a gift or loan. This is what is called love money, and it is a good way to gather together the initial investment you need to start a business.
* An explanatory chart for each tool can be found in Appendix 9.
You can also call your local CLD or CDEC for more information on the services they provide. You can find the contact information for the CLD or CDEC in your area in Appendix 2.
Fondation du maire de Montral pour la jeunesse

The foundation is a not-for-prot organization that offers grants and services to help young Montrealers aged 18 to 35 to start their own business. The Fondations target group includes entrepreneurs from the cultural communities. * See explanatory table in Appendix 10. For more information: Phone : 514-872-8401 Website : www.fondationdumaire.ca
CLD and CDEC financial tools
The Centre locaux de dveloppement (local development centres CLDs) and Corporations de dveloppement conomique communautaire (community economic development corporations CDECs), offer advisory services and support for entrepreneurs, including help setting up a business plan, business consolidation and expansion support, assistance in nding nancing, entrepreneurship training, business networking activities, and other relevant services. These organizations also manage different funds you can go to for nancing. Every fund has its own eligibility criteria. The CDECs offer all the same support as the CLDs, but they are also involved in local economic planning and development. These are their main nancial tools:
Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF)
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is a charitable organization that provides start-up coaching, business resources, start-up nancing and mentoring for youth aged 18 to 34 who are starting their own businesses. * See explanatory table in Appendix 11. For more information: Phone: 1-800-464-2923 Website: www.cybf.ca
Loans 1. Fonds local dinvesstissement or FLI (Local investment funds)

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
* Only for residents of Mercier/ Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough Phone: 514-256-6825 Website: www.cdest.qc.ca
PART 4
The Business Development Bank of Canada, commonly called the BDC, offers several nancing solutions that may meet your needs as an entrepreneur, including term loans, subsidized funding and risk capital. For more information: Phone: 1-877-232-2269 Website: www.bdc.ca
Filaction
Crdit communautaire (Community credit)
The people targeted by community credit services generally have an excellent business project and the skills they need to deliver their products or services. But they lack entrepreneurial skills or need regular monitoring and follow-up. Community credit has managed to develop the specic expertise of combining close entrepreneurial development and support for underprivileged people. Community credit supports selfemployment projects, small individual or group businesses and social economy businesses. The main eligibility criteria are: 3 Have a business idea or project 3 Attend an information meeting 3 Agree to be coached by the local community credit member organization 3 Live in the territory of the organization you get the funding from For more information, contact one of the organizations listed below: K Association communautaire demprunt de Montral (ACEM) Phone: 514-843-7296 Website: www.acemcreditcommunautaire.qc.ca K Aurora Compagnie F Phone: 514-381-7333 Website: www.compagnie-f.org K Cercles demprunt de Montral Phone: 514-849-3271 Website: www.cerclesdemprunt.com K Cercles demprunt de la Corporation de dveloppement de lEst (CDEST)
Filaction is a not-for-prot organization for Qubec small businesses in every sector, but especially in the cultural and social economy sectors. Filaction offers development capital for projects designed to create and maintain jobs. The organization offers assistance at every stage of business development: start-up, development, expansion, consolidation or employee takeover. For more information or to apply for nancing: Phone: 514-525-2042 Website: www.laction.qc.ca Here are some complementary nancing funds (for specic client groups) managed by Filaction and its partners: K Investissement Femmes Montral For women entrepreneurs Phone: 514-270-3964 Website: www.fondsifm.ca
K Fonds Afro-entrepreneurs For entrepreneurs from the Black communities Phone: 1-888-525-2075 Website: www.laction.qc.ca K Fonds Capital quitable For Qubec importers of fair-trade products Phone: 514-525-3346 Website: www.capitalequitable.org
K Fonds rgional pour le dveloppement coopratif For entrepreneurs who want to start a cooperative Phone: 514-340-6056 Website: www.cdr.coop
Investissement Qubec
Investissement Qubec is both a nancial institution and an economic development agency where consultants can help you nd nancial solutions that suit your needs.

Financial products: Loans, repayment guarantees, nancing for tax credits. For more information: Phone: 514-873-9292 (eastern Montral) Phone: 514-873-4375 (western Montral) Phone: 514-873-1401 (borough of St-Laurent) Website: www.investquebec.com to the challenge of foreign sales. The EDCs products and services may meet the needs of businesses in any stage of growth or development. Whether they need funds to pay initial fees for transactions with new clients or a loan to promote or expand activities, the EDC offers support to businesses that want to export their products and services. For more information: Phone: 1-866-283-2957 Website: www.edc.ca
PART 4
Small Business Financing in Canada www.rbcroyalbank.com This guide was developed by the Royal Bank to help entrepreneurs discover the means of nancing and the lenders that best suit their business needs.
Financial institutions
As we mentioned earlier, you can apply for a business loan at your own nancial institution. Caisses populaires and Canadian banks offer a variety of nancing solutions for businesses, often in the form of loans and lines of credit. Ask your bank manager about the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF). This program helps improve access to loans for starting, expanding, modernizing or improving small businesses by encouraging nancial institutions to provide services to small businesses. Under the terms of the program, the small business owner must apply for a loan from a bank or caisse populaire. For more information: www.ic.gc.ca
Info entrepreneurs
Info entrepreneurs is the leading provider of information about federal, provincial and private services, programs, and products for business people. The organization offers a wealth of business information to help small businesses grow.
For information about anything related to business start-up, including sources of nancing, go to the Info Entrepreneurs website or call one of their consultants. For more information: Phone: 514-496-4636 Website: www.entreprisescanada.ca
Socit de dveloppement des entreprises culturelles-SODEC

Be it for development, production, promotion, publishing or exposure, the SODEC has the mission to support various cultural endeavours by administering government assistance for cultural businesses.
This assistance, which is given in the form of project investments, grants or repayable loans, helps artists to produce or publish their work in Qubec, Canada or internationally. Areas of intervention: Cinema and visual productions, music and variety, books and special publishing, ne arts, heritage buildings. For more information about their funds: Phone: 1-800-363-0401 Website: www.sodec.gouv.qc.ca
Depending on the size of your business, you will have to gure out what kind of nancing is appropriate. You will find here a list of the types of nancing available. We suggest that you go to www.entreprises.gouv.qc.ca to learn more about these different types of nancing and their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of financing14
Export Development Canada EDC
The EDC has developed products to help businesses of all sizes and in all sectors rise
14. Canada Business, www.canadabusiness.ca
3 Asset-based Financing 3 Capital Lease/Operating Lease 3 Conditional Sales Contract 3 Credit Card 3 Export Financing 3 Factoring 3 Leasing 3 Non-residential Mortgage 3 Operating Loan/Line of Credit 3 Quasi-Equity 3 Sale and Leaseback 3 Term Loan 3 Vehicle Lease 3 Venture Capital/Seed Capital 3 Working Capital
* Denitions in the Glossary.

Location and where to look for business premises Commercial lease
Denition: A lease is a contract through
which a physical or legal person grants, for a dened period, to another person and in exchange for a sum of money, the right to use an asset or property under the terms stipulated in the contract or by law.
PART 4
How to choose a location and nd business premises?15
Choosing the right business location is critical. Your choice will have a major impact on the viability of your business, especially for retail commerce. If your business must be located on a main street to facilitate the sale of your products or services, you need to keep a few basic principles in mind. In Appendix 12, you will nd a handy tool to help you choose the ideal location for your business.
GENERAL RULES GOVERNING COMMERCIAL LEASES16
Paragraph 1851 of the Civil Code of Qubec (C.C.Q.) defines leasing as follows: Lease is a contract by which a person, the lessor, undertakes to provide another person, the lessee, in return for a rent, with the enjoyment of a movable or immovable property for a certain time. The term of a lease is xed or indeterminate.
A few places to look for business premises
Registering a lease
To nd the ideal location for your business, you can do your own research by visiting locations for rent on the main commercial street in the neighbourhood that interests you. You can also look at premises available in an industrial or technological park. If you want to set up your business close to home, pay special attention to advertisements in the local paper that is distributed free in your mailbox. You may find the ideal location advertised right there. If you can afford it, you can also hire a real estate agent to do the research for you. A few good addresses: 3 Commercial space posting network: www.carrefour-immobilier.com
It is very important to register your lease with the land registry (www.registrefoncier. gouv.qc.ca) by filing the appropriate documents with the rights registry ofce in your area. In this way, if the owner of the building sells it, you will be assured that the new owner of the building, the acquirer, will uphold the term of your lease. If the lease is not registered, the new owner can end your lease at the moment of acquisition. As the Qubec Civil Code points out: 1887. () In the case of the lease of an immovable with a xed term and if more than twelve months remain from the date of alienation or extinction of title, he may resiliate it upon expiry of the twelve months by giving the lessee written notice of six months. He may not resiliate the lease if it was registered in the registry ofce before the deed of alienation or the act by which the title is extinguished was so registered.
3 To nd the address of industrial parks
in each area of Montral, go to www.ville.montreal.qc.ca and select the borough where you want to set up your business. For additional information, call the borough ofce. and main street improvement projects, visit Convercit at : www.convercite.org
Questions to ask before signing a lease17
3 For more information on building recycling
3 How long is the lease and how much is

the rent?
3 How much will the rent go up and can I

renew at the end of the lease?
15. Canada Business, www.canadabusiness.ca 16. Based on Clinique juridique de lUQAM, www.cliniquejuridique.uquam.ca

3 Is there an additional rent to pay? 3 Can I sublet? 3 Can I renew the lease? 3 What happens if the owner goes bankrupt? 3 Who is responsible for the insurance? 3 What services will I get? 3 Who else can move in? 3 Who pays for improvements and what
costs are my responsibility? Before signing the lease, check with your borough ofce to see whether the zoning allows your type of business at that location. For the business, exporting requires the same efforts as sales to customers in the national market, plus all the difculties related to language, culture, customs, logistics, terms of payment and currency, the standards and regulatory context in the target country. In other words, it is not a process to take lightly, and it is important to be well informed and prepared before undertaking such a major operation. To start the export process, there are several successive steps to take:
PART 4
3 Determine why you want to export
(increase sales, greater profitability, economies of scale, etc.)
NOTE: The Rgie du logement (rental board)

has no jurisdiction to act in matters involving commercial leases.
3 Target and study potential markets 3 Evaluate the products export potential
and its state of readiness that may be useful
3 Identify technical and nancial resources 3 Start the legal steps to register as an 3 Draw up an export plan to dene
objectives, means, and phases of the export project starting with a test exporter with the Canadian government
3 Begin market penetration operations,
Imports and exports

This part of the guide is for entrepreneurs looking for basic import-export information and related international trade concepts.
The export process generally takes three years before it provides a return on the investment. That means that youll be spending more money than you earn in the beginning. So it is very important that your national market is generating enough cashow to allow you to make this kind of investment without putting your business in danger.
Exporting: a carefully planned process
Steps to follow
Exporting refers to goods or services transactions with a customer in another country. In general, exporting should only be considered when the business is well established in the local market and already enjoying regular and protable sales. It is crucial for the business to have compelling reasons for turning to the export market, and the reasons should be consistent with the businesss development plan.
To begin your export project, you have to undertake a series of legal and commercial steps. In each step, you will be able to get help from a variety of organizations. 1. The market study: evaluating your potential
For your market study, an organization such as the Info Entrepreneurs business resource centre can help by giving you access to existing studies, directories and professional databases. There are information specialists on site to help you. The Canadian government site
17. Info Entrepreneurs, www.entreprisescanada.ca

Export Source also provides access to lots of technical information about exporting (such as how to draw up an export plan, etc.). The network of Canadian trade commissioners, based in Canadian embassies around the world, can give you information about specic sectors and geographic zones, and help you throughout your export process. Their provincial counterparts in the Qubec foreign ofces can do likewise. - Qubec foreign ofces: www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca (export section) - Canadian Border Services Agency: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca - Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca - Export Development Canada: www.edc.ca
PART 4
Info entrepreneurs: www.entreprisescanada.ca Network of Canadian Trade Commissioners: www.international.gc.ca Export Source: www.exportsource.ca Qubec Foreign Ofces: www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca (export section)
2. Legal steps
Before you become an active exporter or importer, you have to obtain an exporter or importer number, which allows the government to identify you as an active exporter or importer as long as you are in business. Apply to the Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca You also have to figure out the code that matches your product, to make sure there are no restrictions, quotas or export prohibitions. This code also helps determine the customs rate that will apply, if your product is subject to customs duty. This information can be found on the Canadian Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Importing
Importing consists of bringing merchandise into Canada to use or sell. For the former, the importer has to ascertain the availability of the product, the reliability of the supplier, and all the problems related to logistics, transportation, the exchange rate, insurance and standards and regulations governing the import and use of the product in Canada. In the latter case, in addition to all these issues, the importer must consider factors related to the existence of a market for the distribution of the product. In other words, a market study and a competitor analysis are in order. To begin import transactions, your organization must rst register with the Canada Revenue Agency as an importer. Importing involves a lot of legal and prescriptive procedures. We recommend that you really do your research before you start. For an overview of all of the verications and procedures to undertake for an import project, we suggest that you read the Info Entrepreneurs Info-Guide on importing, which is a very good starting point for this kind of project. You can find it at www.entreprisescanada.ca in the Importing section.
3. Sources of nancial and technical assistance

