Accounting Series #2: All About Setting Up Your Business

Master business setup in Canada! Learn structures, legal steps, CRA accounts, payroll, WSIB & compliance from an expert CPA. Sign up!
About this Event

Learn how to set up your business right—structure, tax, legal steps, CRA setup, payroll, WSIB, compliance & more

Thinking of starting a business? This session covers the key steps to set up and maintain a business in Canada. Learn the differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, and how each affects your legal and tax obligations.

We’ll cover:

• Choosing the right business structure
• Annual maintenance for corporations
• The importance of shareholder agreements
• Compliance with business and professional regulations
• Registering your business name and incorporating
• Setting up CRA accounts (HST, payroll, corporate tax)
• Managing payroll and WSIB requirements

This is a must-attend for new entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to start off right and stay compliant.

________

Speaker:

Sajjad Merali

Principal Qualified CPA and ACCA Accountant

Sajjad is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 13 years of experience. He began his career at Ernst & Young, supporting owner-managed businesses with their accounting and tax needs. He then moved on to PepsiCo Canada, where he worked as a Senior Accountant, before taking on a leadership role in a privately-owned telecom startup. There, he led the finance team and focused on helping business owners better understand their financial performance and identify opportunities for growth.

This hands-on experience inspired Sajjad to launch his own practice, where he now works closely with clients to minimize tax liabilities and leverage financial insights to boost profitability. He specializes in working with startup entrepreneurs, simplifying complex accounting concepts and offering personalized guidance. From selecting the right business structure to registering a company and understanding tax obligations, Sajjad provides a supportive, step-by-step approach tailored to each client’s needs.

Outside of his professional life, Sajjad enjoys spending quality time with his two young children, Haider and Zainab, often taking them to after-school activities. He’s also an avid fan of racquet sports and stays active to maintain a healthy lifestyle.