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The $0 to Canadian Business Startup Checklist
87 steps from idea to first customer. Every checkpoint links to the exact AI tool or prompt that handles it for you.
87 actionable steps7 phases100% free
What's Inside
7 phases covering every step of launching a business in Canada
Phase 1
Idea Validation
10 action items
- •Write a one-sentence problem statement your business solves
- •Use ChatGPT to research if people are searching for this solution
- •Identify 5 competitors and list what they charge
- + 7 more in the checklist
Phase 2
Legal & Registration
15 action items
- •Decide: sole proprietorship vs. incorporation (use the decision tree)
- •Search your province's business name registry for availability
- •Search the NUANS database for federal name conflicts
- + 12 more in the checklist
Phase 3
Financial Setup
10 action items
- •Open a dedicated business bank account (RBC, TD, BMO, or Simplii)
- •Set up a free accounting tool (Wave — Canadian-made and free)
- •Create CRA T2125-aligned expense categories in your tracker
- + 7 more in the checklist
Phase 4
Brand & Identity
10 action items
- •Use AI to brainstorm 20 business name ideas with rationale
- •Check .ca and .com domain availability for top picks
- •Register your .ca domain via a CIRA-certified registrar
- + 7 more in the checklist
Phase 5
Website & Online Presence
15 action items
- •Choose your website builder (use the decision tool in the Launch Kit)
- •Purchase hosting if needed (Vercel, Netlify — free tiers available)
- •Set up your custom domain and SSL certificate
- + 12 more in the checklist
Phase 6
AI Tools Setup
12 action items
- •Create a free ChatGPT account (openai.com)
- •Create a free Claude account (claude.ai)
- •Set up Canva for social media graphics and documents
- + 9 more in the checklist
Phase 7
First Customers
15 action items
- •Define your launch offer (introductory pricing, bonus, or bundle)
- •Use AI to write a launch announcement post for social media
- •Create a simple landing page or link-in-bio for your offer
- + 12 more in the checklist
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