There are several organizations that can help you in your export process, on either the technical or nancial level. The list is too long to be reproduced here, but the Info Entrepreneurs website contains two guides that provide a very thorough list of these resources, so make sure you look carefully at the Export and Financing a Business infoguides at www.entreprisescanada.ca
4. Government services
There are several Canadian and Qubec government services that can help businesses in their export endeavours, and their services are generally free. In addition to the expertise of their ofcers, they have tools, market studies, and contact and reference lists that may be very useful. Make the most of it! - Canadian trade commissioner network: www.international.gc.ca - Export Source www.exportsource.ca

programs and courses for entrepreneurs and self-employed workers in Qubec
PART 5
Originally from Tunisia President Les Aliments Magrebia inc. www.magrebia.com
Mourad Ghariani
There are plenty of government resources for entrepreneurs including training and they are available to everyone. You just have to nd the one that suits you and sign up! That is your rst step on the road to success
PART 5
programs and courses for entrepreneurs and self-employed workers in Qubec

There are several training programs designed to help entrepreneurs, directors and people in management positions develop their skills. If you think that a training program might help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals, then invest some time in one. The following programs are listed by subject so any businessperson or would-be businessperson (entrepreneur, director, self-employed worker) can easily nd the appropriate program.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
For more information: SAJE Phone: 514-861-7253 Website: www.sajeenaffaires.org
PART 5
Service daide aux jeunes entrepreneurs Montral Centre Phone: 514-485-3311 Website: www.sajemontrealcentre.com
Ofce franco-qubcois pour la jeunesse Synergie entreprises program
Programs for entrepreneurs and self-employed workers

Self-Employment Support Measure
SAJE and Service daide aux jeunes entrepreneurs Montral Centre are two leading organizations with the mission of helping new entrepreneurs succeed by offering consulting services, mentoring and training. Under a mandate from Emploi-Qubec, the SAJEs offer the self-employment support measure which helps give people the independence they need to get established in the labour force. By offering technical and nancial support, this measure helps selfemployed workers establish themselves and helps future entrepreneurs create or develop their business. Eligible promoters whose projects are accepted receive a base allowance per week for a maximum period of 52 weeks. This allowance is to complement the income generated by the business during this period. Eligible promoters whose projects are accepted receive technical support for two years. The technical support consists of management advice and start-up assistance from an expert entrepreneurial development consultant. You can find out more about the Self-Employment Support measure in Appendix 13.
The Synergie entreprises program seeks to develop entrepreneurial culture among young people and supports the creation and development of Qubec businesses by offering them experience abroad. The Synergie entreprises program offers young entrepreneurs the opportunity to do a professional sojourn in France to develop activities, products, or markets or to learn practices that will benet their company. For more information about eligibility criteria and membership fees: Phone: 514-873-4255 Website: www.ofqj.org
Courses for entrepreneurs and self-employed workers

Business management 3 Lancement dune entrepriseFrench courses 3 Succs-Relve (courses for acquirers of
existing businesses) For further information: SAJE www.sajeenaffaires.org (Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Board)
3 Starting a business
(Women only) For further information: Centre dentrepreneuriat fminin du Qubec www.cefq.ca
3 Pilot project for immigrant women

entrepreneurs
PART 5 programs and courses for entrepreneurs and self-employed workers in Qubec
3 Aurora training program, for Anglophone
and Allophone women For further information: Compagnie-F www.compagnie-f.org
3 How to prove your business competency

in two minutes For further information: Centre dentreprises et dinnovation de Montral, www.ceim.org
3 Meeting face-to-face with a potential client
PARTIE PART 54
Several Centres locaux de dveloppement (CLDs) and Corporations de dveloppement conomique communautaire (CDECs) in boroughs around Montral offer training programs for people who want to become entrepreneurs or self-employed workers. Contact the CLD or CDEC in your borough (see Appendix 2) for information about the programs they offer. * For the complete list of training programs related to business management for promoters and entrepreneurs, go to Formaffaires at www.formaffaires.com
Dont forget to contact the CLD or CDEC in your borough for information about their training programs. * For the complete list of training programs related to marketing and sales for promoters and entrepreneurs, go to Formaffaires at www.formaffaires.com
Human resources 3 Human resources management

For further information: Services aux entreprises dEmploi-Qubec www.emploiquebec.net
Accounting 3 Fiscalit immatricule (Taxation 3 Fiscalit incorpore (Taxation

for registered businesses) for incorporated businesses) 3 GST/QST 3 Prvisio software 3 Comptabilium software For information or to register: SAJE www.sajeenaffaires.org
Dont forget to contact the CLD or CDEC in your borough for information about their training programs. * For the complete list of training programs related to accounting for promoters and entrepreneurs, go to Formaffaires at www.formaffaires.com
3 Human resources management guide

For further information: Commission des normes du travail www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca
Dont forget to contact the CLD or the CDEC in your borough for information on their training programs. * For the complete list of training programs related to human resources for promoters and entrepreneurs, go to Formaffaires at www.formaffaires.com
Marketing / Sales 3 Marketing, sales and communications

For further information: Compagnie-F www.compagnie-f.org
3 Crer votre site Web (Website creation) 3 Techniques de vente (Sales techniques)
For further information: SAJE www.sajeenaffaires.org

the accounting and tax system in Qubec
PART 6
Originally from the Dominican Republic
Susana Jimenez
Co-owner and Vice-President, Production Ptisserie S&S www.susyspecials.com
I recommend that entrepreneurs take a business start-up course to validate their business project and learn about the various laws and tax obligations in Qubec. Accounting errors can be costly. Give yourself the benet of starting off with a solid foundation!
PART 6
the accounting and tax system in Qubec

Do you want to go into business and learn how to meet your tax obligations? Whether you are interested in self-employment or starting a business, this section will provide you with all the information you need to get started.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
Income taxes
Rights and obligations of the self-employed worker
The income of a self-employed worker or a partner in a general partnership (i.e., socit en commandite) is taxed in that persons personal income tax return, which is the inverse of the income earned by a corporation or incorporated company, where the income is taxed in a separate return from that of the shareholders. Example: for 2009, a self-employed worker must le an income tax return before June 15, 2010, and pay income taxes before April 30, 2010.
PART 6
Ideas to consider when choosing a scal year-end date www.agentsolo.com
Self-employed worker (registered or not)
For scal purposes, a self-employed person is an individual who, under a verbal or written agreement, undertakes to provide a service or perform a task for a client in exchange for an agreed amount. Such an individual may also own a business or be a commission salesperson. Source : www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca Here are a few criteria that differentiate self-employed people and salaried workers. These points should help you determine whether you are indeed self-employed:
Rights and obligations of an incorporated company
3 The relationship between the person who
provides work and a self-employed person is not one of subordination. 3 There is no employer-employee relationship, as there is for a salaried worker. 3 Most of the time, self-employed workers cover their own work-related expenses. 3 They assume the nancial risks associated with their work. 3 They provide their own material and equipment, but are not required to carry out the work themselves. 3 They may hire employees or other selfemployed workers to do the job.
Incorporated companies must le a tax return at the end of each scal year, separate from the returns of its shareholders. For the rst year, the incorporated company can choose the year-end date. The rst year can be less than 12 months. Once the incorporated company chooses the date of its scal year-end, it is almost impossible to change it. So it is important to choose carefully. An incorporated company has six months to le its taxes after the year-end it has chosen. It is important to know that Canadiancontrolled private corporations have three months to pay their taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency and two months to pay their taxes to Revenu Qubec. Companies that do not pay on time are charged interest.
3 They may determine the location at which

the work will be carried out and even the hours of work.
Quarterly instalments self-employed workers and registered companies
Legal person
The legal form chosen for your business affects your tax obligations to Revenu Qubec and the Canada Revenue Agency, and the degree of liability you assume for the businesss debts.
If you are self-employed and not a salaried worker, you do not have source deductions on your salary. To plan the taxes that you have to pay on your annual income, you have to make quarterly payments. These spread your income tax payments to Revenu Qubec and the Canada Revenue Agency out over the year. These partial payments are made every three months to cover income taxes and any other contributions. By making these instalments, you
PART 6 the accounting and tax system in Qubec

reduce the amount of income tax you have to pay when you le your annual income tax return. Advice for the rst year in business: Before the end of the rst year of business activity, the Qubec and Canadian government do not yet know that you are in business, because you have never led a tax return (income declaration) for your business. Both levels of government will expect you to pay the taxes that you did not pay in instalments during the rst year in business, so it is very important to set aside some money to cover these costs. more than one year. The total cost of this type of purchase is not deducted in the year of acquisition. Only a portion of it, which is called depreciation or capital cost allowance, is deductible each year, based on percentages and categories established by the Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Qubec. 3 If you carry on your business in one of the rooms in your own home, you can deduct the relative percentage for that room in your income tax return each year. For example, if you have a four-room apartment that costs $1000 a month and one room is reserved for your business, you can deduct 25%, or $250, for the rent of that work space each month. To complete your income tax return more efciently, you can go to the Revenu Qubec website at www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca and click on Self-employed person / Fiscal obligations / Income tax return. You can also get help by phoning 514-864-6299 for individuals in business or 514-873-4692 for businesses and employers. On the federal side, you can get more information from the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca or by phoning 1-800-959-7383.
PARTIE PART 64
Payment of instalments and late payment penalties Revenu Qubec / Self-employed person / Fiscal obligations www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca
Instalments Incorporated business
Depending on the start-date of the incorporated businesss current scal year, it must make quarterly instalments if it paid more than $1000 in income taxes (if the tax year began before January 1) or $3000 in taxes (if the tax year began January 1 or later) the year before. The company will be charged interest on any unpaid instalments. The instalments are paid at the end of every month. The minimum amount of the instalment to pay to avoid interest is one-twelfth of the previous years tax bill. This rule applies to both Revenu Qubec and the Canada Revenue Agency. The only time you can make a smaller instalment is if you know that your income will be lower than the previous year. Otherwise the company will be liable for penalties and interest.
Basic tax deductions for incorporated companies
Incorporated companies can deduct expenses incurred to do business. These expenses must be reasonable and backed up with supporting documents (invoices, contracts, etc.) that must be kept for at least 6 years, including the current year.
Tax deductions for self-employed workers
Self-employed workers can deduct any expense incurred in relation to the entrepreneurial activity. These expenses must be backed by supporting documents, including invoices and contracts.
Here are some tax-deductible purchases:
3 Current expenses and asset acquisitions
3 Current expenses and asset acquisitions
are eligible self-employment deductions. Current expenses are usually deducted immediately, at 100% (merchandise purchased for resale, ofce supplies, salaries, etc.). 3 Assets are amortized and constitute a long-term benet for the company. These assets (software, computer, car, office furniture, etc.) are useful and usable for
(the current expenses are 100% deductible immediately and asset acquisitions are amortized) 3 Current or rapid consumption expenses are, for example, merchandise purchased for resale, ofce supplies, salaries, etc. 3 Asset acquisitions are, for example, computers, printers, desks, etc. The total cost of this type of purchase is not deductible in the year of acquisition. A portion called depreciation or capital cost allowance can be deducted, based on percentages and categories established by the Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Qubec.

