If you’re thinking about starting a business, this Ownr review may be of help to you. Registering any type of business can prove to be a painful process. And it could leave you frustrated if you attempt to take on the process alone. Our Ownr review breaks down the pros and cons of this comprehensive business registration tool.
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Last Updated: May 28, 2023
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You can register your sole proprietorship or corporation through a simplified online process. In doing so, you’ll qualify for their partner perks and get cashback when you open your business account with RBC Bank.
When registering your business, your first port of call would be to do some research online. You’ll want to determine what type of business you wish to register. And various factors will decide whether or not you register as a sole proprietorship or corporation.
But the information available online can be confusing, especially if you’ve never been exposed to the process before. You may spend a great deal of time getting things started. The time that you should be spending on your business.
That’s where Ownr comes in. Owner is an online platform that simplifies the business registration process. They also provide you with valuable tools and resources to grow and expand your business.
In this Ownr review, we’ll delve into the features and benefits of the platform and the services they provide. We’ll also run through the process of registering your business to give you an idea of how it works.
Based in Toronto, Ownr was founded in 2017 and is a subsidiary of RBC Ventures. RBC, of course, being the Royal Bank of Canada, which was founded in 1864. RBC has a longstanding history as a trusted and respected financial services provider.
Ownr also works closely with the Canadian federal and provincial registries and the Canada Revenue Agency.
They have partnered with trusted brands such as Google, Staples Canada, Etsy, and eBay. Through these partnerships, Ownr offers solutions for entrepreneurs to help kickstart their business venture.
Therefore, one can tell that Ownr is backed and supported by industry giants and experts.
Before entrusting your business registration with Ownr, you’ll want to know as much as possible about the service they offer. You’ll also want to determine if there’s anything specific you require that they perhaps don’t provide.
Therefore, our Ownr review includes the following rundown of the pros and cons of their platform and services.
Lots of business have started easily with the help of Ownr.
As mentioned, registering a business can be a complex process for anyone, especially if you’re a new entrepreneur. While there is information available on the Canadian Government website, it can be a bit overwhelming.
There’s a ton of material to read through. And the terminology may have you Googling for definitions and further explanations. As a result, you could spend days or weeks deciding what type of business to register for and how to go about it.
One of the benefits of Ownr is that the services take the guesswork out of the registration process. You’ll just need to figure out the type of business you want. After that, it should be plain sailing because Ownr pretty much handles everything else.
This will save you a great deal of time which you can spend on building your business.
Suppose you’re unsure of where to start and would rather have an expert facilitate the registration process. In that case, you could be in for a surprise. In this instance, you would have to hire a lawyer to register your business, which can be extremely expensive.
A straightforward business registration could cost you anywhere from $1,500 upward to give you a rough idea. That’s a sizeable chunk of change and not something many start-ups can afford.
When we examined Ownr’s pricing structure, we found that their services are significantly less expensive than hiring a lawyer. While you could always try to do it all yourself, doing it through the proper channels at a low cost is optimal.
Another great thing about Ownr is the perks they offer when you register your business through them. They’ve partnered with some great companies to provide entrepreneurs with resources to get their businesses off the ground.
Through Ownr, business owners can make use of key service providers for marketing and branding. And all of this at discounted rates or no additional cost. This is immensely valuable to any business trying to develop a brand image and create awareness.
You could end up getting your business registered for free. How? Through Ownr’s RBC Bank cashback perk. After registering your business with Ownr, you could get up to $300 back if you open an RBC business banking account. That seems like a pretty good deal to me.
Ownr provides a great service but there are always improvements that can be made.
There aren’t too many cons when it comes to Ownr and their service offering. However, one of the major downfalls is that they only offer business registration services in three provinces. Those provinces are Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Therefore, if your business operates in any other Canadian province, you won’t be able to use Ownr.
With Ownr, you can only register either a sole proprietorship or a corporation. In other words, if you’d like to register your business as a partnership or co-operative, you can’t do it through Ownr.
Business registration is the primary service offered by Ownr. However, when using their registration services, you are privy to additional resources. Some of these come at a substantially discounted rate, while others are free for a certain period.
As part of this Ownr review, we’ll take a closer look at the services and perks available. And we’ll discuss the potential costs involved. It should, however, be noted that the prices listed include government fees but exclude tax.
When starting out, most business owners opt to register as sole proprietors. The reason for this is that it’s less costly than registering as a corporation. And there are tax benefits that come with it.
However, business owners must note that as sole proprietors, they will be held personally liable for everything. In other words, should the business run into debt or be responsible for loss or damages, the owner will be held accountable.
Registering your sole proprietorship through Ownr is a breeze. And the cost to do so is possibly the lowest I’ve seen compared to other professional registration services. Even if you don’t fully understand the registration process, Ownr will lead you by the hand.
