Pre-Launch Checklist
Legal and operational requirements to complete before hiring employees.
Overall Progress
0 / 53 items complete
0%
Critical: 0/17
53 items remaining
No custom tasks yet. Add your own above.
No goals yet. Add a goal with a target date above to start tracking milestones.
Decide on business structure (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation)
Critical
Register business name with Manitoba Companies Office (if sole proprietor/partnership)
Critical
Incorporate federally or provincially (if choosing corporation)
High
Register for a Business Number (BN) with CRA
Critical
Register for Manitoba Retail Sales Tax account (if applicable)
High
Register for GST/HST account (required if revenue exceeds $30,000)
Critical
Register domain name and consider trademarking the business name
Medium
Obtain municipal business licence from City of Winnipeg
High
Confirm commercial zoning / home-based business permit for shop location
High
Open a CRA payroll deductions account (RP account)
Critical
Register for import/export account (if sourcing materials internationally)
Medium
Register with Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Manitoba
Critical
Set up bookkeeping system (QuickBooks, Wave, or similar)
High
Open a separate business bank account
Critical
Set up Health Spending Account or benefits plan (optional)
Low
Engage an accountant or tax professional for annual filings
High
Obtain Commercial General Liability insurance (minimum $2M recommended)
Critical
Obtain property/equipment insurance for shop, CNC machines, and tools
High
Obtain product liability insurance (covers items you manufacture)
High
Consider cyber liability insurance for client data/inquiries
Low
Consider business interruption insurance
Medium
Review all policies annually for adequate coverage
Medium
Ensure WCB coverage is active before any employee starts work
Critical
Develop a written workplace safety program (required for 20+ employees, recommended for all)
High
Conduct hazard assessments for CNC, laser, and 3D printing operations
Critical
Prepare safety training materials for machine operation and PPE
Critical
Ensure first aid kit and emergency procedures are in place
High
Set up incident reporting and investigation procedures
High
Post required Manitoba OHS workplace safety posters
Medium
Install fire extinguishers and verify fire code compliance for shop
Critical
Set up payroll system (T4, ROE, source deductions ready)
Critical
Prepare standard employment agreement templates
Critical
Write job descriptions for each role (CNC operator, fabricator, etc.)
High
Create an employee handbook with policies (attendance, conduct, safety)
High
Understand Record of Employment (ROE) filing requirements
High
Review Manitoba Employment Standards Code (hours, OT, vacation, stat holidays)
Critical
Have TD1 forms (federal + MB) ready for new hires
High
Establish process for collecting SIN from new hires (required for payroll)
High
Define vacation pay and statutory holiday policies (MB requires 4% minimum)
High
Define termination and notice policies per MB standards
Medium
Open business chequing account
Critical
Apply for a business credit card for expenses
Medium
Choose payroll processing method (in-house software or service provider)
High
Set up direct deposit capability for employee pay
High
Establish a cash reserve for payroll and tax remittances
Medium
Ensure invoicing and quote tracking system is operational
High
Create a privacy policy compliant with PIPEDA (client data handling)
High
Finalize terms and conditions for client services
Medium
Establish record retention policy (CRA requires 6 years)
High
Implement WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) compliance
Critical
Review environmental compliance for materials/waste disposal
Medium
Review Manitoba Accessibility for Manitobans with Disabilities Act (AMDA) compliance
Low
Set up data backup and disaster recovery plan
Medium
This checklist is a general guide based on Manitoba and Canadian requirements. Consult with a lawyer, accountant, or HR professional to ensure full compliance for your specific business situation.