It is very important to produce your company tax return on time in order to avoid interest and penalties. Example for a $100 purchase Cost of product or service: 100,00 $ 5% GST ($100.00 5%) = 5,00 $ Subtotal ($100.00 + $5.00) = 105,00 $ 7.5% QST ($105.00 7.5%) = 7,88 $ Total payable by the customer: $100.00 + $5.00 (5% GST) + $7.88 (7.5% QST) = $112.88 It is not mandatory to register for the GST and the QST to create a business. In fact, it is only when you have generated income of over $30,000 (before taxes) in the four previous quarters that you have to register. Analyse your projected nancial statements before you make a decision.
PART 6
Need more details about these taxes? www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca
En tant que travailleurs autonomes, entreprises immatricules ou incorpores, vous devez mettre jour annuellement les renseignements concernant votre entreprise. Nhsitez pas vous renseigner auprs de Revenu Qubec et de lAgence du Revenu du Canada.
SAVIEZ-VOUS QUE?
Income taxes Sole proprietorship, general partnership and partnership

Depending on the legal form of your business, your income tax return may be different. For more information on deductions and tax credits you may have a right to claim, go to www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca. It is important for you to understand certain income tax rules if you are starting a business make sure you get the information you need.
GST and QST registration
GST (goods and services tax) and QST (Qubec sales tax)
Under an agreement between the government of Canada and the government of Qubec, Revenu Qubec administers the GST in Qubec. That means that Revenu Qubec collects and processes GST registration applications for anyone who carries on business activities in the province.
When a business conducts taxable sales, it generally has to collect the taxes. This makes it an agent of Revenu Qubec, and as such it must register for the consumption taxes on the Revenu Qubec website at www.revenu. gouv.qc.ca. This site also provides information about how to collect, calculate and remit the taxes, how to apply both taxes to various transactions, the use of coupons, expenses related to meals and entertainment, sales made to diplomats or governments, and refund applications. The Canada Revenue Agency provides information to self-employed workers and businesses about registering for the GST. You can fine more information at www. cra-arc.gc.ca in the Business section under My Business Account or by calling 1-800-959-7775.
General rules
The GST and QST are taxes that apply to most goods and services that a business can sell or offer.
Source deductions and contributions

If you expect to pay a salary or compensation to one or more employees, you have to hold back certain source deductions on your employees salary and, as the employer, remit certain contributions. You will need to register as an employer with Revenu Qubec at www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca or by calling 514-873-4692 and with the Canada Revenue Agency at www.cra-arc.gc.ca in the My Business Account section or by calling 1-800-959-7775.
3 The GST is calculated at a rate of 5%
(as of June 1, 2009) on the sale price. (as of June 1, 2009) on the price including GST.
3 The QST is calculated at a rate of 7.5%

As an employer, you always have to withhold taxes and contributions on the remuneration you pay to your employees. You also have to pay certain contributions yourself. In the Businesses section of the Revenu Qubec website at www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca and the Business section of the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca, you will nd documents to complete and information about withholding taxes, employer contributions, remitting withholding taxes and contributions, and so on. All employers must register with Revenu Qubec and the Canada Revenue Agency to receive an identication number. This number must be used to pay source deductions, employer contributions and, for specied nancial institutions that are not corporations, compensation tax. To get your identication number, please contact Revenu Qubec and the Canada Revenue Agency. You have to keep certain proofs to support this information: 3 The daily statement of your income, with your invoices and cash register tape 3 The daily statement of your operating expenses, with cancelled cheques and receipts 3 A mileage report for every vehicle used partly for your professional or business activity and partly for personal use 3 Supporting documents for business-related travel 3 Supporting documents for property expenses 3 Invoices and monthly statements for credit card transactions 3 Records indicating the names of your employees, their salary and deductions made for each of them.
PARTIE PART 64
www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca / self-employed person / registers and supporting documents
Bookkeeping
If you operate a business in Qubec, you have to keep records. These documents, like your supporting documents, must be kept for six (6) years in paper or electronic form in your place of business, your home or any other place designated by Revenu Qubec. The information in these documents must allow Revenu Qubec to verify: 3 Your business income and expenses to establish any amounts payable 3 Amounts collected for the GST and QST 3 Taxes you have paid, if you apply for an input tax credit (ITC) or input tax rebate (ITR) 3 All information used to calculate withholding taxes and employer contributions

labour standards in Qubec
PART 7
Alexandre Pernetta
Originally from France Chefco-owner La cuisine de Lili Margot www.lilimargot.com
When you owe money to the government, including source deductions, never pay them late not even one day late. The penalties are really high!
PART 7
labour standards in Qubec

Human resources management
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
People who work in clothing boutiques are not considered to be part of this industry.
Employers should know that salaried workers who have to work on any of these statutory holidays have the right to a compensatory indemnity or day off. For more information, visit the Commission des normes du travail website at www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca or ask for information by phone, at 514-873-7061.
PART 7
The guide can be found at www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca
The Commission des normes du travail (labour standards board) has designed a human resources guide for employers. This document will provide you with information about all aspects of personnel management, from hiring to ring. The guide includes four sections: 3 General administrative tools for the employer (salary records, pay slips, etc.) 3 What you need to know to hire an employee (salary, schedule, holidays, absences, etc.) 3 Work obligations (holidays, vacation, parental leave, illness, psychological harassment, etc.) 3 Job termination procedures (resignation, end of contract, dismissal, etc.).
Act respecting Labour Standards

Since 1980, the working conditions for non-unionized workers in Qubec in businesses under provincial jurisdiction have been governed by the Act respecting Labour Standards. This law establishes the minimum working conditions that are the right of salaried workers. Further stipulations are set out in related regulations such as the Regulation respecting Labour Standards. Labour standards such as those described in the law and government regulations are public. Everyone employers and salaried workers must comply with them, and any agreement to the contrary is deemed null and void (section 93). The Commission des normes du travail (Qubec Labour Standards Board or CNT) is the government organization mandated to apply the Act respecting Labour Standards and its related regulations. The Board receives complaints from salaried workers who feel they have been wronged by their employer. To this end, it has a number of powers related to investigation, mediation, prosecution and representation. The Act respecting Labour Standards governs the following: 3 Application of the law 3 Salary 3 Length of work day 3 Holidays 3 Leave for family or parental reasons 3 Child labour 3 Labour in certain sectors of the clothing industry 3 Termination of employer-employee relationship
Public holidays
As an entrepreneur and an employer, you need to know that
The Act respecting Labour Standards includes provisions concerning public holidays that protect most salaried workers in Qubec, whether they work full time or part time. Most salaried workers in Qubec have the right to a day off with compensation for each of the following statutory general holidays: 3 January 1 (New Years Day) 3 Good Friday or Easter Monday (employers choice) 3 The Monday before May 25 (Patriots Day, also known as Victoria Day) 3 June 24 (Qubec national holiday, also known as St. John the Baptist Day) 3 July 1 (Canada Day) 3 First Monday in September (Labour Day) 3 Second Monday in October (Thanksgiving) 3 December 25 (Christmas Day) Salaried workers in the clothing industry also have the right to the following holidays: 3 January 2 3 Good Friday and Easter Monday
PART 7 labour standards in Qubec

3 Complaints to the Commission des normes
du travail 3 Psychological harassment at work
3 Give the employee enough time to adjust 3 Inform the employee clearly of the risk of
being red if things do not improve
PARTIE PART 74
For more information: Commission des normes du travail www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca 514-873-7061 To nd out more about * The steps for processing a complaint against your business * The details about admissible and inadmissible complaints * The powers of the CNT if the complaint is accepted Go to www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca
For more information about holidays, leaves of absence, salary, payroll, work, job termination, events not covered by a standard and more, please go to the CNT website at www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca
You can only fire a salaried worker if all these measures do not produce the desired result.
Disagreement between you and your employee
The Act respecting Labour Standards and the self-employed worker

The labour standards act protects most salaried workers in Qubec, but some people are completely excluded, including selfemployed workers. You can find out more at www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca in the Not Covered section under Worker not covered by the Act respecting Labour Standards.
In the event of a disagreement, talk to your employee, because by taking action quickly, you can reduce the risk of complaints against you to the Commission des normes du travail (CNT).
Minimum wage
Recourse
For entrepreneurs with employees
Before terminating an employee for bad behaviour or inadequate performance, you have to go through a progressive system of corrective sanctions. These are the steps you have to follow before you re an employee: 1. Warn the employee verbally 2. Warn the employee in writing (letter given in person or by registered mail to the employees home) 3. Subject the employee to a short suspension 4. Subject the employee to a long suspension If, after all these warnings and measures, the employees performance is still inadequate, you must meet with the employee and discuss the following points: 3 Inform the employee of your expectations as an employer and review the companys policies 3 Point out the employees shortcomings 3 Provide adequate support for the employee to correct the situation and achieve the objectives
Since May 1, 2009, the general minimum wage has been set at $9.00 an hour, or $8.00 for employees who earn tips. The government changes the minimum wage periodically.
Withholding taxes and contributions
As the owner or future owner of a business, you have to make source deductions (withhold certain taxes and contributions from your employees salaries) and pay contributions and compensation tax(es) to the Qubec (provincial) and Canadian (federal) governments. * You will find a list of all withholding taxes and contributions in Appendix 14. To access all the forms and calculation guides for withholding taxes and employer contributions, please go to the Services Qubec-Entreprises website to nd and print the documents you need.
Your obligation to pay contributions as an entrepreneur (business owner)
All businesses in Qubec and elsewhere in Canada have to pay withholding taxes and contributions to the governments. If you do not pay, you will be charged costly nes and your reputation will be affected.

Hire an employee
Recruiting employees
As an entrepreneur and a business owner, you may have to hire employees. On the Emploi-Qubec website you can use the Online Placement service to recruit personnel. This service allows you to write your own job offer and review the applications received. For more information: Emploi-Qubec Online Placement Phone: 1-866-640-3058 Website: www.emploiquebec.net * See a sample job ad in Appendix 15. As soon as you hire a new employee, it is important to clarify certain points. calculate net salary. A section called Calculation tools allows you to test certain calculations based on your own salary, for free.
PART 7
Hours of work 3 Determine the schedule, the length of meal
breaks, coffee breaks and other types of breaks, if applicable. 3 Explain the length of the normal work week (for example, 35 hours a week).
Holidays and leaves of absence 3 Inform the employee of the reference year 3 Specify whether the business closes during 3 Give the employee a list of the holidays he
or she has a right to. vacations, at Christmas, etc. in effect in the business.
Salary 3 Specify the salary and the method of
Probation period 3 In Qubec, most employees are hired
remuneration: by the hour, weekly, performance-based, commission or other basis. 3 Explain how the salary will be paid: in cash, by cheque or by automatic deposit into the employees bank account. 3 Tell the employee the pay period: weekly, every two weeks, monthly. 3 If the employee will receive tips, explain the tip distribution or tip sharing arrangements in business (if any).
Gross and net salary 3 The gross salary is calculated as follows:
hourly rate times the number of hours worked in the week (example: $15.00 / hour 35 hours = $525.00). 3 The net salary is the gross salary less the deductions the employee has to pay on every paycheque. 3 The mandatory deductions that a business manager has to take off of the employees paycheques are indicated on the payslip. In Qubec, the deductions are federal and provincial income taxes, Qubec pension plan (QPP), employment insurance and parental insurance contributions, and union dues, if the employee is unionized. There may also be other deductions (such as contributions to a social club, a pension plan, RRSP, etc.). 3 The Commission des normes du travail website (www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca) offers an array of interesting information on how to
permanently if they successfully complete the probation period (trial period). 3 A newly hired employee is subjected to a trial period of varying length, usually from three to six months. 3 This period allows the employer to determine whether the employee meets the hiring criteria and performs up to the businesss standards. 3 When the trial period is over, the employer and employee meet to evaluate whether the employee will stay on. 3 If the employee has not fullled the minimum requirements of the position, he or she may lose the job or be subject to an extended trial period.
Offer letter 3 When you hire a new employee, it is a good

idea to write an offer letter to make the employees arrival in your business ofcial and to identify in writing all the conditions related to the position in question. 3 The offer letter must be written by the employer and signed by the new employee and his or her immediate supervisor (or the employer). * See a sample offer letter in Appendix 16