When writing this Ownr review, the cost to register a sole proprietorship is a once-off fee of $89.
Incorporating a business is more complicated than registering as a sole proprietor. And that’s why many business owners start off as sole proprietors but incorporate later when their businesses grow.
With a corporation, the company is seen as separate from the owner. That means that if the company causes third-party loss or damage the company will be liable. Not the owners themselves. And the same applies to any debt incurred. When incorporated, the company would also be able to add partners and shareholders.
That said, the owner of a corporation will not enjoy the same tax benefits as a sole proprietor. They would also need to hire an accountant or auditor to validate their financials annually. The registration process for a corporation is also far more involved than that of a sole proprietorship.
The cost to register a corporation through the Ownr platform varies per province. And when writing this Ownr review, pricing was as follows:
Provincial Registration: $599 (once-off fee)
Federal Registration: $499 (once-off fee)
Provincial Registration: $599 (once-off fee)
Provincial Registration: $599 (once-off fee)
Over and above the incorporation fee, you can choose to have Ownr manage certain aspects of the business. The objective is to lighten the load for you to focus on the operation of the company.
These managed services include automated company updates and tailored legal documents. They also comprise share, employee contracts, and employee stock management. This is an easy and ideal solution to ensure that a business remains compliant with the law.
A Managed Corporation Plan will cost you $599 per year. And if you choose to go with this plan, Ownr will give you $100 off your incorporation fee.
This plan includes the following:
In addition, when you choose a Managed Corporation Plan, Ownr offers valuable add-ons for your business.
The following are the add-ons offered, as well as the pricing listed for each when writing this Ownr review.
Managed Shareholders: This comes at an additional cost of $297 per year, including up to three shareholders. Other shareholders can be added at $99 per year each.
Managed Employees and Contractors: The cost for this add-on is an additional $99 per annum. This includes up to three employees and contractors. The price to add more employees or contractors would be $39 per annum each.
Employee Stock Option Plan: This add-on is ideal for companies that offer shares to their employees. Through the Ownr Shares Employee Portal, employees can enjoy unlimited access to monitor their shares. All of this comes at $999 per year.
An integral part of this Ownr review is the safety and security of the Ownr platform and services.
One of the concerns we all have when giving any company our personal information is privacy and security. It’s important to know that you can trust a service provider to keep your information safe from criminals.
The good news is that Ownr has a comprehensive data security system in place. This program includes numerous layers of security to protect your data. These layers comprise the following:
All data in transit through Ownr and at rest is encrypted using AES-256 encryption. In addition, data in transit is protected by TLS/SSL 1.2 protocols and SHA256 signatures. Whereas data at rest is also kept safe with AWS EBS disk encryption.
Ownr’s platform and database undergo regular strenuous testing. The system is subjected to security design and code reviews, as well as penetration tests each year. When it comes to user security, log-in details are protected by two-factor authentication. And passwords are hidden by bcrypt encryption software.
Tools utilized on the backend by employees are also subject to two-factor authentication. And all Ownr employees are required to undergo security and privacy training regularly. Ownr also instils strict security policies which govern company practices and ensure that staff are always aware of them.
When compiling this Ownr review, we thought it important to detail any promotions or special offers available.
If you register your business with Ownr, you’ll have access to several resources and discounted services. These services all offer essential tools entrepreneurs need to grow and elevate their businesses. And most are provided by well-known brands that Ownr has partnered with.
I’m impressed by Ownr’s affordability and the simplified business registration process they offer. But what I love are the perks they provide after registering your business. In fact, the total value of these perks amount to approximately $5,000, with is incredible.
When I started my sole proprietorship, I was the director, manager, salesperson, administrator, everything. Finding time to market my business was challenging. So, I know that what Ownr offers through its partners will be a godsend to any start-up.
The following are just a few of the perks you can look forward to when using Ownr’s services.
As mentioned, Ownr is an RBC Ventures initiative. You can earn cashback if you open an account with RBC after registering your business with Ownr. In fact, you could make up to $300 back in cash when opening your RBC business banking account. But, to qualify, you must open the account within 60 days of registering or incorporating your business.
Xero is one of the leading online accounting platforms in the world. Their software simplifies the quoting and invoicing process. It also helps businesses easily keep track of expenses and stock. Once you’ve registered your business through Ownr, you will receive 50% off your first 3 months with Xero.
If you would like to make payments easier for your clients, Moneris is a popular solution. They provide the tools for mobile on-site credit and debit card payments at affordable prices. Through Ownr, Moneris will hook you up with a secure payment processing solution and 24/7 support.
