Alberta Business Lawyer & Startup Advisor Needed – Landscaping Services Company (Edmonton, AB)

Overview We are two prospective business partners exploring the launch of a landscaping and home services company based in Edmonton, Alberta. Our business model will focus on serving property management companies. We will market our services directly to property managers and pursue contract opportunities and competitive bids. Once contracts are secured, the landscaping/home service work will be performed by qualified subcontractors rather than in-house employees. We are seeking an Alberta-licensed business lawyer who can provide practical legal and business guidance to help us establish the company correctly from the outset. Scope of Work We are looking for advice and recommendations on the following: 1. Business Structure Whether we should operate as a partnership, sole proprietorship, or corporation. Provincial versus federal incorporation. Liability, tax, governance, and growth implications of each option. Considerations for a business with two owners. 2. Registration & Incorporation Step-by-step guidance on registering or incorporating the business in Alberta. Required filings, registrations, and associated costs. Ongoing compliance requirements. 3. Licensing & Regulatory Requirements Any City of Edmonton licenses, permits, or registrations required. Provincial registrations or industry-specific requirements applicable to landscaping and home-services businesses. 4. Subcontractor Business Model We intend to subcontract landscaping work rather than hire employees. We need guidance regarding: Independent contractor vs. employee classification. Risk management and liability considerations. Recommended subcontractor agreements. Insurance requirements and best practices. 5. Resident and Non-Resident Ownership Structure This is a key area of concern. Partner A: Canadian Permanent Resident residing in Edmonton, Alberta. Partner B: Non-resident of Canada residing outside Canada. We would like advice regarding: Whether a non-resident can legally own shares in and/or serve as a director of an Alberta corporation. Any ownership restrictions or practical limitations. Recommended ownership structure. Shareholder agreement considerations. Registered office and Agent for Service requirements. Banking, tax, signing authority, and compliance implications of having a non-resident owner. Whether additional accounting or tax-planning advice should be obtained. 6. Insurance & Liability Protection We would like recommendations regarding: General liability insurance. Errors and omissions coverage (if applicable). Protection when work is performed by subcontractors. Contractual risk allocation and indemnification provisions. Deliverables Written summary of recommendations. Step-by-step action plan for legally establishing and operating the business. Opportunity to ask follow-up questions after the consultation. Identification of any additional legal or accounting matters we should address before launch. Preferred Qualifications Licensed lawyer in Alberta, Canada. Experience with business formation and incorporation. Experience advising small businesses, contractors, trades, or home-services companies. Familiarity with non-resident ownership structures. Ability to explain legal concepts in plain language. Project Details Engagement Type: Initial consultation with potential for ongoing legal support. Timeline: Looking to begin within the next 1–2 weeks. Location: Edmonton, Alberta (remote consultation acceptable). To Apply Please include: Confirmation that you are licensed to practice law in Alberta. Brief description of similar businesses or startups you have helped establish. Your availability. Your hourly rate or fixed-fee proposal. Any initial observations or considerations relevant to our business model.