How to Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Small Business

Unsure which business structure is right for you? Make sure to download Small Business BC’s Business Structure Information Sheet.

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Before registering your business, you should consider the different options available to you. From a legal point of view, there are three common types of business structure: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, and Corporation. Each structure has different and important implications for liability, taxation, and succession. What are the advantages for your business of incorporating a company versus registering a partnership or a sole proprietorship?

Below we provide an overview of each business structure, including each of their advantages and disadvantages.

Business Structure #1: Sole Proprietorship

Starting a sole proprietorship is the simplest way to set up a business. As a sole proprietor you will be classified as self employed and fully responsible for all debts and obligations related to your business. For example a should a creditor file a claim against your business, they will have a right against your assets, whether business or personal. This is known as unlimited liability.

In a sole proprietorship, you would perform all the functions required for the successful operation of the business. These include:

Securing the capital
Establishing and operating the business
Assuming all risks
Accepting all profits and losses

Advantages of a Sole Proprietorship

Low start-up costs
Greatest freedom from regulation
Owner in direct control of decision making
Minimal working capital required
Tax advantages to owner
All profits to owner

Disadvantages of a Sole Proprietorship

Unlimited liability
Lack of continuity in business organization in absence of owner
Difficulty in raising capital
No name protection

Business Structure #2: General Partnership

A partnership is an agreement in which you and one or more people combine resources in a business with a view to making a profit. In a General Partnership, you and one or more other owners would share the management of a business, and each partner would be personally liable for all debts and obligations incurred. This means that each partner is responsible for, and must assume, the consequences of the actions of the other partner(s).

In order to establish the terms of the Partnership and to protect yourself in the event of a disagreement or dissolution of a Partnership, a partnership agreement should be drawn up. You can access sample partnership agreements at Small Business BC.

Advantages of a General Partnership

Ease of formation
Low start-up costs
Additional sources of investment capital
Possible tax advantages
Limited regulation
Broader management base

Disadvantages of a General Partnership

Unlimited liability
Divided authority
Difficulty in raising additional capital
Hard to find suitable partners
Possible development of conflict between partners
Partners can legally bind each other without prior approval
Lack of continuity
No name protection

Business Structure #3: Incorporation

A corporation, also known as a limited company, is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its members (shareholders). Companies are incorporated in BC according to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act.

When a company is incorporated, it acquires all of the powers of an individual, an independent existence – separate and distinct from its shareholders, and an unlimited life expectancy. An incorporated company can acquire assets, go into debt, enter into contracts, sue or be sued. Ownership interests in a corporation are usually easily changed, and shares may be transferred without affecting the corporation’s existence or continued operation.

You have the option to incorporate at a provincial level or at a federal level. If you intend to carry out activities solely in one province, provincial incorporations may be preferable. If you wish to expand your activities outside of the province at a later date, you must obtain an extra-provincial license from every other province in which it wishes to open an office or obtain a physical presence.

You should consider federal incorporation if you want to carry on business in more than one province or outside the country. Federal incorporation also offers heightened name protection under the Canada Business Corporation Act. Once federally incorporated, the corporate name has a protected status second only to trademark protection.

Advantages of Incorporation

Limited liability
Possible tax advantage (if you qualify for a small business tax rate)
Specialized management
Ownership is transferable
Continuous existence
Separate legal entity
Easier to raise capital
Name protection

Disadvantages of Incorporation

Closely regulated
Most expensive form of business to organize
Charter restrictions
Extensive record keeping necessary
Possible double taxation of profits
Shareholders (directors) may be held legally responsible in certain circumstances
Personal guarantees undermine limited liability advantages

Business Structure #4 – Co-ops

A co-operative differs from other business structures in that it’s owned by an association of people or businesses that pool their resources to meet a common goal. This structure is democratic in nature as each member gets one vote.

Co-operatives are considered a legal entity, meaning the business structure limits the liability of the individual members. It also allows the business to acquire assets, enter into contracts, take on debt and much more.

Co-operatives in Canada are mostly located in economic sectors such as agriculture, food, social services, retail and wholesale. Learn more about co-operatives by reading our Introduction to Co-ops article.

Still Unsure? Learn More

To learn more these popular business structures, register for our Start Smart Series where Synergy Business Lawyers will take you discuss the differences between proprietorships, partnerships and incorporations.

How to Register Your Business

Small Business BC offers a number of products and services to help you register your business.

Register an Incorporation

Incorporation can be a very involved process and it is recommended that you seek the advice and services of a lawyer and/or an accountant.

If you choose the register an incorporation yourself, Small Business BC can help simplify the name approval process by reviewing your name choice with you and filing your business name request on your behalf. You can also purchase Simply Legal’s Incorporation Kit for British Columbia which includes easy to follow instructions and all the legal forms needed to get you incorporated properly.

Register a Sole Proprietorship of Partnership

Small Business BC offers a full Guided Registration and Name Approval service for sole proprietorships and general partnerships. The package includes guided name reservation and company registration, GST registration (if required), as well as a printed registration certificate.