Ownr partners with brands that can be helpful for promoting and marketing your business to new customers.
One of the first things you’ll need for your business is a logo, letterhead, and business cards. You’ll also want to build a website for your brand and market it on social media. If you use Ownr’s services, you’ll have access to some of the best online tools for these needs.
Tailor Brands offers a variety of fantastic design solutions to help get your brand on the map. And, as an Ownr client, you’ll receive 50% off any of Tailor Brands’ services to boost your business. Create customized social media posts, a website, and all the corporate identity you need to get the ball rolling.
Ownr clients can register with eBay and set up a free eBay eCommerce store for free. That’s an invaluable opportunity to get your products in front of buyers. After using Ownr’s services, eBay will give you a free storefront for 90 days. The store will allow you to upload up to 350 free listings per month.
Everyone knows that Etsy is an incredibly beneficial marketplace for any eCommerce business. And through Ownr, you’ll be able to set up an Etsy store with 50 free listings. You’ll also have access to an Etsy expert for advice on how to make the most of the marketplace. And they’ll set you up with $50 in ad credit to boot.
Ownr partners with some logistics companies so you can get great discounts on getting your products shipped.
If you sell items that require packaging and shipping to deliver them to your clients, ShipStation might be the service for you. ShipStation offers a turnkey fulfilment service no matter the location or means of delivery. And clients of Ownr receive 60 days of service by ShipStation absolutely free.
Whether you’re running your business alone or have employees to help you, you never seem to have enough time. This is especially true when the company is in the early stages of growth. And the result is that tasks need to be prioritized over others which sometimes no one gets to.
Jobber is a service that streamlines your business processes to help you stay on top of things. They handle invoicing, quoting, and follow-ups, as well as customer relationship management and communications. They also take care of scheduling, dispatching, online bookings, and a myriad of administrative tasks to help you.
When registering your business through Ownr, you’ll receive access to all Jobber services for 15 days. After that, you can sign up with Jobber for 12 months at a 20% discount.
For those starting an online store with no products of their own to sell, dropshipping has become a profitable option. One of the best dropshipping marketing places available now is Spocket. And, as an Ownr client, you can use Spocket for your eCommerce store free for 30 days.
Ownr offers lots of perks and discounts to their members.
As a national Canadian telecommunications company, Telus provides solutions to individuals and businesses. Solutions comprise phones, internet access, televisions, and more. Telus will provide Ownr clients with a 10% discount per month on one of their business plans.
In addition, should you sign up for one of the Telus secure business plans, you could save up to 25%. That is on condition that you take a new 3-year Monitor, Protect, and Control plan contract.
There aren’t many who haven’t heard of the office supply giant Staples. Staples offer various plans for businesses that require stationery and office supplies regularly. And these plans allow clients to purchase at discounted rates and make use of other services.
Suppose you’ve registered or incorporated through Ownr. In that case, Staples will give you a free Staples Business Advantage Plus membership for one year. This membership plan comes with exclusive promotions and discounts on all essential business supplies.
Life is unpredictable and, in my experience, computers are even more so. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve not been able to work for an entire day due to PC issues. And, if you have had a similar tech breakdown experience, then perhaps you should take a look at Geek Squad.
Geek Squad is brought to you by Best Buy and offers on-site and remote support for all sorts of tech issues. It’s not just for computers. They cover appliances, tables, mobile phones, networks, and more.
The best part is that, if you’re an Ownr client, you’ll get 15% off Geek Squad’s services for 12 months of tech support. Definitely not a perk to be overlooked.
A major factor in retaining clients is good customer service. This is why we’ve included this section in our Ownr review.
Unlike many online services, I’ve found Ownr’s customer support representatives extraordinarily responsive and helpful. Their team is so easy to get hold of through the website or via email. And you’ll usually have your issue or query resolved in no time.
They offer a live chat service on the site, available weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 EST. And they have a dedicated team answering emails received through their support email address.
If you’d prefer to find the answers yourself, you can always use the help centre or chatbot on their site. This website features access to a database of information and frequently asked questions to provide you with the information you need.
Because their services are delivered through their website, we must discuss the quality of their website in this Ownr review.
The Ownr website has a modern design and is easy to read and understand. If you’re looking for something specific, you’re sure to find it without hassle through the navigation menu at the top of the page.
Unlike some websites, there’s a clear link to their pricing page in the main menu. And pricing for all their offering is detailed clearly, as well as the features you’ll get. You can also pull up a comparison table to compare services.
If you need to contact Ownr, their customer service representatives can be reached through live chat. The live chat icon is clearly visible at the bottom right of the screen. It also opens the chatbot, which can find information when live chat is not available.