Human rights
The Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms is a law. The Charter conrms and protects the rights and freedoms of everyone living in Qubec. Its major objective is to smooth relations among people, and between people and institutions, in order to uphold human dignity. For more information about the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, its provisions, who must comply with it, and the limits to the exercise of fundamental rights, please go to the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse website at www.cdpdj.qc.ca or refer to Appendix 17.
3 A business directed by a sole proprietor
who carries out all activities, assumes all powers and obligations and is personally responsible for the debts of the business.
PARTIE PART 74
To nd out more about all the rules surrounding the Income Tax Act, go to www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Additional information: self-employed workers and the Commission de la sant et scurit au travail (CSST or workplace health and safety board)
Are self-employed workers covered by CSST?
Self-employed workers rights to employment insurance benets and parental leave benets
Can self-employed workers get parental leave benets?
As of January 1, 2006, all self-employed workers who earn $2000 or more must contribute to the Qubec Parental Insurance Program. They can therefore receive parental leave benets if they are eligible, as well as maternity or paternity benets. For more details, go to the Qubec Parental Insurance Program website at www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca
No, not unless they decide to contribute to the plan personally. There are individual criteria to full in order to be considered a self-employed worker under the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupations diseases
For more information on your personal situation, go to the CSST website at www.csst.qc.ca or call 1-866-302-2778.
Can self-employed workers get employment insurance benets?
According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Income Tax Act, these are the kinds of businesses that are not usually insured under the employment insurance program: 3 A business carried on by an independent worker, a self-employed worker who has a service contract with a business or an individual where the worker determines the hours.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
Financial partner Ministre des Affaires municipales, des Rgions et de lOccupation du territoire Reading committee Acto-Marketing Valrie Vinuesa, entrepreneur
acknowledgements
The SAJE would like to thank all the organizations and individuals who contributed to the creation of the ImmigrAffaires guide. We especially thank the following organizations, whose contributions allowed us to provide promoters and entrepreneurs with a much more thorough and complete guide.
SAJE Nawal Hanani, management consultant Sylvain Martin, project manager Jrme Matas, training consultant Caroline Trudel, training consultant Julia Vallelunga, training consultant Nizar Zaghdani, training consultant Businesses Dinh Ba Design Nguyen Dinh Ba, entrepreneur Esprit de corps Gilles Barbot, entrepreneur La Cuisine de Lili Margot Alexandre Pernetta, entrepreneur Les Aliments Magrebia inc. Mourad Ghariani, entrepreneur Mdia et Rdacktica Pro Yasmina El Jama, entrepreneur Ptisserie S&S Susana Jimenez, entrepreneur Magazine Russir Ici Medhi Benboubakeur, entrepreneur Transafrique Canada inc. Magatte Fall, entrepreneur Advisory committee Lafortune Cadieux Avocats, s.e.n.c.r.l. Me Maude Frchette Me Frdric Letendre Ministre de lImmigration et des Communauts culturelles SAJE Manon Bisaillon, accountant Aurlie Alaume, communications ofcer
Project supervision
Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Cte-des-Neiges Vanessa Kanga, entrepreneurship ofcer Chambre de commerce du Montral mtropolitain Marie-Pierre Veilleux, charge de projet Chantier dAfrique du Canada CHAFRIC Saliou Coundoul, project manager Confrence rgionale des lus de Montral Danny Roy, project manager, Entrepreneurship Ricardo Acevedo, development ofcer, Immigration Corporation de dveloppement conomique communautaire (CDEC) Ahuntsic-Cartierville Robinson Mose, management consultant Financing of private companies Corporation de dveloppement conomique communautaire (CDEC) Cte-des-Neiges/ Notre-Dame-de-Grce Anissa Kherrati, business consultant Corporation de dveloppement conomique communautaire (CDEC) Rosemont/Petite-Patrie Didier-K. Muamba, management consultant Dveloppement conomique LaSalle Aziz Guellouz, development ofcer Info entrepreneurs Jacinthe Daoust, content editor Regionalization coordinator Interconnexion Nord-Sud Cyriaque Sumu, entrepreneur Programme dinformation sur le travail et la recherche demploi de Montral PITREM Linda Boughettaa, employment consultant and immigration sector Rseau des Entrepreneurs et Professionnels Africains RPAF Komlan Messie, entrepreneur Service daide aux jeunes entrepreneurs Montral Centre Abderrahmane Bnariba, consultant
SAJE Vincent Lecorne, assistant executive director

