Welcome to your go‑to reference hub. Whether you’re mowing lawns, washing windows, cleaning gutters, or installing lights, these links and checklists will help you launch – and protect – your service business in the U.S. or Canada.
1. Business Registration
Proper registration makes your venture legal, unlocks tax benefits, protects personal assets, and builds client confidence that you’re a legitimate operation.
| Region | Where to Start | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| United States | • SBA.gov → “Business Guide” | |
| • Your state’s Secretary of State business portal | ||
| • Local county clerk for DBA (“Doing Business As”) | 1. Choose a structure (LLC, sole prop, S‑corp). |
- File formation docs + pay state fee.
- Apply for an EIN (free at IRS.gov). | | Canada | • Canada.ca → Registering Your Business
• Provincial portals – e.g. ServiceOntario, BC Registries, Registraire des entreprises (QC) | 1. Pick a structure (sole prop, partnership, corporation). - Register your business name (NUANS search if needed).
- Get a BN (Business Number) from CRA for GST/HST. |
Tip: Keep a digital folder for formation docs, tax IDs, and annual‑report reminders.
2. Licences & Permits
Proper licences and permits keep your operation legal, safeguard you from costly fines, and reassure customers that you meet professional standards. Requirements vary by trade and municipality, so use this checklist as a starting point before confirming details locally.
- Trade‑specific:
• HVAC, electrical, plumbing → state/provincial licence boards.
• Pesticide/fertilizer applicators → Department of Agriculture (US) or provincial ministry. - Municipal business licence:
Check your city hall or county website. - Zoning & signage:
Verify home‑based business rules and vehicle/yard signage limits. - Environmental & disposal:
Rules for wastewater (pressure washing), debris hauling, or chemical storage.
Quick Search: Type “[your city] business licence application PDF” – most municipalities post step‑by‑step checklists online.
3. Insurance & Risk Management
Even the most careful contractor can face accidents, property damage, or theft. The right insurance protects your livelihood, covers medical or repair bills, and often satisfies client or municipal requirements before you step on site.
| Coverage | Why You Need It | Where to Compare |
| General Liability | Protects against property damage & bodily injury claims on a job site. | • US: Hiscox, NEXT Insurance, Simply Business |
| • CA: TruShield, Intact, Economical | ||
| Commercial Auto | Covers your truck/trailer and on‑road liability. | Your personal auto insurer or a specialist broker. |
| Tools & Equipment | Replaces stolen or damaged gear. | Ask for an inland marine add‑on. |
| Workers’ Comp | Mandatory if you hire employees. | State workers’ comp board (US) / WSIB, WCB, CNESST (CA). |
Pro‑move: Request “additional insured” certificates for larger clients (real‑estate firms, HOAs) – it wins bids.
4. Financial Toolkit
Clean books and smart money management let you track profitability, secure financing, and avoid tax‑time headaches.
- Banking: Open a dedicated business checking account (avoid co‑mingling funds).
- Bookkeeping Software: QuickBooks, Wave (free, Canada‑based), FreshBooks.
- Payments: Square, Stripe, PayPal – accept cards on‑site or via online invoice.
- Mileage/Expense Tracking: MileIQ, Everlance, or the built‑in tracker in QuickBooks.
5. Marketing & Branding Essentials
Even the best service fails without visibility. Strategic marketing brings steady leads while strong branding differentiates you from look‑alike competitors.
- Google Business Profile – free, gets you in local search/maps.
- Website/Landing Page – Beehiiv, Squarespace, or WordPress + a contact form.
- Social Proof: Before/after photos, short client testimonials.
- Referral Program: $25 off next service for each new client referral.
6. Education & Certifications
Continuous learning sharpens your skills, keeps you compliant with changing regulations, and boosts credibility with customers who expect professionalism.
- SBA Learning Center (US) – free short courses on pricing, hiring, taxes.
- BDC Entrepreneur’s Toolkit (CA) – cash‑flow templates, market research.
- Coursera / LinkedIn Learning: Small‑business marketing, QuickBooks essentials.
- Industry‑specific workshops: • Lawn care → NALP, provincial horticultural associations.
• Exterior cleaning → PWNA or UAMCC.
Stay Compliant; Stay Profitable
Bookmark this page and revisit it each season. Regulations change, and new grant or training programs pop up every year. Questions or resources to add? Reply to any Full Throttle Start Up email – we’ll keep this list fresh so you can focus on growing your business.
Disclaimer: This resource page is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Always verify requirements with your local authorities or a qualified professional.