Ownr also has a resources section on the website where you’ll find valuable information about starting a business. They have a blog that provides a wealth of knowledge for new entrepreneurs. And business guides that break down different aspects of the business registration and maintenance process.
Our Ownr review would not be complete without a step-by-step guide to getting started on their platform.
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to register or incorporate your business with Ownr. In fact, the process will leave you wondering why you found it so complicated in the first place.
The following are the steps you need to take when registering a sole proprietorship or incorporating your business.
Step 1: Sign up for an Ownr account by clicking “Get Started” at the top righthand corner of the screen.
Step 2: Search the database for your preferred business name. If the name has already, input an alternative name into the search. Continue to search until you find a business name you like that does not already exist.
Step 3: Once you’ve found an appropriate name for your business, you’ll be able to reserve it through the platform.
Step 4: The next step is to fill in your business details. This will include the business’s location, names of directors, the nature of the company, etc.
Step 5: Pay the relevant fee for your type of business registration.
Step 6: After providing Ownr with all the necessary information, they will send your application off for processing.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll need to wait for confirmation of registration. All the documents required for your business documentation will be sent to you as well. But this documentation differs between a sole proprietorship and a corporation.
If you’ve registered your business as a sole proprietorship through Ownr, you’ll receive your business license via email. If your business is in Alberta or Ontario, you’ll get your documentation within one business day. However, for businesses in British Columbia, you could wait up to 15 business days for your license to come through.
When incorporating your business through the Ownr platform, you’ll receive a NUANS (New Upgraded Automated Name Search) and cheat sheet. And you’ll get your company’s articles of incorporation.
Ownr will also compile a digital minute book for your business. This will include all the necessary corporate formation documents, such as:
In addition to this, the Canada Revenue Agency will send you a business number for tax purposes.
If you’re unsure as to whether Ownr is the best solution for you, we’ve included some alternatives in this Ownr review.
A few other websites allow you to register your business online. But there aren’t many that offer a service as easy to use with the same benefits.
One alternative is to visit the Canadian Government website and go through the registration process yourself. You’ll need to access the regional business support section, select your region, and study the information provided.
It’s a somewhat complicated process, but with some research and time, you’ll be able to go through the motions of registering or incorporating your business.
Another option is to employ the services of a lawyer to handle the process for you. Visiting the Canadian Bar Association website to find a qualified lawyer would likely be the best starting point. However, consider that lawyer’s fees can be high, so you should be prepared to pay quite a sum for these services.
As mentioned, a few websites offer a similar service but require a little more effort and don’t offer the perks. However, you can register businesses in most Canadian regions, whereas Ownr only offers registration in three provinces.
One such website is IncorpMaster, which I think has too many options in its dropdown menus to choose from. All the options can be confusing, and I found myself clicking through to multiple pages before I found the information I was looking for. The website interface is also quite dated.
Another alternative is Incorp Pro. Their website also has an out-of-date layout and design. And, again, there are numerous options to choose from when navigating. But, the menu items are easier to understand, so you’ll get to the information a little easier than you would with Incorp Master.
That said, with all the marketing, finance, logistics, and business parks, there’s really no comparison in terms of value for money. Ownr offers more bang for your buck.
Our objective was to assess the products and services offered by the platform in this Ownr review. We wanted to determine whether what they offer is worthwhile and cost-effective.
Using Ownr is cheaper and far more straightforward than registering your business yourself or employing a lawyer to do the work. And, compared to a website that offers a similar service, their pricing is competitive.
However, their perks, discounts and add-ons are unparalleled. This is why we highly recommend registering or incorporating your business through Ownr.
This Ownr review breaks down the features & benefits of this easy-to-use online business registration platform & its many perks & discounts.
Your business starts here. The tools you need to succeed all in one place.5 minutes
Register or incorporate in less than 15 minutes. Find a business name, fill out your information, and Ownr does the rest.
All the legal tools needed for growing businesses: Share Management, Employment Agreements, Corporate Company Updates & more.
Get up to $300 back when you open an RBC business bank account within 60 days.
Make your money do more.
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Ownr is a complete legal platform that automates most of the legal aspects of running your business. It allows you to register your sole proprietorship or corporation through an easy online process. You can then qualify for their partner perks and get cashback when you sign up for a business account with RBC Bank.
Ownr helps you navigate the legal requirements for corporate names in Canada. Once you choose a name that is right for your business, Ownr files the necessary documents with the government to get final approval for your name.
Ownr costs approximately $600-700 and half of which if the Provincial Government fee to incorporate your business. The cost to join Ownr depends on your province: Ontario Provincial Registration: $599 (once-off fee) Federal Registration: $499 (once-off fee)
Yes, you can cancel your subscription anytime however, there will be no refund for the annual service paid when you decide to cancel.
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