You may want to read The Software Developer's Guide from HentzenWerke:

http://www.hentzenwerke.com/catalogpricelists/sdg3.htm

>Hello all,
>
>I've been developing database applications for over 10 years, from dBase III, FoxPro DOS and now VFP6.
>
>After recently being downsized from my last position, I'm giving thought to using some time off to attempt going it alone as an independant contractor.
>
>I would appreciate any advice, tips, pitfalls, etc to getting things started. i.e. marketing/sales advice and anything else.
>
>Also, for anyone already doing this in Canada, do I need to register myself as a business and get a GST number and all that? Or, can I attempt to make a go of this first and then, if successful and continuing, worry about that?
>
>TIA