Ownr Review

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 7 minutes

Ownr is an online platform designed to simplify the process of starting and managing a business in Canada. It offers services such as business registration, incorporation, and ongoing management, including document storage and compliance reminders. The platform caters to sole proprietors and corporations, providing a user-friendly dashboard to guide users through each step. Ownr operates in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, with plans to expand to other provinces. Its affiliation with RBC adds credibility and enables exclusive perks, such as cashback offers when opening an RBC Business Bank Account.

Ownr’s mission is to eliminate the bureaucratic hurdles associated with traditional business registration methods. By automating processes and providing clear instructions, it reduces the need for costly legal consultations, which can cost upwards of $1,500 when using a lawyer. The platform is particularly appealing to small businesses and startups looking for a cost-effective, efficient way to formalize their ventures.

Key Features of Ownr

Ownr offers a range of features to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. Below are some of its standout offerings:

1. Business Registration and Incorporation

Ownr simplifies the registration of sole proprietorships and the incorporation of corporations. For sole proprietorships, users complete a Q&A-based online form, and Ownr handles the submission of registration documents. The process takes about one business day in Ontario and Alberta, though it can take up to 15 business days in British Columbia for name reservations. Upon completion, users receive a Master Business License or Statement of Registration, depending on the province.

For incorporations, Ownr provides a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report to check name availability and prepares essential documents, including Articles of Incorporation, First Director’s Resolution, Shareholder’s Resolution, and a digital minute book. The platform supports both federal and provincial incorporations, ensuring compliance with regional regulations.

2. Digital Minute Book

Canadian corporations are legally required to maintain a minute book, which stores critical documents like bylaws, resolutions, and share issuances. Ownr’s digital minute book is a cloud-based solution that organizes these documents for easy access and updates. This feature eliminates the need for physical paperwork and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

3. Document Management and Compliance

Ownr’s dashboard allows users to store and manage regulatory documents, such as incorporation papers and tax numbers issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The platform also sends reminders for filing deadlines and provides guidance on governance tasks, helping businesses stay compliant without the stress of manual tracking.

4. Exclusive Perks and Discounts

Ownr partners with brands like Vistaprint, TELUS Business, Xero, QuickBooks Online, and H&R Block to offer discounts that can save businesses thousands of dollars. For example, users can get 50% off the first three months of a Xero subscription or 20% off H&R Block’s tax preparation services. Additionally, opening an RBC Business Bank Account within 60 days of registration qualifies users for cashback of up to $300, effectively offsetting Ownr’s fees in some cases.

5. Affordable Pricing

Ownr’s pricing is competitive compared to traditional methods. The Sole Proprietorship plan costs a one-time fee of $49 CAD, while incorporation plans range from $499 to $699 CAD, depending on the province and services selected. Managed Corporation plans, which include ongoing support and filings, start at $599 CAD annually, with add-ons like shareholder agreements ($297/year) and employee stock option plans ($999/year). These fees are significantly lower than hiring a lawyer, which can cost $1,500 or more.

6. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Ownr offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to request a full refund if dissatisfied with the service. This policy reflects the company’s confidence in its platform and reduces the financial risk for new users.

7. Customer Support

Ownr provides support via email and live chat (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM). While some users praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team, others have reported slower response times, particularly for complex issues. The platform also offers online resources, including articles and videos, to guide users through common tasks.

Pricing Breakdown

Ownr’s pricing varies based on the business structure and level of service. Below is a summary of its plans as of 2025:

  • Sole Proprietorship: $49 CAD (one-time fee)
    • Includes unlimited business name searches, registration number, document storage, Ownr Perks Membership, and chat support.
  • Full Incorporation + 1 Year Online Minute Book: $499–$699 CAD (one-time fee, depending on province) + $199 CAD annual fee from the second year.
    • Includes NUANS report, Articles of Incorporation, digital minute book, and CRA business number.
  • Managed Corporation Plan: $599 CAD/year + $399 CAD incorporation fee.
    • Includes full incorporation, unlimited user accounts, company updates, filings, legal agreement library, and priority support.
  • Online Minute Book Plan: $199 CAD/year.
    • Includes minute book management, annual filings, resolutions, and up to three user accounts.
  • Add-Ons:
    • Managed Shareholders: $297/year
    • Managed Employees & Contractors: $99/year
    • Employee Stock Option Plan: $999/year

Users can save 15% or more using promo codes or receive up to $300 cashback by opening an RBC Business Bank Account, making Ownr an even more cost-effective option.

