Sole Proprietorship / Trade Name Registration
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship in Alberta is the simplest form of business structure, where an individual independently owns and operates the business. The owner is responsible for all aspects of the business, including decision-making, profits, and liabilities.
In Alberta, as in the rest of Canada, a sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity from the owner. The business and the owner are considered the same legal entity, meaning they are legally indistinguishable. Consequently, the owner is personally liable for all debts, obligations, and legal issues related to the business.
Trade Name Registration
A trade name, also known as an operating name, is the name under which a business conducts its operations. In Alberta, a sole proprietorship is sometimes called a trade name. While they are closely related, they are not exactly the same:
If a sole proprietor uses a business name different from their own name, they must register it as a trade name with Alberta Corporate Registry. This registration is required under the Partnership Act but does not grant ownership rights to the name. It simply provides proof of the name’s use by a particular business and information about the owner’s identity
How to register your Trade Name / Sole Proprietorship in Alberta
In Person Registration
Online Registration
Sole Proprietorship (Trade Name) Online Registration Form
Your application will be assessed by our corporate specialist within 1-2 business days. Please ensure you provide a valid email address and contact phone number. Our specialist may reach out to you for additional documentation or if further clarification is required regarding your application.