Start a Business

Start by defining your business idea and determining what you need to get started. Consider the following items:

• What products or services will you offer?
• Who are your customers?
• Will you operate from a storefront, commercial space or your home?
• How much space will you need?
• Will you have employees?
• Will you need parking, signage, a patio or outdoor space?
• Will you prepare or serve food?
• Will you sell or serve alcohol?

Before signing a lease or purchasing a property, confirm that your proposed business is permitted at that location. The Town's zoning by-law regulates how properties can be used. A business may require additional planning approvals if the proposed use is not permitted at the property.

Important: Contact the Town of Essex Planning Department before committing to a property to confirm zoning and other requirements.

Complete the Town of Essex Business Registration Application when starting your business. The Business Registration Application helps identify businesses operating in Essex and allows the Town to confirm that the business conforms to applicable zoning requirements. Business registration is not the same as a municipal business licence. 

You may also need to register your business name and complete provincial or federal registrations, depending on your business structure and activities.

To understand provincial and federal registration requirements, use BizPaL, a free online tool to easily navigate the required business registrations, licences, and permits. BizPaL filters requirements based on your location, industry, and business activities. 

Not every business requires the same licences or permits. You may need certain licences and permits to run your business according to federal, provincial, or municipal regulations.

Use BizPaL, a free online tool to find the licences and permits you need for your business. BizPaL filters permits based on your location, industry, and business activities.

Municipal Licenses

Certain businesses are also required to obtain a Municipal License. This applies to those businesses that are regulated by by-laws, such as taxi cabs and transient businesses. Please contact us for more information.

Additional Approvals

Want to add a patio or outdoor space? 

• A patio or outdoor commercial area may require municipal approval. Complete a Temporary Patio Extension and Outdoor Retail Space Application.

Want to serve alcohol?

• You may require licensing through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), along with any applicable municipal requirements. Find out more information here.

Want to prepare or serve food?

• Additional public-health and food-safety requirements may apply. Find out more information here.

Want to erect, advertise or post business signage?

• By-law 2167 regulates the erection and posting of signs on public and private lands in the municipality. Before you order or begin construction of your business sign, please contact the Town to discuss your sign and any applicable regulations. Find out more information here.

Planning to renovate, alter or change the use of a building? Depending on the project, you may need a building permit, zoning review, site plan approval or other approvals. Businesses are advised to confirm planning and building requirements with the Town before any construction begins.

• Planing Department
• Building Department

Once your required registrations, licences, permits, and approvals are in place, you are ready to prepare for opening! Businesses should consider the following items before opening:

• Business insurance
• Utilities
• Internet and phone
• Point-of-sale (POS) system
• Employees and payroll, including employee standards and workplace health and safety
• Accessibility requirements
• Marketing and website

Grand Opening or Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony