Launching your own business is an exciting adventure, full of creativity and boundless potential. Yet, amid the rush of branding, budgeting, and building your client base, it’s easy to miss a crucial pillar of success: getting your legal foundation right from day one.
At Main Street Law, we’ve helped entrepreneurs across Spruce Grove, Edmonton, and Drayton Valley start and scale thriving businesses built on solid ground. Whether you’re opening a cozy café, launching a freelance service, or setting up a retail shop, making smart legal decisions now can protect you from expensive headaches later.
Below, you’ll find five must-do legal steps for every Alberta business owner.
1. Choose the Right Business Structure
Your business structure shapes everything from how you pay taxes to your level of personal liability. The best option depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Sole Proprietorship
The simplest structure, easy and affordable to set up. However, you’re personally liable for all financial obligations.
- Partnership
Shared ownership (and risks!) between two or more people. Profits are split—but so is liability.
- Corporation
A separate legal entity offering limited liability, potential tax advantages, and greater growth opportunities, though you’ll need to meet more compliance requirements.
Why it matters:
Picking the wrong structure can expose you to unnecessary risk or cause trouble come tax time. Fast-growing businesses or those taking on significant debt should be especially careful.
Action Step:
Consult with a business lawyer to clarify your goals and risk profile. At Main Street Law, we’ll help you select and formally establish the best-fit structure, setting you up for peace of mind from day one.
2. Register Your Business Name and Obtain Licenses
Before you design that logo or order your first set of business cards, make sure your business name is available and legally registered. In Alberta, registration requirements vary by structure:
- Sole Proprietorships & Partnerships: Register with Alberta Registry Services.
- Corporations: Choose a unique name or operate under a numbered company.
Don’t forget, you may also need municipal business licenses, zoning permits, or health and safety certifications, depending on your industry.
Why it matters:
Failure to register or obtain necessary permits can mean fines, forced name changes, or even temporary shutdowns.
Action Step:
Our team can guide you through the registration process, perform name searches, and ensure you secure all the licenses needed to stay compliant.
3. Draft Strong Contracts
Whether you’re hiring employees, working with vendors, or providing services, written contracts are your best defense. Relying on handshake deals or free online templates leaves you open to risk.
Key contracts to consider include:
- Employment agreements
- Service contracts
- Vendor/supplier agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Partnership agreements
Why it matters:
Clear, enforceable contracts protect your interests, reduce misunderstandings, and provide a plan if things go sideways. They also demonstrate professionalism and help build lasting trust with partners and clients.
Action Step:
Work with a business lawyer to draft or review contracts tailored to your specific business needs and Alberta’s legal standards.
4. Protect Your Intellectual Property
Your business name, logo, website, and unique offerings are valuable assets. Take steps now to secure what you’ve created.
Consider protecting your IP by:
- Registering your website’s domain name
- Trademarking your business name or logo
- Copyrighting original content (blogs, marketing, training guides)
- Using confidentiality agreements for sensitive business info
Why it matters:
If not protected, your brand or original work might be used by others or, worse, force you to rebrand if someone else claims prior ownership.
Action Step:
Main Street Law can help you inventory your intellectual property, determine what should be registered, and take swift action to prevent misuse.
5. Understand Your Legal Obligations
Every business must comply with a mix of general and industry-specific legal requirements, such as:
- Tax compliance: GST, payroll deductions, corporate income tax
- Occupational Health & Safety (OHS): Ensuring a safe work environment
- Employment Standards: Rules for hiring, firing, payroll, vacation
- Privacy Laws: If you collect or store personal data
- Consumer Protection Legislation: Your obligations to clients and customers
Why it matters:
Even accidental non-compliance can result in fines, lawsuits, or reputational damage. The earlier you know your obligations, the better.
Action Step:
Our experienced team will guide you through the relevant rules and regulations for your business, helping you create policies that keep you compliant and confident.
Bonus Tip: Don’t DIY Your Legal Foundation
Cutting corners on legal matters might seem like a cost-saving move, but it can lead to bigger expenses down the line. Think of solid legal support as an investment in your business’s longevity and peace of mind.
Even a short consultation with a lawyer can help you:
- Avoid common legal pitfalls
- Understand your responsibilities
- Feel confident that your business is built on a strong foundation
How Main Street Law Can Support Your Success
At Main Street Law, we’re passionate about helping Alberta businesses grow. From formation to expansion, our personalized, action-focused support helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
We can help you:
- Choose and register the right business structure
- Draft and review contracts
- File trademarks and protect your brand
- Navigate employment and regulatory compliance
- Plan for success long term
Contact us today at 780.960.8100 or visit mainstreetlaw.ca/business-law-lawyer to schedule your consultation.
Start your business with the right legal foundation and set yourself up for success!
