Going out on your own

How to start a facilities management business in Ontario

Facility managers keep buildings running — maintenance, operations, vendors, energy, space, and safety. It is an unregulated field where credentials (IFMA's FMP and CFM) signal competence, and facilities-management services are a real standalone business hiring the trades we already serve.

Facility Manager at a glance

Credential: Not licensed — IFMA (FMP / CFM) or BOMI (RPA) are the recognized credentials
Path in: Experience-led → FMP (entry) → CFM (3–5 yrs experience)
Regulated by: Not regulated; IFMA and BOMI set the standards
Insurance baseline: E&O and general liability for a facilities-services business
Professional body: IFMA / BOMI

The steps to start your practice

1
Stand up your facilities-management business
There is no firm licence — but clients expect credentialed managers (FMP/CFM) and professional liability (E&O) plus general liability insurance. Incorporate, set up your accounts, and build the maintenance, vendor, and reporting systems an FM business runs on.
Full guide: Operational Setup
2
Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
Most professionals incorporate to limit liability and for tax efficiency. Several regulated professions (architects, engineers) can form a professional corporation with a Certificate of Authorization — confirm the right entity type with your regulator before filing.
Full guide: Incorporation
3
Set up your CRA accounts
Register for a Business Number, HST/GST (mandatory above $30,000 in revenue), payroll if you will hire, and corporate income tax. Professional service fees are HST-taxable.
Full guide: CRA Registration
4
Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
Errors & omissions insurance is the core coverage for a professional practice — and a firm-authorization condition for regulated professions. It protects against claims arising from your professional advice, designs, or certifications.
Full guide: Insurance
5
Stand up your practice operations
Business banking, professional accounting, engagement letters and contracts, and the project and document workflows a practice runs on. This is the back office that keeps you paid and protected.
Full guide: Operational Setup

Your launch checklist

The whole page in one list.

Stand up your facilities-management business
Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
Set up your CRA accounts
Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
Stand up your practice operations

Turn authorization into a working practice

Once the firm can practise, the next work is commercial: define the fee, prepare a credible proposal, and put a repeatable operating rhythm behind the professional work.