FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Named or numbered — what's the difference?
- A named company (e.g. "Maple Yard Inc.") needs a name search; a numbered company (e.g. "1000123 Ontario Inc.") skips it and is faster. You can add a business name later.
- Corporation or sole proprietorship — which do I need?
- A corporation is its own legal entity — it limits your personal liability, gives access to corporate tax rates, and protects your business name, but it costs more to set up and maintain. A sole proprietorship is the simplest and cheapest option: you register your business name, and you and the business are the same legally, so you're personally responsible for its debts. If you're testing an idea or keeping costs low, sole proprietorship fits; if you want liability protection or plan to raise money, incorporate.
- Do I need a lawyer?
- No. Foundero is self-help incorporation you direct yourself. For complex situations (multiple share classes, investors), a lawyer can still be worth it.
- How long does it take?
- Most incorporations are submitted to the province within 1–2 business days.
- What's a minute book?
- The core record book of your corporation — by-laws, resolutions, and share records. We generate all of it.
- What's a BN?
- Your federal Business Number, issued automatically when you incorporate — you'll need it for taxes and payroll.
- What if my name is taken?
- Our name check flags conflicts before you pay, so you don't file a name you can't use.
- Can I incorporate federally?
- Not yet — Foundero V1 is Ontario incorporation.
- What if I cancel?
- Your documents stay downloadable, always. See our guarantee.
- Who actually files my incorporation?
- Foundero prepares your Articles of Incorporation and Initial Return based on the information you provide, then submits them to the Ontario government on your behalf. You stay listed as the incorporator on the official filings.
- Do I have to use a specific bank?
- No. After your corporation is approved, Foundero shows you a side-by-side comparison of the five major Canadian banks with deep links to open a business account at the one you choose. You are never funnelled into a single bank.
- Which registries do you check?
- The free name check runs across all 8 Canadian business registries — Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Québec, Saskatchewan, and Corporations Canada (federal). Powered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
- What is included in Year 1?
- Year 1 covers the full Ontario provincial incorporation — your Articles of Incorporation and Initial Return filed with the province, your complete minute book (by-laws, director and shareholder resolutions, share-issuance documents, and your ISC register), and either Basic or Pro tooling for the first year, depending on the plan you pick.
- What happens in Year 2?
- Your plan renews automatically at the Year 2+ rate shown on the pricing card — $99 / yr for Basic or $399 / yr for Pro. The renewal price is shown at the same size and weight as the Year 1 price, with no hidden fine print.
- How do I cancel?
- Open Settings → Subscription and email support@foundero.ai to cancel. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period; you keep read-only access to your minute book afterwards.