Project coordination
SAJE Hlne Veilleux, management and orientation consultant
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
conclusion
The entrepreneur is the cornerstone of the businesss success. You may have a good business idea, but are you certain the project is right for you? Before you start your business, you need to know yourself personally and professionally. What do you like and dislike? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to become an entrepreneur? As you learned in the ImmigrAffaires guide, you need to have the typical qualities of an entrepreneur or be interested in developing them. If you are enthusiastic about what you are doing, why not turn it into a business project? Its up to you! When you make the decision to go into business, make sure you look for help. Now you know that there are a great many organizations that help business start-ups. It is crucial for you to get in contact with the resources that can help you, no matter where you are in the business creation process. Whether you need help to evaluate the potential of your business idea, structure your project, write your business plan, do a market study, or look for nancing, you can contact an expert in any of these areas using the extensive references provided in this guide. We have repeatedly encouraged you to join a business network. The best way to make yourself known as an entrepreneur is to get involved in the many activities related to your line of business. Take part in Chamber of Commerce events, get involved in a board of directors, volunteer at a community centre in your neighbourhood. The more people see you, the more likely they will be to think of you when they need your products or services. Finally, remember that no one is a born entrepreneur. It is a trade that must be learned, so if you think you need to do some training to improve your technical, managerial or sales skills, then go for it! Surround yourself with people who have the skills you lack. Your team will be all the stronger for it!
Good luck!
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
K Agent solo, Solo Agent News and Tips, www.agentsolo.com, August 2009. K Association des CLD du Qubec, CLD contact information, www.acldq.qc.ca, April 2009.
bibliography
K Association du Jeune Barreau de Montral, Juri-Conseils aux entreprises, www.ajbm.qc.ca, June 2009. K BOUTIN, Eric, Les droits, obligations et dductions scales de base dune socit incorpore, www.agentsolo.com, October 17, 2008. K Business Development Bank of Canada, Self-Assessment Questionnaire, www.potentielentrepreneur.ca, June 2009. K Canada Business, Regulations, Licenses and Permits, www.canadabusiness.ca, July 2009. K Canada Revenue Agency, Business, www.cra-arc.gc.ca, May 2009 K Canadian Intellectual Property Ofce, Patents, Trade-marks, Copyright, Industrial designs, www.cipo.ic.gc.ca, August 2009. K Canadian International Development Agency, www.acdi-cida.gc.ca, May 2009. K Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Adapting to culture shock, www.cic.gc.ca, May 2009. K Commission de la construction du Qubec, Competency certicates, www.ccq.org, April 2009. K Commission de la sant et scurit au travail, Workers, www.csst.qc.ca, July 2009. K Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, Human Rights, www.cdpdj.qc.ca, August 2009. K Commission des normes du travail, Human Resource Management Guide, www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca, July 2009. K Compagnie-F, Entrepreneurship for women, www.compagnie-f.org, April 2009. K Conseil interprofessionnel du Qubec, Professional Orders, www.professions-quebec.org, April 2009. K Desjardins, Business Owners, www.desjardins.com, June 2009. K Emploi-Qubec, Online Placement, www.emploiquebec.net, March-August 2009. K Filaction, Fonds de dveloppement, www.laction.qc.ca, June 2009. K Fondation de lalphabtisation, Ligne Info-alpha, www.fondationalphabetisation.org, April 2009. K Hautes tudes commerciales (HEC), Chair of SMB Development and Succession, www.fromsuccesstosuccession.com, July 2009. K Immigration-Qubec, Francization Partners, www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca, April 2009. K Immigration-Qubec, Regulated professions and trades, www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca, April 2009.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
K Ma garderie, Search for available daycare spaces, www.magarderie.com, March 2009.
bibliography
K Info Entrepreneurs, Programs, services and resources for entrepreneurs, www.entreprisescanada.ca, July 2009.
K Ministre de la Famille et des Ans, Guichets rgionaux daccs aux places en service de garde (regional daycare access service), www.mfa.gouv.qc.ca, March 2009. K Moisson Montral, Distribution to agencies, www.moissonmontreal.org, February 2009. K Ofce des professions du Qubec, Code des professions, www.opq.gouv.qc.ca, April 2009. K Ofce qubcois de la langue franaise, Charter of the French Language, www.olf.gouv.qc.ca, April 2009. K Portail daffaires des jeunes entrepreneurs, Bote outils, www.paje.ca, June 2009. K Portail daffaires des jeunes entrepreneurs, Parcours, www.paje.ca, April 2009. K Registre des entreprises du Qubec, Business registry, www.registreentreprises.gouv.qc.ca, June 2009. K Regroupement des comits Logement et Associations de Locataires du Qubec, Groupes logement, www.rclalq.qc.ca, February 2009. K Regroupement des cuisines collectives du Qubec, Collective Kitchens/member lists, www.rccq.org, February 2009. K Rseau des carrefours jeunesse-emploi du Qubec, Find your CJE, www.cjereseau.org, March 2009. K Rseau juridique du Qubec, Guide de la franchise, www.avocat.qc.ca, June 2009. K Revenu Qubec, Businesses, www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca, May 2009. K Salvation Army, Second-hand stores, www.salvationarmy.ca, February 2009. K SAJE, Services, www.sajeenaffaires.org, March 2009. K Service Qubec-Entreprises, Human resources, www.entreprises.gouv.qc.ca, August 2009. K Services Qubec, Businesses, www.entreprises.gouv.qc.ca, March-August 2009. K Statistics Canada, 2006 census, www.statcan.gc.ca, April 2009. K Statistics Canada, Employment Dynamics, 1983-1999, www.statcan.gc.ca, 2009. K VALLERAND, Nathalie, magazine Les Affaires Plus, March 2009, page 22, volume 32, no. 3. K Value Village, www.valuevillage.ca, February 2009. K Youth Employment Services, Services for entrepreneurs, www.yesmontreal.ca, March 2009.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
Basic needs HOUSING NEEDS List of housing committees in Montral
HOUSING COMMITTEE BY RESIDENTIAL TERRITORY
Action Dignit St-Lonard Association des locataires de lle-des-Surs Association des locataires de Villeray Comit de base pour laction et linformation sur le logement social Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Comit daction des citoyennes et des citoyens de Verdun Comit daction de Parc Extension Comit logement Ahunstic-Cartierville Comit logement Centre-Sud Comit logement de Lachine Comit logement de Montral-Nord Comit logement du Plateau Comit logement Petite Patrie Comit logement Rosemont Comit logement de St-Henri Conseil communautaire de Notre-Dame-de-Grce Entraide logement Hochelaga-Maisonneuve InfoLogis de lEst de llede Montral OEIL (Organisation dducation et dinformation logement) de Cte-des-Neiges Projet Gense de Cte-des-Neiges Regroupement information logement de Pointe Saint-Charles
PHONE
514 251-2874 514 767-1003 514 270-6703 514 522-1817 514 769-2228 514 278-6028 514 331-1773 514 521-5992 514 639-8070 514 852-9253 514 527-3495 514 272-9006 514 597-2581 514 935-4649 514 484-1471 514 528-1634 514 354-7373 514 738-0101 514 738-2036 514 932-7742
FOOD NEEDS
There are many resources and community activities in Montral that promote the sharing of economical recipes to help people who need to feed themselves on a small budget.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Daycares
In Qubec, children may be eligible for subsidized daycare. The number of available places is limited, however. The Qubec government grants subsidies to recognized daycare establishments, so the parents only have to pay $7 (February 2010) per day. Parents who want to access a spot in a subsidized daycare, either in a Centre de la petite enfance (CPE) or a family-run daycare, must rst put their child(ren) on a waiting list. For more information about daycares in Montral and services available for parents, go to the Ma Garderie website at www.magarderie.com or the ministre de la Famille et des Ans website at www.mfa.gouv.qc.ca
Montral collective kitchens
To help people achieve food self-sufciency, small groups of people pool their time and cooking skills to make healthy, affordable meals. By sharing and helping each other, these groups have ongoing, long-term access to enough food on a daily basis. If you would like to join a collective kitchen, youll nd all the information you need on the Regroupement des cuisines collectives du Qubec website at www.rccq.org (look on the French side the English side has only basic information).
Job search
Food banks in Montral
Food banks collect, manage and share food to help underprivileged people. Their efforts are rooted in donations, sharing and volunteering. To nd the food bank closest to you, go to the Moisson Montral website at www.moissonmontreal.org
Even though your objective is to become an entrepreneur, you may need to nd a job in the meantime. In Qubec, most job-search organizations are subsidized by the ministre de lEmploi et de la Solidarit sociale that is, Emploi-Qubec. At the Emploi-Qubec website (www.emploiquebec.net) you can look at job offers that might interest you. Youll also nd all sorts of valuable information about the job market in Qubec and about employment opportunities in the various sectors of the economy.
CLOTHING NEEDS
If you need low-cost clothing, you can go to one of the many discount stores in Qubec. Try the following websites: Salvation Army, www.armeedusalut.ca/magasins (the French site has a list of stores under Qubec/magasins) or www.valuevillage.ca, to nd the store closest to your home.
Other services
For other public services, such as consumption, housing, health problems, cards, permits and certicates, the Qubec parental insurance program, community services directory and so on, you can ask at Services Qubec by calling 514-644-4545 or 1-877-644-4545. Youll also nd information at www.servicesquebec.gouv.qc.ca
Contact information for local development centres (CLDs) and Community economic development corporations (CDECs) in Montral
APPENDIX 2
CDEC Ahuntsic-Cartierville 433, Chabanel Ouest, suite 304 (niveau M-2) Montral (Qubec) H2N 2J4 Phone: 514-858-1018 Website: www.cdec.qc.ca CDEC Centre-Nord 7000 du Parc ave., suite 201 Montral (Qubec) H3N 1X1 Phone: 514-948-6117 Website: www.cdec-centrenord.org CDEC Centre-Sud/ Plateau Mont-Royal 3565 Berri, suite 200 Montral (Qubec) H2L 4G3 Phone: 514-845-2332 Website: www.cdec-cspmr.org CDEC Notre-Dame-de-Grce/ Cte-des-Neiges 4950 Queen Mary, suite 101 Montral (Qubec) H3W 1X3 Phone: 514-342-4842 Website: www.cdeccdnndg.org CDEC Rosemont/Petite-Patrie 6224 St-Hubert Montral (Qubec) H2S 2M2 Phone: 514-723-0030 Website: www.cdec-rpp.ca CLD Anjou 7104 Joseph-Renaud blvd. Anjou (Qubec) H1K 3V5 Phone: 514-493-5113 Website: www.cldanjou.com CLD Centre-Ouest 710 Saint-Germain Saint-Laurent (Qubec) H4L 3R5 Phone: 514-855-5757 Website: www.destl.ca CLD de lOuest-de-lle 207 Place Frontenac Pointe-Claire (Qubec) H9R 4Z7 Phone: 514-426-2888 Website: www.cldwi.com CLD de Lachine 1024 Notre-Dame Lachine (Qubec) H8C 2C2 Phone: 514-469-9808
CLD Les 3 Monts 10 Roosevelt ave. Mont-Royal (Qubec) H3R 1Z4 Phone: 514-737-1253 Website: www.cldles3monts.com CLD Montral-Nord 11 211 Hbert ave. Montral-Nord (Qubec) H1H 3X5 Phone: 514-353-7171 Website: www.cldmn.qc.ca CLD Verdun 4400 LaSalle blvd. Verdun (Qubec) H4G 2A8 Phone: 514-362-1555 Website: www.cldverdun.org Corporation de dveloppement de lEst (CDEST) 2030 Pie-IX blvd., suite 201 Montral (Qubec) H1V 2C8 Phone: 514-256-6825 Website: www.cdest.qc.ca Dveloppement conomique LaSalle (DEL) 55 Dupras ave. LaSalle (Qubec) H8R 4A8 Phone: 514-367-6380 Website: www.cdelasalle.com Corporation de relance conomique et communautaire St-Lonard (CREC) 5960 Jean-Talon East, suite 310 Montral (Qubec) H1S 1M2 Phone: 514-256-6767 Website: www.crec-stleonard.qc.ca Regroupement conomique et social du Sud-Ouest (RSO) 1751 Richardson, suite 6509 Montral (Qubec) H3K 1G6 Phone: 514-931-5737 Website: www.resomtl.com Socit de dveloppement conomique Ville-Marie (SDVM) 615 Ren-Lvesque blvd. West, suite 720 Montral (Qubec) H3B 1P5 Phone: 514-879-0555 Website: www.sdevm.ca Socit de dveloppement conomique Rivire-des-Prairies/ Pointe-aux-Trembles/Montral-Est (SODEC) 7305 Henri-Bourassa East, suite 200 Montral (Qubec) H1E 2Z6 Phone: 514-494-2606 Website: www.sodec.qc.ca
List of Carrefours jeunesse-emploi (youth job centres or CJEs) in Montral
APPENDIX 3
CJE Ahuntsic-Bordeaux-Cartierville 10794 Lajeunesse Montral (Qubec) H3L 2E8 Phone: 514-383-1136 Website: www.cje-abc.qc.ca CJE Anjou/St-Justin 7100 Joseph-Renaud blvd. Montral (Qubec) H1K 3V5 Phone: 514-353-5400 Website: www.cjeanjou.com CJE Bourassa-Sauv (Montral-Nord) 4981 Charleroi, suite 202 Montral (Qubec) H1G 2Z2 Phone: 514-327-5555 Website: www.cjebourassasauve.com CJE Centre-Nord (Villeray, St-Michel, Parc Extension) 7000 du Parc Ave., suite 407 Montral (Qubec) H3N 1X1 Phone: 514-729-9777 Website: www.cje-centrenord.com CJE Centre-Sud/Plateau Mont-Royal / Mile-End 1035 Rachel East, 3rd floor Montral (Qubec) H2J 2J5 Phone: 514-528-6838 Website: www.cjemploi.org CJE Cte-des-Neiges 6555 Cte-des-Neiges, suite 240 Montral (Qubec) H3S 2A6 Phone: 514-342-5678 Website: www.cjecdn.qc.ca CJE Hochelaga-Maisonneuve 3440 Ontario East, 3rd floor Montral (Qubec) H1W 1P9 Phone: 514-523-2400 Website: www.cdest.qc.ca CJE LaSalle 1191 90 avenue, suite 200 LaSalle (Qubec) H8R 3A6 Phone: 514-368-1832 Website: www.destinationtravail.org
e
CJE Montral Centre-Ville 1184 Ste-Catherine West, suite 300 Montral (Qubec) H3B 1K1 Phone: 514-875-9770 Website: www.cjemontreal.org CJE Notre-Dame-de-Grce 6370 Sherbrooke West Montral (Qubec) H4B 1M9 Phone: 514-482-6665 Website: www.cje-ndg.com CJE Ouest-de-lle 225-F Hymus Pointe-Claire (Qubec) H9R 1G4 Phone: 514-782-0433 Website: www.cjeouestile.qc.ca CJE Pointe-aux-Trembles/Montral-Est 1400 St-Jean-Baptiste blvd., suite 27 Montral (Qubec) H1B 4A5 Phone: 514-640-4700 Website: www.saee.net/cje CJE Rivire-des-Prairies 8595 Maurice-Duplessis blvd., suite 209 Montral (Qubec) H1E 4H7 Phone: 514-648-8008 Website: www.cje-rdp.org CJE Rosemont/Petite-Patrie 1453 Beaubien East, suite 302 Montral (Qubec) H2G 3C6 Phone: 514-279-8725 Website: www.gcsd.qc.ca CJE Saint-Laurent 1482 de lglise, suite 200 Saint-Laurent (Qubec) H4L 2H6 Phone: 514-855-1616 Website: www.cjestlaurent.org CJE Sud-Ouest de Montral 3173 D St-Jacques West Montral (Qubec) H4C 1G7 Phone: 514-934-2242 Website: www.cjeso-mtl.org CJE Verdun 4005 Wellington Verdun (Qubec) H4G 1V6 Phone: 514-767-9971 Website: www.sipcje.org CJE Viger/Jeanne-Mance 5960 Jean-Talon East, suite 308 Montral (Qubec) H1S 1M2 Phone: 514-256-5051 Website: www.cjest-leonard.com
CJE Marquette 633 George V Lachine (Qubec) H8S 2R9 Phone: 514-634-0450 Website: www.cjemarquette.qc.ca CJE Mercier 7962 Hochelaga, 2nd floor Montral (Qubec) H1L 2K8 Phone: 514-354-5552 Website: www.pitrem.org
List of entrepreneurial assistance organizations This chart does not include for-prot businesses
APPENDIX 4
ORGANIZATION
Fondation de lentrepreneurship
CATEGORY
Mentorship Business networking
CONTACT
Qubec City: 418-646-1994 Montral: 514-873-3262 1-800-661-2160 (toll free) www.entrepreneurship.qc.ca Montral: 514-523-2836 or 514-274-3961 General information: 819-477-7535 www.groupement.ca * See Appendix 7. Qubec City: 418-651-0388, ext. 334 Montral: 514-526-6267 www.reseau.coop 418-656-1335 www.fcdrq.coop
Groupement des chefs dentreprises du Qubec
Mentorship Business networking
Various chambers of commerce Rseau de la coopration du travail du Qubec (work co-op network)
Mentorship Business networking Social economy
Fdration des coopratives de dveloppement rgional du Qubec (Qubec City co-op federation)
Social economy
Cooprative de dveloppement rgional de Montral-Laval (CDR) (Montral regional development co-op) Cercles demprunt de Montral (loan circles) Association communautaire demprunt de Montral
Social economy
Montral: 514-340-6056 Laval: 450-629-4488 www.cdr.coop 514-849-3271 www.cercledemprunt.com 514-843-7296 www.acemcreditcommunautaire.qc.ca 514-866-8303 www.coopinterface.qc.ca 514-340-5693 http://neumann.hec.ca/entrepreneurship 514-398-4065 www.dobsonmcgill.ca 514-398-5846 www.mbcg.com 514-848-2424, ext 7593 www.johnmolson.concordia.ca
Social economy
Social economy
Cooprative de travail Interface
Social economy
Centre dentrepreneurship HEC-Poly-Universit de Montral Dobson Centre McGill University
University Incubator
University
McGill Business Consulting Group
University
Concordia Small Business Consulting Bureau
University
APPENDIX 4 - List of entrepreneurial assistance organizations
Institute for Community entrepreneurship and development John Molson school of business at Concordia University (Montral) Centre dentrepreneurship et dinnovation de lUQAM
University
514-848-2424, est. 2790 www.johnmolson.concordia.ca
514-987-3000, ext. 4395 www.entrepreneuriat.uqam.ca
Centre dentrepreneuriat et dessaimage de lUQAC
University
418-545-5011, ext. 4655 www.uqac.ca/ceeuqac
Centre dentrepreneuriat et de PME Universit Laval Centre de lentrepreneurship technologique (ETS) Centech Centre dentreprises et dinnovation de Montral (CEIM) Inno-Centre
University
418-656-2490 www.fsa.ulaval.ca/cepme 514-396-8552 www.etsmtl.ca 514-866-0575, ext. 200 www.ceim.org 514-987-9550 1-877-987-9550 (toll free) www.inno-centre.com 514-393-9155 1-877-393-9155 (toll free) www.cjereseau.org 514-285-8944 www.jequebec.org 819-478-2582 www.acee.qc.ca 514-256-6330 www.cibim.org 514-932-8877 www.alliancenumerique.com 514-496-4636 1-888-576-4444 (toll free) www.infoentrepreneurs.org 514-872-8401 www.fondationdumaire.ca
University Off-campus
University Off-campus
Rseau des Carrefour jeunesse-emploi du Qubec
Entrepreneurial culture business awareness (16-35-year-olds)
Junior Achievement of Canada
Entrepreneurial culture business awareness Entrepreneurial culture business awareness Sectoral
Association des clubs entrepreneurs tudiants du Qubec (ACEE) Conseil des industries bioalimentaires de lle de Montral (biofood council) SPINC (Socit de Soutien aux Projets dImagerie Numrique pour le Cinma) (digital imaging for film) Info entrepreneurs
Sectoral
Referral
Fondation du maire de Montral pour la jeunesse
Youth (18-35 years)
APPENDIX 4 - List of entrepreneurial assistance organizations
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
Youth (18-35 years)
1-800-464-2923 www.fcje.ca 514-866-9941 www.ydesfemmesmtl.org 514-273-8740 www.monprojetdaffaires.com 514-521-5733 www.cefq.ca 514-767-6200 www.chafric.ca 514-737-3723 www.repaf.org
Y des femmes de Montral (Womens Y)
Women
Mon projet daffaires
Women
Women Entrepreneurial Centre of Qubec
Women
Chantier dAfrique du Canada
Ethno-cultural
Regroupement des entrepreneurs et professionnels Africains (African Professional and Business Network) Innovex
Ethno-cultural
Exportation-Innovation
514-855-5757 www.destl.ca
Professions governed by a professional order

