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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Let AEC Stack handle the business side

Incorporation, CRA, insurance, and the operations to run a practice, set up so you can focus on the professional work.

Start your practice