Hello there, fellow entrepreneurs! At Ribbon - Business OS, we're all about making your startup journey smoother and more exciting. We recently embarked on a data-driven adventure to address a common question we've been getting from Canadian entrepreneurs: "What legal ending should I use for my corporation?" Today, we're here to unveil the results of our investigation and add a pinch of fun to this sometimes mind-boggling decision-making process.
Before we begin let's get some context, in Canada, Federal Corporations require a specific legal ending, but it's essential to note that these endings are interchangeable and don't affect the core nature of your business structure, allowing you to choose the one that aligns best with your brand's identity.
For the past two weeks of October 2023, we embarked on a mission to uncover the most popular legal endings for Federal Canadian corporations. Our database was buzzing with 2607 entries, and we're ready to spill the beans.
Inc. - 82.5% (2151)
It's the undisputed champion of legal endings. "Inc." stands for "Incorporated" and is the go-to choice for over 82% of the corporations we analyzed. If you want to keep it simple and snappy, Inc. is the way to go.
Ltd. - 6.6% (173)
"Ltd." stands for "Limited." It's a solid choice and offers a touch of sophistication. While not as common as "Inc.," it's still a respectable choice.
Corp. - 3.0% (78)
"Corp." is the shorter version of "Corporation," and it's the third most popular choice. It's concise and professional, a great option for startups looking for a traditional touch.
Limited - 1.6% (41)
If you prefer to spell it out, "Limited" is the way to go. It might not be as popular as its abbreviation "Ltd.," but it still gets the job done with a dash of formality.
Corporation - 1.5% (40)
For those who love to spell it out, "Corporation" is a solid choice. It's not as snappy as "Inc." or "Ltd.," but it conveys professionalism.
Incorporated - 0.7% (18)
Much like "Corporation," "Incorporated" adds a formal touch to your company's name. It's the more extended version, but it has its charm.
Ltée - 0.04% (1)
"Ltée" adds a unique flavor to your corporation's name. It reflects a French influence, and while less common, it can be a distinguished choice.
Limitée - 0% (0)
While "Limitée" is legally valid, it didn't have any takers in our data. It may be less common but can still add a unique touch to your corporation.
Société par actions de régime fédéral, Société commerciale canadienne, S.A.R.F., S.C.C. - 0% (0)
These lengthy legal endings didn't have any takers in our data. They might be more suitable for very specific cases or industries, but for most startups, they're a mouthful.
So, what's the bottom line here? Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the legal ending question. It largely depends on your brand's personality and the image you want to project. Do you prefer a trendy abbreviation like "Inc." or a more traditional "Limited"? Perhaps you want to showcase a distinct cultural influence with "Ltée." The choice is yours, and it's a chance to infuse some personality into your corporation's name.
Remember, there's no right or wrong answer here. Just pick the legal ending that resonates best with your vision and your target audience. It's your corporation, and the world is your oyster.
Take a look at our articles on how to register a company name in Canada and what to do when your proposed name is rejected!
So, fellow entrepreneurs, go forth, make your choice, and let your startup shine with its distinctive legal ending. Ribbon - Business OS is here to support you every step of the way. Cheers to your corporate journey, and may it be as unique as you are! 🚀✨