The 45 professional orders have a total membership of over 326,000 individuals, practising 51 regulated professions. The chart below shows the reserved title of each of these professions and the related professional order.
APPENDIX 5
Profession
Acupuncturist Advocate Agrologist Architect Audiologist Bailiff Certified general accountant Certified human resources professional or Certified industrial relations counsellor Certified interpreter Certified management accountant Certified terminologist or Certified translator Chartered accountant Chartered administrator Chartered appraiser Chemist Chiropractor Dental hygienist Dental technician Dentist Denturologist Dietician Dispensing optician Engineer Forest engineer Geologist Guidance counsellor
Professional Order
Ordre des acupuncteurs du Qubec Barreau du Qubec Ordre des agronomes du Qubec Ordre des architectes du Qubec
Website
www.ordredesacupuncteurs.qc.ca www.barreau.qc.ca www.oaq.qc.ca www.oag.qc.ca
Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Qubec www.ooaq.qc.ca Ordre des huissiers de justice du Qubec www.huissiersquebec.qc.ca
Ordre des comptables gnraux licencis du Qubec www.cga-online.org Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines et en relations industrielles agrs du Qubec Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprtes agrs du Qubec www.orhri.org www.ottiaq.org
Ordre des comptables en management accrdits www.cma-quebec.org du Qubec Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprtes agrs du Qubec Ordre des comptables agrs du Qubec Ordre des administrateurs agrs du Qubec Ordre des valuateurs agrs du Qubec Ordre des chimistes du Qubec Ordre des chiropraticiens du Qubec Ordre des hyginistes dentaires du Qubec Ordre des techniciens dentaires du Qubec Ordre des dentistes du Qubec Ordre des denturologistes du Qubec Ordre professionnel des dittistes du Qubec Ordre des opticiens dordonnances du Qubec Ordre des ingnieurs du Qubec Ordre des ingnieurs forestiers du Qubec Ordre professionnel des gologues du Qubec Ordre des conseillers et conseillres dorientation et des psychoducateurs et psychoducatrices du Qubec www.ottiaq.org www.ocaq.qc.ca www.adma.qc.ca www.oeaq.qc.ca www.ocq.qc.ca www.ordredeschiropraticiens.qc.ca www.ohdq.com www.ottdq.com www.ordredesdentistesduquebec.qc.ca www.odq.com www.opdq.org www.oodq.qc.ca www.oiq.qc.ca www.oifq.com www.ogq.qc.ca www.occoppq.qc.ca
APPENDIX 5 - Professions governed by a professional order

Hearing-aid acoustician Land surveyor Marital and family therapist Medical technologist Midwife Notary Nurse Nursing assistant Occupational therapist Optometrist Pharmacist Physical rehabilitation therapist Physician Physiotherapist Podiatrist Professional technologist Psychoeducator Psychologist Radiology technologist Respiratory therapist Speech therapist Town planner Veterinary surgeon Ordre des audioprothsistes du Qubec Ordre des arpenteurs-gomtres du Qubec Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thrapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Qubec Ordre professionnel des technologistes mdicaux du Qubec Ordre des sages-femmes du Qubec Chambre des notaires du Qubec Ordre des infirmires et infirmiers du Qubec Ordre des infirmires et infirmiers auxiliaires du Qubec Ordre des ergothrapeutes du Qubec Ordre des optomtristes du Qubec Ordre des pharmaciens du Qubec Ordre professionnel de la physiothrapie du Qubec Collge des mdecins du Qubec Ordre professionnel de la physiothrapie du Qubec Ordre des podiatres du Qubec Ordre des technologues professionnels du Qubec Ordre des conseillers dorientation et des psychoducateurs du Qubec Ordre des psychologues du Qubec Ordre des technologues en radiologie du Qubec Ordre professionnel des inhalothrapeutes du Qubec Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Qubec Ordre des urbanistes du Qubec Ordre des mdecins vtrinaires du Qubec www.ordreaudio.qc.ca www.oagq.qc.ca www.optsq.org www.optmq.org www.osfq.org www.cdnq.org www.oiiq.org www.oiiaq.org www.oeq.org www.ooq.org www.opq.qc.ca www.oppq.qc.ca www.cmq.org www.oppq.qc.ca www.ordredespodiatres.qc.ca www.otpq.qc.ca www.occoppq.qc.ca www.ordrepsy.qc.ca www.otrq.qc.ca www.opiq.qc.ca www.ooaq.qc.ca www.ouq.qc.ca www.omvq.qc.ca
Chambers of commerce, business associations, groups and networks
APPENDIX 6
K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K
Jeune chambre de commerce de Montral: 514-845-4951 or www.jccm.org Board of trade of Metropolitan Montral: 514-871-4000 or www.btmm.qc.ca Chambre de commerce et dindustrie de lEst de lle de Montral: 514-354-5378 or www.ccieim.qc.ca Jeune chambre de commerce hatienne: 514-383-7191 or www.jcch.ca The West Island of Montral Chamber of Commerce: 514-697-4228 or www.ccoim.ca Chambre de commerce et dindustrie de Montral-Nord: 514-329-4453 or www.ccimn.qc.ca Chambre de commerce de St-Lonard: www.ccstleonard.qc.ca Chambre de commerce et dindustrie de Saint-Laurent : 514-333-5222 ou www.ccstl.qc.ca Chambre de commerce et dindustrie du Sud-Ouest de lle de Montral: 514-365-4575 or www.ccisom.ca Chambre de commerce franaise au Canada: 514-281-3203 or www.ccfcmtl.ca Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada: 514-844-4249 or www.italchamber.qc.ca Canadian Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: 514-849-4572 or www.ccica.com Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce: 514-845-0973 or www.avantimontreal.com/iccc Canada-Poland Chamber of Commerce: 514-278-7617 or www.chambrecp.ca Mexico-Canada Chamber of Commerce: 514-525-9068 Canadian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry: 514-495-8000 or www.ccicl.net Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce: 514-848-0595 or www.cccsmtl.com Hungarian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce: 514-932-5188 or www.hungariancc.ca Chamber of Commerce Finno-Canadienne: 514-802-3377 or www.nlandmontreal.com Qubec Latin-American Chamber of Commerce: 514-875-7886 or www.cclaq.ca Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce du Qubec: 514-933-7595 or www.rjccq.com Mentor network for immigrants in Qubec: 1-819-791-0665 or www.remiq.org African Professional and Business Network (REPAF): 514-737-3723 or www.repaf.org Chantier dAfrique du Canada: 514-767-6200 ou www.chafric.ca Greater Montral Mentors Group (GM 2): 514-873-3262 or www.entrepreneurship.qc.ca
Business idea: criteria and points for consideration

Answer yes or no to each of the following points. Every time you answer no, check whether you are missing crucial information before you start your business. Do research and check with an advisor at your local organization (see Appendix 2). Ref.: Canada Business.
APPENDIX 7
3 Legality
Is your idea legal? Yes No 3 Security Is your idea safe (i.e., physical safety of customers, workers)? Yes No 3 Environmental impact Will your business have a positive or negative effect on the environment?
3 Social impact

Will your business have a positive or negative effect for society?
3 Phase of development
Is your idea ready for the market? Yes No 3 Investment costs Do you know how much it will cost to launch your business? Yes No 3 Potential market Is there a potential market for the product or service your plan to sell? Yes No 3 Need Is there a need for your product or service among your target client group? Yes No 3 Demand stability Do your products or services meet a steady demand in your target clientele? Yes No

3 Potential sales What is the maximum number of sales you can achieve in your target market?
(A business opportunity sometimes reects current, sporadic or seasonal demand. If that is your situation, you should consider diversifying your products or services).
3 Demand trends
Is demand for the service or product you plan to offer going up or down?
3 Business life cycle Have you evaluated the life cycle of your business idea Yes (launch, growth, maturity and decline)? (see www.netpme.fr )

No
3 Protability

Protability is the relationship between expected or earned income and the resources used to earn it. Will your business be protable in the short, medium or long term?
3 Product visibility
Do you know where you will sell your product? Yes No 3 Distribution Will your products be sold at other service points or other retailers? Yes No 3 Appearance How have you designed your product to be attractive, eye-catching and attention-grabbing?
APPENDIX 7 - Business idea: criteria and points for consideration 3 Price

Have you determined the prices of your products or services? 3 Service What services will you offer on the sale of your product (after-sales service)? Yes No
3 Potential for a product line

Is your business idea likely to result in a line of products, so you can expand your market activities? 3 Production feasibility Does your product require a production feasibility study? Will you be able to go into large-scale production to meet future demand?
Yes
No
Yes Yes
No No
3 Durability

Will you have a durability policy for your products? Will you have to offer training on the use of your product? Does your product depend on the purchase of another product (equipment, tools)? Who are your competitors? What businesses offer the same products or services as you? List your competitors, including their strengths and weaknesses in comparison to yours.
3 Product learning curve 3 Product independance 3 Current competition

Yes Yes
No No
3 New competition

Have you thought about existing businesses that may start to offer the same products or services as you? How will you get the message out about your products or services? What advertising strategies have you planned for your business?
Yes
No
3 Promotion

3 Refund limit

What will your refund policy be for purchases made by your business intermediaries?
3 Market research

Marketing involves many decisions. The main decisions made by marketing managers are known as the 4Ps of marketing: product, price, place (or distribution channel) and promotion. What is your pricing strategy? What features of your product or service will satisfy customer needs? What promotional tools have you prepared? Where and how will you publish or display your advertisements?
3 Research and development

Will your products or services change with the market? Yes Do you plan to offer additional or complementary products that will entail signicant R&D investments? Now that you have answered all these questions, we recommend that you make an appointment with an advisor. Your advisor will answer all your questions and help you take the next steps toward the creation of your business.
No
Legal form comparison chart

Legal forms Sole proprietorship
Easy to form Easy to close Simple operations Unshared profits
APPENDIX 8
General partnership
Few government formalities for creation or closure
Share corporation
Limited liability of shareholders, administrators and directors
Limited partnership
Limited liability of limited partners Access to financing possible through public offering
Cooperative
Limited liability of members Division of work is fair and products or services obtained at good prices Members choose the orientation of the cooperative No takeover possible
Partners pool their money and/or assets Exists independently and/or services and/ from the shareholders, or expertise administrators and directors Flexibility to make changes Profits belong to the partners personally, not to the business Easier to transfer ownership than with a general partnership Financing may be easier to obtain than for other legal forms Operations governed by law, internal regulations and shareholder agreements (to be written) Possible to integrate new partners (e.g., shareholders or administrators) Lower tax rate
Advantages
Unlimited liability of entrepreneur with regard to the business and its debts The business does not survive the death of the entrepreneur More limited access to capital Higher tax rate than a corporation/ company
Unlimited joint and several liability of the partners for the business and its debts Trouble finding financing for expansion Highly recommended to have a written agreement between the partners because the law does not govern the operations of this kind of business Danger of disagreement among partners paralysing the business May be difficult to leave the partnership (or buy a partner out) Higher tax rate than a corporation/ company
Requires more formalities for its constitution Governed by many laws that are crucial to uphold Cost of creation is higher than for general partnership or sole proprietorship Legal restrictions on who can be appointed an administrator and who can be a shareholder
More complex structure than other legal forms Unlimited liability of general partners
Limited growth No increase in value of proprietary equity Long, complex constitution
Disadvantages
Partners Reserve cannot be contributions become shared among the the property of the members business Sometimes Limited partners have limited by general no authority over the regulations administration Long decision Limited partners making process cannot withdraw their contributions for the lifetime of the business without the agreement of the majority of the other partners
APPENDIX 8 - Legal form comparison chart
Legal forms
Sole proprietorship
Sole owner
General partnership
At least two partners
Share corporation
Sole owner or several owners
Limited partnership
At least two partners (the general partner and the limited partner) For activities that require major external financial contributions and are risky For professional sports, film industry, prospecting
Cooperative
Minimum of three for a work co-op and five for other co-ops To meet shared needs To advocate savings, solidarity, fair consumption and sharing
Composition
For small businesses or trades
For liberal To generate returns to professions, services distribute among the and trades owners Organized economic activity
Types
Local or regional activities Limited assets and financial needs
Very simple
Simple Mandatory registration
Complex Mandatory incorporation and registration
Complex Mandatory registration
Constitution
Registered or not (if the name of the business includes the owners first and last names) Low ($30 to $50)
May be long and complicated Based on the Cooperatives Act
Cost
Moderate to high, partly because of the shareholders agreement ($100 to $3000) Control shared between the partners as per the agreement
High ($500 to $2000) plus fees to write up a possible shareholders agreement ($1500 and +) Decisions made by the administrators (1 vote/adm.), who are elected by the voting shareholders (or by the shareholders if they have signed a unanimous shareholder agreement)
High ($1000 to $10,000)
Low to moderate ($100 to $1000)
Absolute control by the owner
Control
Limited partners have Control shared by no management the members rights over the (1 vote/member) company
APPENDIX 8 - Legal form comparison chart

Legal forms Sole proprietorship
No separate legal existence, cannot go to court Business income added to personal income (owners marginal tax rate) No sales tax to collect if annual sales $30,000
General partnership
Can appear in court under own name Shareholder agreement recommended Business income added to personal income (owners marginal tax rate, for owners share of income) No sales tax to collect if annual sales $30,000
Share corporation
Can appear in court under own name Net profits left in Retained Earnings can be paid as dividends Business files its own income tax return Numerous recurring obligations with regard to ministries and organizations Registration for sales tax required if business has taxable income
Limited partnership
Can appear in court under own name Written contract between two types of partners Profits shared based on contract established between partners (not general partners) No separate existence from a tax point of view Business income added to personal income of each partner (partners marginal tax rate, for partners share of income) Numerous recurring obligations with regard to ministries and organizations
Cooperative
Can appear in court under own name Numerous government constraints Governed by internal regulations of the cooperative Distribution of part of the profits as member dividends, based on use or equal shares After taxes, the surplus is paid to the reserve and as member dividends The member dividends are deductible from the cooperatives income taxes Obligations governed by the Cooperative Act
Legal and tax implications
No sharing of assets or profits
Ownership asset
All assets belong to All goods and assets All goods and Surpluses are the business and the belong to the business assets belong to the distributed among profits are shared and a portion of the business the members and as equally or as set out profits are distributed as Limited to value of proportional member in the shareholders dividends dividends subscribed shares agreement The partners all share the profits as set out in the contract Limited, only the corporation is liable for its debts (personal guarantees are often required to get a loan) Unlimited, joint and several for the general partners Limited to investment for limited partners The shares represent the investment and they increase with the number of members Possibilities increase as membership increases Limited to value of subscribed shares
Financial liability
Unlimited (including Unlimited (including personal assets) personal assets) Each partner is jointly and severally liable Limited to the borrowing capacity and capital outlay of the owner Limited to the borrowing capacity and capital outlay of the owners
Financing
Broad possibility of Good possibility of financing by share issue capital investment by general partners and contributions of limited partner
No guarantee of continuity
Continuity in the event of death
Continuity is not Continuity is guaranteed Continuity is related usually compromised (unless there is a to the success of because the written agreement to the the project partners can contrary, the deceased continue the shareholders estate business, as long as acquires the shares) there are still at least 2 partners after the death
Continuity is guaranteed as long as there are members
* Acto-Marketing, Valrie Vinuesa, 2009.

