Starting a small business an idiots guide?

[crunchiespg]

I must be an idiot to contemplate it with the current political climate. But it serves my home life too so I'm looking for some advice. Basically can someone give me an idiots guide to starting a small business in Alberta please.

I'm working on my certificates to be a dive instructor. Typically they work as contractors to local scuba shops.
So I'm hoping to do it as a formal business as I will obviously have travel and equipment costs. Insurance/professional registration requirements and the like. I'm going to be doing it anyway so I might as well balance the books while I do.

I will also eventually change my vehicle to a van for hauling gear etc.
I also will look to offer other "outdoor" activities, sort of a tour guide type set up.

So what's the best process to get started? Register a numbered company? Sole proprietor? Etc etc.
Thank you!