Pros of Using Ownr

Ownr has garnered praise for its user-friendly approach and affordability. Here are its key advantages:

  1. Ease of Use: The platform’s intuitive dashboard and step-by-step guidance make registration and incorporation accessible, even for first-time entrepreneurs.
  2. Cost-Effective: Ownr’s fees are significantly lower than hiring a lawyer, and perks like RBC cashback and partner discounts add further value.
  3. Time-Saving: The automated process reduces paperwork and bureaucratic delays, allowing users to focus on building their businesses.
  4. Comprehensive Services: From name searches to document management, Ownr covers all aspects of business formation and compliance.
  5. Trusted Backing: Affiliation with RBC enhances credibility and provides access to exclusive banking benefits.
  6. High Customer Satisfaction: Ownr boasts a 4.6/5 rating on Google My Business (536 reviews) and 4.9/5 on Reviews.io (121 reviews), with users praising its seamless process and support.

Cons of Using Ownr

Despite its strengths, Ownr has some limitations:

  1. Limited Geographic Availability: Services are only available in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, excluding entrepreneurs in other provinces.
  2. No Legal Advice: Unlike a lawyer, Ownr does not provide personalized legal advice, which may be a drawback for complex business structures.
  3. Customer Support Issues: Some users report slow response times or challenges resolving issues, particularly without the Managed Corporation plan.
  4. RBC Integration Concerns: A few customers have expressed frustration with the pressure to open an RBC Business Bank Account, including unauthorized credit inquiries in rare cases.
  5. Limited Business Structures: Ownr supports only sole proprietorships and corporations, not partnerships or joint ventures.

Customer Experiences

Customer reviews of Ownr are generally positive, with many users highlighting the platform’s ease of use and efficiency. On Google My Business, Ownr has a 4.6/5 rating based on 536 reviews, and on Reviews.io, it scores 4.9/5 from 121 reviews. Users like José Valera have praised the platform for its clarity and speed, noting that it took “only a few minutes” to establish a company. Others, such as a user who worked with customer service representative Luis, appreciated the proactive outreach and friendly support.

However, some negative reviews highlight issues with customer service responsiveness and the RBC banking integration. One Trustpilot reviewer described Ownr as “untrustworthy” due to an unauthorized RBC credit inquiry that lowered their credit score, despite explicit instructions to avoid RBC services. Another user on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website complained about difficulties canceling an RBC account setup and receiving timely support. Ownr’s team has responded to many of these complaints, clarifying that RBC account setup is optional and offering refunds where applicable.

Alternatives to Ownr

While Ownr is a strong contender, there are alternatives for business registration in Canada:

  1. Government Websites: Registering directly through provincial or federal government websites is cheaper (e.g., $60 for a sole proprietorship in Ontario) but requires navigating complex processes without guidance.
  2. Lawyers or Accountants: These professionals offer personalized advice but charge $1,000–$2,000 for incorporation, making them less affordable for small businesses.
  3. Founded.co: Similar to Ownr, Founded.co offers online registration and incorporation services but is available in more provinces, including Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
  4. LawScout: This platform connects users with lawyers for business registration, providing legal advice but at a higher cost than Ownr.

Is Ownr Worth It?

Ownr is an excellent choice for small businesses, startups, and freelancers seeking a fast, affordable, and user-friendly way to register or incorporate a business in Canada. Its intuitive platform, comprehensive features, and competitive pricing make it a compelling alternative to traditional methods. The digital minute book, compliance reminders, and partner perks add significant value, while the RBC cashback offer can offset costs entirely.

However, Ownr may not suit everyone. Entrepreneurs in provinces outside Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, or Quebec will need to look elsewhere. Those with complex business structures or a need for legal advice may prefer hiring a lawyer, despite the higher cost. Additionally, potential users should be aware of the mixed reviews regarding customer support and the optional RBC banking integration to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Ownr has revolutionized business registration in Canada by offering a seamless, cost-effective solution for entrepreneurs. Its platform simplifies the process, saves time, and provides valuable tools for ongoing management. While there are areas for improvement, such as expanding geographic availability and enhancing customer support, Ownr’s high user satisfaction and trusted backing by RBC make it a top choice for starting a business. If you’re in a supported province and looking to launch a sole proprietorship or corporation, Ownr is worth considering. Visit ownr.co to explore its services and take advantage of current promotions, such as a 15% discount or up to $300 cashback with an RBC Business Bank Account.

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