Financial tools offered by the CLDs and CDECs

Target client groups
For-profit businesses Legally constituted business Business that creates or maintains jobs that are accessible to the local workforce Business in one of the priority sectors Minimum investment of 20% of total cost of the project Have another source of funding in addition to this fund The fund cannot be used for operations, debt servicing, loan reimbursement or financing an already completed project The economic viability of the business is the basic investment criterion Non-eligible sectors: import/export businesses, retail businesses (except unusual businesses located on a commercial artery) Incorporated for-profit businesses that generate economic activity Preferred sectors: see the CLD or CDEC in the start-up territory Excluded sectors: retail business and services Mandatory promoter investment of at least 20% Creation of permanent jobs or maintenance of existing jobs Demonstration of economic viability of the business Complementarity with other sources of financing (private or government) File analysis fees, file monitoring fees and interest rates vary from centre to centre. Inquire at the CLD in the business territory. * Other conditions Self-employed workers Not-for-profit organizations in the social economy sector Work or solidarity cooperatives
APPENDIX 9
Fees and reimbursement
File analysis fees, file monitoring fees, and interest rates vary from centre to centre. Inquire at the CLD in the business territory.
Name of fund
Brief description
Type of investment
Eligibility criteria
Fonds local dinvestissement or FLI (Local investment fund)
Financial support for individual or group entrepreneurs with jobcreation or maintenance projects that demonstrate short - and long - term feasibility and viability
Amounts ranging from $5000 to $50,000 (in most areas, but some CLDs may offer more)
Socit locale dinvestissement dans le dveloppement de lemploi or SOLIDE (Local job development investment society)
SOLIDE creates jobs by financing new business start-ups and expansions of existing businesses that will have a structuring impact in the borough
Equity loan of a minimum of $5000 and a maximum of $50,000
Mandatory promoter investment of at least 20% Creation of permanent jobs or maintenance of existing jobs Demonstration of economic viability of the business Complementarity with other sources of financing (private or government)
File analysis fees, file monitoring fees and interest rates vary from centre to centre. Inquire at the CLD in the business territory. * Other applicable conditions
Fonds de dveloppement Emploi-Montral FDEM (EmploymentMontral development fund)
This fund promotes the economic development of Montral neighbourhoods by investing risk capital in viable, profitable small businesses, in start-up or development, that demonstrate a structuring impact on a specific location and an impact on the maintenance or creation of local jobs
Equity loan of a Incorporated for-profit businesses minimum of $5000 Preferred sectors: inquire at the and a maximum of CLD or CDEC in the business $100,000 (or $150,000 territory for profitable businesses Excluded sectors: retail commerce, that have existed for real estate, services and more than 2 years restaurants
APPENDIX 9 - Financial tools offered by the CLDs and CDECs

Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant Be between 18 and 35 years old Commit to working full time on the business project Have a business plan that demonstrates that the business has a good chance of being profitable and viable (business plan with financial projections including budgets for the first two years of operation) Lead to the creation of at least two permanent jobs (including the job of the entrepreneur who applies for the grant) during the first two years of operation Be partly financed by an investment from the entrepreneur equivalent to the amount of the grant Have experience or training relevant to the business project Start a business in a borough in the city of Montral No fees. To apply, inquire at the CLD or CDEC in the business territory.
This subsidy program helps young entrepreneurs create a first business by offering them technical and financial support
Between $3,000 and $10,000 per promoter and maximum of two grants per business project
Programme Jeunes promoteurs (Young Promoters Program)
Grant of up to $50,000 (some CLDs offer more) Cooperatives Incorporated not-for-profit organizations Priority sectors: Inquire at the CLD or CDEC in the business territory.
Social economy businesses
The business must be located in the territory of the CLD or CDEC where the entrepreneur applies for the grant Have a business plan that demonstrates ongoing profitability, good future prospects and economic impact on the territory Generate enough income to self-finance the business activities Involve contributions from several partners Use the fund for expenses related to project development, capital needs, operating fund and technology (for the first year) Be recognized in the area as a structuring project
Fonds en conomie sociale - FS (Social economy fund)
This grant supports group entrepreneurship projects that contribute to the wealth of the community and meet its needs
No fees. Inquire at the CLD or CDEC in the business territory for details on the selection process and terms of registration.
Promoters must make an investment (check the percentage with the CLD or CDEC)
In different territories, other funds may be managed by these organizations
Other funds
We suggest that you inquire at the CLD or CDEC in your business territory.
Grants from the Fondation du maire de Montral pour la jeunesse
APPENDIX 10
Name of fund
Grants (non-reimbursable) The grants offered cover up to 25% of the start-up costs, up to $20,000 Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Young Montrealers aged 18 to 35 who want to start a business Be 18 to 35 years old (inclusive)
Brief description
Type of investment
Target groups
Eligibility criteria
Fees and reimbursement

Entrepreneurs who wish to receive a grant must: Meet all the eligibility criteria
Programs that offer grants and services to help young Montrealers start a business
Grants from the Fondation du maire de Montral pour la jeunesse
Have personal income of $35,000 Attend an information session or less or be receiving government (www.fondationdumaire.ca) assistance benefits (employment insurance, income security or STA) Meet with a FMMJ coordinator at least one week before the file Have a personal balance sheet submission date with a net worth of $25,000 or less Submit a complete file to the Fondation du maire de Montral Have lived in greater Montral pour la jeunesse by the deadline for at least three consecutive months Present the project to an evaluation committee Have started a business in the territory of greater Montral within the last twelve months or plan to do so within one year of the projects acceptance Hold a majority of the shares of the business (over 50%) or hold them jointly with other entrepreneurs who are also eligible for the grant
APPENDIX 11
Name of fund Fees and reimbursement

$100 file opening fee $50 administration fee (start-up) for CYBF loan $10 monthly administration fee Loan can be repaid over three to five years Interest rate: For the first year: CIBC prime rate plus 2% Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34 Eligible to work in Canada (landed immigrants are accepted) Demonstrate the viability of the business by submitting a complete business plan Be in business, fully operating, for less than 12 months Live in or operate the business in a community that offers CYBF programs Have the training/experienced required for the project Agree to work with a business mentor Have a business idea that will create full-time sustainable employment Hold a majority of the shares Not be a full-time student Be aged 18 to 34
Brief description
Type of investment Target clients Eligibility criteria
Loan of up to $15,000 to start a business
Loans
See more information at www.cybf.ca
Second year and if payments are made on time: CIBC prime rate plus 1% Third year and if payments are made on time: CIBC prime rate Terms of loan Amortized over three years for amounts up to $7,500 Amortized over five years for amounts over $7,500 Only interest is paid for the first twelve months after the loan is granted The capital is reimbursed in set monthly payments plus interest over the next two or four years, depending on the amount due.
A few basic principles for choosing a business location
APPENDIX 12
1. Is the location in a city or neighbourhood or on a street, etc., where your future clients are? Yes
No
2. Is the location easily accessible for your future clients? Is the location served by public transit (near a metro station, bus stop, highway exit, close parking, etc.)? Yes No
3. Is the location situated near any of your competitors?
Yes
No
If so, you might think about looking for another location so you will not have to share your future clients with your competitor. On the other hand, you might want to be near them so you can take advantage of the business trafc they generate in the area.
4. Is the location on a commercial artery that is recognized by a merchant or tradesmens association? Yes No A strong merchants association can, with group backing, succeed in doing something a single store owner cannot dream of alone. This kind of group is particularly effective at promoting stores with shared themes or joint events. Promotions of this type usually have a far greater power of attraction than a retailer can achieve alone. 5. Does the owner of the premises impose restrictions on the placement and size of signs? Does the owner delay or neglect repair and upkeep work? Yes No
Inquire at the businesses around the location you have your eye on.
Self-Employment Support Measure (Emploi-Qubec)

Be receiving employment insurance benefits No cost to open the file You must first attend an information session to learn more about the measure. OR Have received employment insurance benefits in the last three years and be currently unemployed OR Be receiving social assistance/income security benefits OR Have received maternity/parental leave benefits in the last five years Other criteria: Be legally authorized to work in Canada Show an interest in becoming a self-employed worker and have the capacity to do so (expertise relevant to the project) Have a specific enough project to be able to start a business in the short term Be discharged from any bankruptcy judgment Participate financially, that is, invest sufficiently (15% of the amount received over one year under the self-employment measure support). During the entire period when financial assistance is received, work full-time on the business start-up AND agree to be monitored by an advisor during the development and implementation of the project Not receive income replacement benefits from the CSST or the SAAQ When working with partners who are not eligible for the self-employment support measure, demonstrate control over the business (at least 51% ownership) * These are the basic eligibility criteria. Your project must then be selected by a committee to receive technical and financial support Interest in becoming an entrepreneur or self-employed worker No age criteria * See other criteria for target clientele below
APPENDIX 13
The SAJE is mandated by Emploi-Qubec to offer the STA measure, which helps people attain the independence they need to integrate smoothly into the workforce.
Weekly financial support for a maximum of 52 weeks
Through technical and financial support, this measure helps people set up as self-employed workers and helps entrepreneurs create or develop a business.
At SAJE 514-861-SAJE (7253) for residents of: Centre-Sud, Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile-End, Ville-Marie, Lachine, LaSalle, Verdun, Westmount, Griffintown, St-Henri, Pointe-St-Charles, Ville-mard, Cte-St-Paul, PetiteBourgogne, Pointe-aux-Trembles, Rivire-des-Prairies, Mercier, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, St-Lonard, Anjou, Ahuntsic-Bordeaux-Cartierville, Montral-Nord, Rosemont/ Petite-Patrie, Villeray, Parc Extension, St-Michel At SAJE Montral Centre 514-485-3311 for residents of: Cte-St-Luc, Cte-des-Neiges, Notre-Dame-de-Grce, Ville St-Laurent, Ville Mont-Royal, Outremont, Hampstead 514-694-0260 for residents of: Pierrefonds, le-Bizard, Dollar-des-Ormeaux, Kirkland, Dorval, Pointe-Claire, Beaconsfield, Baie-dUrf, St-Anne-de-Bellevue, Senneville, Roxboro
Self-employment support measure
If the project is accepted, the promoter receives technical support for two years. The technical support consists of management consulting and business startup assistance from a specialized entrepreneurial development consultant.
All promoters accepted in the STA program also take a 12-week training program which is useful for drawing up a business plan.
List of source deductions and contributions

Employment insurance
The employer and the employee both contribute to employment insurance. You have to apply the right contribution rates. Website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca
APPENDIX 14
Commission des normes du travail (CNT) (labour standards board)

Employers must pay a contribution to Revenu Qubec to nance the Commission des normes du travail in the pursuit of its mission Website : www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca
Commission de la sant et de la scurit du travail (CSST) ) (workplace health and safety board)
Employers contribute to the CSST to nance its insurance and prevention services. Website : www.csst.qc.ca
Fonds des services de sant (health services fund)

Employers contribute to the health services fund to support the Qubec public health care regime. Website : www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca
Fonds national de formation de la main-duvre (Qubec workforce training fund)

When your payroll exceeds $1 million, you have to invest at least 1% in workforce training. Website : www.emploiquebec.net
Qubec Pension Plan (QPP)

