If she doesn t know the answers to those questions then she should do a lot more research than what she can get here.Any business is possible in this economy if you know what you are doing. The thing about medical supplies is that it hasn t been affected as much by the economy as other things.The most important thing is can she sell? If not she won t be successful in any business, especially not in the medical field. It is very difficult to get in to see decision makers in the medical field.
All you need to start a business is a business name. Register the name, get a business number, GST number, Payroll number. Keep the business separate from personal accounts. You mom should pay herself a salary from the business account. Make sure you keep detailed records as self employed individuals are subject to audit. Anything is possible in any economy. But, you have to advertise and network. No one will buy anything from you if they don t know you have anything to sell.