The employer and the employee both contribute to the Qubec Pension Plan. Self-employed workers must contribute both the employer and the employee portion. Website : www.rrq.gouv.qc.ca
Canada Pension Plan

Employers and employees outside of Qubec contribute to the Canada Pension Plan. Website : www.rhdcc.gc.ca
Qubec Parental Insurance Program (QPIP)

Employers, employees and self-employed workers all contribute to the QPIP. Website : www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca
Deduction of support payments

If an employee is having support payments garnisheed from his or her wages, the employer must deduct the amount and turn it over to Revenu Qubec. Website : www.servicesquebec.gouv.qc.ca
Employees working outside of Canada

Employees working outside of Canada must complete schedule 17 and pay social security contributions. Website : www.servicesquebec.gouv.qc.ca
Sample job offer
APPENDIX 15
ReCePTionisT
(title of position to be lled)
Description of position (briey describe the position to be lled)
This position consists mainly of answering phone calls and providing information about our services to clients who come to the ofce in person. The receptionist will also provide administrative support for some development projects related to offering new services to our clients.
Qualications (skills and experience required)
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
2 years of experience in a similar position Experience greeting customers Able to respond to different demands simultaneously (walk-in, phone, administration) Secretarial diploma Bilingual Good communication skills, tact and diplomacy Ability to listen Solid knowledge of MS Ofce in Windows
Responsibilities
3 3 3 3

Answer phone requests and emails from entrepreneurs who are interested in the organizations services Based on the type of request, direct clients to the appropriate service for their situation Regularly update the contact database Actively participate in the development and improvement of services offered, especially by analysing the needs of entrepreneurs who contact the organization and tracking unfullled needs
3 All other related tasks

Benets (enter the salary and other benets for the employee)
3 Salary of $15 an hour

Send your CV by January 10, 2010
(enter a deadline for receiving CVs) to (your name) at: Entreprise 1234 inc. (enter the name of your business) 1234 Maisonneuve East Montral (Qubec) H12 3Y4 (enter your mailing address) Or info@1234.com (enter your email address)
Sample offer letter
APPENDIX 16
Place and date: _______________________
Name of employee: Address of employee:
_______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________
_______________________________________
Subject: Job conrmation

Dear Mr./Ms. Employee, It is our pleasure to inform you that your application for the position of _______________________ has been accepted. As agreed, you will begin your new position at ______________________________________ (name of the business) on _________________ (date) at ________ (time). We are very pleased to have you on our team. These are the terms of our agreement: Reporting to: Probation period: Salary (hourly rate): Work schedule: Social benets (if applicable): Vacation (number of weeks): On behalf of the entire team, I would like to welcome you to _______________________________________ Sincerely, (name of the business).
__________________________ (Signature of immediate supervisor) Name of supervisor Position Business
__________________________ Employees signature
___________________________ Date
Rights and freedoms recognized by the Qubec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
Fundamental freedoms and rights
APPENDIX 17
3 The right to life, and to personal security, inviolability and freedom, as well as recognition of his juridical personality (article 1) 3 The right to assistance (article 2) 3 Freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of opinion, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly
and freedom of association (article 3) The right to the safeguard of his dignity, honour and reputation (article 4) The right to respect for his private life (article 5) The right to the peaceful enjoyment and free disposition of his property, except to the extent provided by law (article 6) The right to the inviolability of his home (articles 7 and 8) The right to non-disclosure of condential information (article 9)
3 3 3 3 3
The right to equality
3 The right to full and equal recognition and exercise of the human rights and freedoms granted under the Charter,
without discrimination or harassment (articles 10 and 11)
Economic and social rights
3 Every child has a right to the protection, security and attention that his parents or the persons acting in their stead are
capable of providing (article 39) (article 40) keeping with their convictions and with proper regard for their childrens rights and interests (article 41) the standards prescribed or approved by virtue of the law (article 42) members of their group (article 43)
3 Every person has a right, to the extent and according to the standards provided for by law, to free public education 3 Parents or the persons acting in their stead have a right to give their children a religious and moral education in 3 The right to choose private educational establishments for their children, provided such establishments comply with 3 Persons belonging to ethnic minorities have a right to maintain and develop their own cultural interests with the other 3 The right to information to the extent provided by law (article 44) 3 For every person in need, the right to measures of nancial assistance and social measures provided for by law,
susceptible of ensuring an acceptable standard of living (article 45) for his health, safety and physical well-being (article 46) standards provided by law support of the family and the education of their common offspring (article 47) as the right to the protection and security that must be provided to him by his family or the persons acting in their stead (article 48)
3 The right, in accordance with the law, to fair and reasonable conditions of employment which have proper regard 3 The right to live in a healthful environment in which biodiversity is preserved, to the extent and according to the 3 Equal rights between spouses, in marriage or civil union, and equal responsibility for the moral guidance and material 3 Every aged person and every handicapped person has a right to protection against any form of exploitation, as well
Judicial rights
3 The right to a full and equal, public and fair hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal (article 23) 3 No one may be deprived of his liberty or of his rights except on grounds provided by law and in accordance with
prescribed procedure (article 24)
3 The right to be protected from unreasonable search or seizure (article 24.1)

In case of arrest or detention
3 3 3 3
The right to be treated with humanity and respect (article 25) The right to treatment appropriate to his sex, his age and his physical or mental condition (article 26) The right to be kept apart, until nal judgment, from prisoners serving sentence (article 27)
The right to be promptly informed, in a language he understands, of the grounds of his arrest or detention (article 28) and of the specic offence with which he is charged (article 28.1)
3 The right to be informed promptly of his rights, to immediately advise his next of kin and to have recourse to the
assistance of an advocate (article 29)
3 The right to be brought promptly before the competent tribunal or released (article 30) 3 The right of recourse to habeas corpus (article 31)
Before the courts
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
The right to be released on undertaking to appear before the court, with or without deposit or surety (article 31) The right to be tried within a reasonable time (article 32) The right to presumed innocence (article 33) The right not to be compelled to testify against himself at his trial (article 33.1) The right to be assisted or represented by an advocate (article 34) The right to a full and complete defence and the right to examine and cross-examine witnesses (article 35)
The right to be assisted free of charge by an interpreter if he does not understand the language used at the hearing or if he is deaf (article 36) The right to the non-retroactivity of the law (article 37) The right not to be tried twice for the same infraction (article 37.1) The right to a lesser sentence if the law has changed since the infraction (article 37.2)
The right not to be incriminated by his own testimony, except in a prosecution for perjury or for the giving of contradictory evidence (article 38)
Political rights
3 The right of petition to the National Assembly (article 21) 3 Every person legally capable and qualied has the right to be a candidate and to vote at an election (article 22)
GLOSSARY
1.
Asset-based nancing:
Loans granted by a nancial institution under which the nanced asset constitutes the sole guarantee granted to the creditor. The asset may be a building, technological equipment, etc. The credit risk is assumed by the creditor, but the cost of the loan is higher for the investor.
2.
Capital lease/operating lease:

A capital lease usually serves to nance the equipment for the major portion of its useful life, and the leaser is reasonably assured of becoming its owner at the expiry of the lease. An operating lease usually serves to nance the equipment for a shorter period than its useful life, and the lessee can return it to the lessor with no other obligation at the term of the lease.
3.
Conditional sales contract:

A contract under which the seller retains the title to the goods sold and delivered to the buyer until the goods are paid in full. Ownership passes to the buyer once the payments are complete.
4.
Credit card:
A credit card is a type of loan. It can be used to obtain goods, services and cash up to the limit authorized by the card issuer. The merchant is paid by the credit card company, which will subsequently be paid back by the cardholder. The cardholder has to pay interest at the end of the grace period if the balance is not completely reimbursed.
5.
Export nancing:
This type of nancing allows Canadian businesses to seize business opportunities on foreign markets by selling goods and services to buyers in other countries.
6. 7.
Factoring:
Transfer of a businesss accounts receivable to a nancing company which takes care of collecting them.
Lease:
A rental contract of determined duration between a renter (industrial or commercial business) and a lender (bank or specialized establishment). The contract implies a promise to sell at the end of the contract.
8.
Non-residential mortgage:
A loan that uses non-residential real estate as a guarantee, under which a mortgage is used to guarantee the payment of the principal and interest. This type of loan is commonly called a commercial mortgage.
9.
Operating loan/line of credit:

This loan, usually short term, is granted to a business to increase its working capital. It is used to nance current production, distribution and accounts payable.
10.
Quasi-capital:
This is generally considered debt but with characteristics of equity capital, e.g. exible repayment, higher expected rate of return and for the most part unsecured. Money granted to a company by the shareholders or some other party in the form of a loan might be classied as quasi-equity provided the repayment of such a loan is formally postponed to the benet of other creditors.
GLOSSARY
11.
Sale and leaseback:

A form of leasing arrangement whereby the company sells its property or other asset to a leasing company and immediately leases it back and continues to use it as before. In this way the company raises money immediately without losing the use of the asset. The ownership passes to the lessor, while the lessee pays a rental fee for the duration of the life of the asset.
12.
SMB:
SMB is an acronym sometimes used to mean small and medium businesses, more commonly known as small businesses, based on the number of employees, the impact of the activities and the company earnings. The French equivalent is PME (for petite et moyenne entreprise).
13.
Term loan:
Guaranteed commercial loan granted to a business for an agreed period (usually three to ten years). It is repaid with interest, normally in regular instalments. This type of loan is usually offered to acquire a building, land, etc.
14.
Vehicle lease:
Specic nancing arrangement also called rent with purchase option. A vehicle is put at your disposal for a determined period of time and a monthly cost. At the end of the contract, you can purchase the vehicle at the pre-established price. It is also possible to prolong the lease or return the vehicle to the dealer under the conditions set out in the contract.
15.
Venture capital/seed capital:

Venture capital means shareholders equity and loan capital invested in a new business in the start-up phase, or invested by people other than the owner. The capital may come from business banks, private investors and specialized venture capital investment companies. Seed capital is used to nance business start-ups.
16.
Working capital:
This fund represents the businesss cash on hand and capacity to meet its short-term obligations. It uctuates based on short-term assets, rate of stock rotation and credit conditions.
IMMIGR AFFAIRES
notes
S E R I A F F A IMMIGR
g n i d a e R
makes s s e n i s u b good sense!

aires f f a r g i m m i . www .org

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IMMIGR AFFAIRES

This guide was produced by SAJE

Michel Fortin Executive Director SAJE

a message from our executive director

Here in Qubec, immigrant entrepreneurs are welcomed with open arms!

Michel Fortin Executive Director SAJE

FROM IDEA TO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

FROM PLANNING TO START-UP

Everyone is presumed to know the law!

IMMIGR AFFAIRES PART 1

being an immigrant entrepreneur in Qubec

Importance of the official language

Trades in the construction industry

Recognition of diplomas, trades, permits and competency certicates

Challenges for entrepreneurs during start-up

Professions governed by a professional order

Risks and personal implications

As a future entrepreneur, you need to expand your professional networks in

business rules and culture in Qubec

local Maison de la culture centre

K Volunteer at your local community K Go to neighbourhood events and chat

with other families things you say

K Take note of peoples reactions to the

Specic characteristics of the business culture in Qubec

Attitudes and behaviours to adopt

Interpersonal relationships in business

how people interact expression

and take part in community activities

PART 2 business rules and culture in Qubec

Professional and business discussions

Recommended business attire

Body language and eye contact

Importance and practicalities of business networking in Qubec

PART 2 business rules and culture in Qubec

Tips and advice

Repair Experts inc.

Here is the information you should put on your business card

IMMIGR AFFAIRES PART 3

Originally from Senegal President Transafrique Canada Inc. www.transafriquecanada.com

evaluating the potential success of your project

Personality traits: 3 Be dynamic: be motivated by practical 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

1. Timmons, 1978; Hornaday, 1982; Chell, 1986; Blawatt, 1995.

PART 3 evaluating the potential success of your project

Social traits: 3 Communicate easily and be sociable:

Is your idea really a business opportunity?

2. Business Development Bank of Canada, www.bdc.ca 3. Canada Business, www.entreprisescanada.ca

IMMIGR AFFAIRES PART 4

Originally from France President Esprit de corps www.espritdecorps.biz

business start-up process in Qubec

Different ways to go into business

1. Starting from zero 3 This is the route chosen by most

3. Acquire a franchise or concession

PART 4 business start-up process in Qubec

3 You sign a contractual agreement with a

Why do you need a business plan?

When should you prepare a business plan?

Who should prepare the business plan?

Importance of the business plan and models of business plans

Models of business plans

PART 4 business start-up process in Qubec

Choice of corporate structure

General partnership 3 Results from a contract under which