Starting a

Small Business
STARTING A
SMALL BUSINESS
Internet Access
Many of the resources listed in this guide are web-based only. If you CONTENTS
do not have your own Internet connection, try your local library or
Community Futures British Columbia office. For free Internet access call This Guide 1
604 289-4222 to find the location nearest you.
Your Two Primary Resources 2
This guide is also available electronically at:
14 Steps to Starting Your Own Small Business 6
www.gov.bc.ca/startingasmallbusiness
or for translated versions visit: 1 Make Sure Running a Small Business is Right for You 6
www.gov.bc.ca/smallbusiness 2 Understand Business Structures 7
3 Develop a Business Plan 8
4 Secure Your Financing 10
5 Choose a Business Name and Have it Approved 11
6 Register Your Business 12
7 Secure Your Online Presence 13
8 Register for Provincial Sales Tax (PST) 14
9 Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) 14
10 Complete Other Registrations 16
11 Investigate Additional Business Registrations
and Requirements 19
12 Identify Permit and Licensing Requirements 21
13 Get Support 21
14 Check Out Other Useful Resources 23
Indigenous Entrepreneurs 23
Young Entrepreneurs 24
Women Entrepreneurs 24
General Information 25
THIS GUIDE

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The strength of small business continues to drive the economy in
British Columbia.

Small businesses in British Columbia, those with fewer than 50

employees or self-employed, provide employment to over 1 million
people. These jobs account for 51.4 per cent of private sector
employment within the province.

In 2022 there were approximately 504,200 small businesses operating in

B.C. They range from businesses in agriculture to technology, hospitality
to tourism, construction to manufacturing, and education to mining
and resource management.

This publication has been developed as an introductory guide to help

you with planning and starting a small business. It provides essential
information as well as links to additional resources to help ensure that
your new business is successful.

Further resources can also be located through the Small Business

Section tab of the website for the Province of B.C. located at:
www.gov.bc.ca/smallbusiness

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 Your Two Primary Resources  General Business Information Advisory Service: Book a
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complimentary 30-minute consultation with a Business Advisor to
Many helpful resources appear throughout this guide. The two that help answer your business inquiries.
provide essential services and information for B.C. entrepreneurs are
Small Business BC and BC Registries and Online Services.  Business Plan Advice: Meet with a Business Plan Analyst for a
business plan review to help you prepare to approach lenders, or
coaching to develop your overall business strategy.
 Market Research Advisory Services: Schedule a one-on-one
consultation with a Market Research Analyst to assist you with
market research in areas such as target market analysis, industry
analysis and competitive analysis.
Small Business BC
www.smallbusinessbc.ca  Talk to an Expert: Book one-on-one consultations with
550-555 W. 12th Ave professionals in human resources, accounting, legal, market research,
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7 branding, social media, websites and more.
Tel: 604 775-5525  Import/Export Advice: Meet with a Trade Advisor for a
Toll Free: 1 800 667-2272 consultation on business requirements and to register your
Fax: 604 775-5520 import or export business.
E-mail: [email protected]  Business Seminars and Webinars: Information-packed business
Twitter: @smallbusinessbc seminars on over 40 topics, including import and export topics,
Facebook: /smallbusinessbc delivered by industry experts, who are also small business owners.
Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and Seminars are held at the Small Business BC office in Vancouver and
guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. are also available through webinar across B.C.
Supported by the B.C. Provincial Government and Western Economic  Business Blog and Articles: Get up-to-date information from real-
Diversification, Small Business BC offers a wide range of free and life entrepreneurs and business experts on the Small Business BC
affordable business services, education and resources. No matter what website.
stage or what skill level, when an entrepreneur finds themselves asking  Business Bookstore: Offering the most popular how-to
“How do I…?,” Small Business BC can help. publications on almost every area of business.
To register to receive updates from Small Business BC on  Events: Opportunities for networking, celebration and education. In
information, resources and events for entrepreneurs in B.C., October a series of free business seminars and webinars are offered
visit: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/stay-updated/ during Small Business Week. The annual Small Business BC Awards,
which celebrate the best small businesses across B.C., opens for
nominations on October 1st of each year.

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 BC Business Registry Once you have your BC Services Card account, you can create an
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www.bcbusinessregistry.ca account for the BC Business Registry to start and access your business.
Tel: 250 387-7848
Toll Free: 1 877 526-1526
E-mail: [email protected]
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Small Business Success Story:
Rupert Lawn & Garden

The BC Business Registry lets you pick your business name and Born and raised in Prince Rupert, Blair Mirau
complete your business registration online. graduated from the University of Winnipeg in
2011 with a degree in international development.
Through the BC Business Registry, you can do the following in the Upon returning home he began his career as a
Province of British Columbia: grant writer for the City of Prince Rupert. Then
 Request a business name and register a sole proprietorship, general in 2013, following one of Blair’s free grant writing seminars he
partnership, or “doing business as” (DBA) name. hosted at City Hall, the Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Society’s former
Chief Executive Officer approached Blair to become an economic
 Request a business name or use a Numbered Company to register a development officer. The organization’s businesses grew under
corporation. their direction, and when Grayson left in 2016, the board quickly
To register a business in the BC Business Registry, set up your BC found a ready replacement – Blair Mirau.
Services Card app or BC Token as you will need this to log in securely Blair became the visionary behind the development of the
and easily access your business. Economic Development Corporation and was tasked with the
For more information about the BC Services Card, please visit: How to society’s goal to achieve economic self-sufficiency over the next
set up you BC Services Card Account. 10-15 years, a $1M price tag. With the freedom and flexibility to
do whatever it took to get to business and start making money to
be able to fund their own programs and services, Blair took a risk
BC Business Registry Access purchasing a small local garden centre and lawn care business. At
the time with only two lawn cutters and a rusted Ford F150 Blair
To register a business in the BC Business Registry, first set up your BC saw so much potential and it has “really paid itself off in spades.”
Services Card account. You will need this to log in securely and easily
For the full Interview visit:
access your business. Note that:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/
 You don’t need to be a resident of B.C. to start a business. You can live small-business/small-business-success-stories
outside of B.C.

 If you live in Canada, you can set up a BC Services Card account and
use it to log in and start your business. View the accepted IDs you can
use to set up your BC Services Card account.

4 5
 14 STEPS TO 2 Understand
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Business Structures
STARTING YOUR OWN Most small businesses are operated as one of the following:
 Sole proprietorship, the owner/operator or self-employed

SMALL BUSINESS  General partnership, with one or more partner

 Corporation (also known as a limited liability company)
The following are the basic steps most new small businesses need to Small Business BC discusses the pros and cons of each business type
take before they can begin operating in B.C. and structure at: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/resource/howtos-checklists/
business-structures-information-sheet/

1 Make Sure Running a Small Business

is Right for You
It takes time, commitment, a good idea, the right personality
You can also find more information about the different business
structures through BC Registries and Online Services, by visiting:
www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca

and at least a few basic business skills to start and run a small There are other business structures, such as societies, franchises and
business successfully. cooperatives to consider:
British Columbia is home to a diverse range of not-for-profit
The Small Business BC website provides direction on how to evaluate
organizations – also known as societies. Learn more at:
and test your idea for a new small business.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/not-for-
www.smallbusinessbc.ca profit-organizations
 To get started, see their “how to” guide on evaluating your business The Province wants to make sure that franchisees have access to the
concept. www.smallbusinessbc.ca/resource/howtos-checklists/ information they need to help make well informed decisions before
evaluate-your-business-idea/ purchasing a franchise. That’s why we have created a suite of materials
 The Business Plan Checklist makes sure you’ve completed your to help inform your decision. Learn more at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/
research and thought through your idea. content/employment-business/business/small-business/resources/
www.smallbusinessbc.ca/resource/how-tos-checklists/business- starting-a-franchise-in-bc
plan-checklist/ Corporations Canada (part of Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada) provides extensive information on corporations,
Another great resource is Small Business BC’s list of Frequently Asked
including the benefits of federal incorporation if you want to expand
Questions, which answers the most common inquiries heard from
your business to other provinces. Visit: www.corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca
entrepreneurs when they’re first starting a business. If you have an idea
and don’t know where to begin, visit: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/faqs
ASK FOR ADVICE
If you’re interested in starting a business, but you just don’t have that
If you are not sure which business structure will be best for your
great business idea yet, Small Business BC can suggest a number of
business, we recommend you talk to a lawyer and an accountant to find
resources to help you research key industries, emerging trends, and
out what each type requires, both legally and financially.
local competition.
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 If you’re unfamiliar with business planning, start by reviewing
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SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY: Small Business BC’s “how to” guide on business planning:
FreshWorks Studio https://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/how-write-a-business-plan/

Engineer Sam Mod was out of his element To have someone review your business plan, make an appointment
when he emigrated from India to Victoria in with a Business Advisor at Small Business BC. They offer business plan
2013 to pursue an MBA at UVic. With experience review services if you’re seeking financing, submitting a business
developing mobile apps for large corporations proposal or just looking for a professional assessment. Small Business BC
in India, Sam and his business partner, Rohit also offers services to review sections of your plan, such as the executive
Boolchandani, were in over their heads with a failed first attempt summary or the marketing plan. All information submitted to Small
as entrepreneurs. Little did they know that starting a business took Business BC will be kept in total confidence and will not be distributed
a lot of time and effort especially in a new environment. Full of or communicated without first obtaining your express written consent.
ambition and hustle they found their niche in Victoria’s thriving Go to: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/service/advisory
tech scene. With no network, finances and full of culture shock, they
worked tremendously hard to achieve what is seemingly impossible
for most. That was then and this is now… SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY:
Envol Strategies
Co-founded in early 2014 by Sam and Rohit, FreshWorks Studio is
now a multimillion-dollar, award-winning Victoria, Vancouver and Raised in a family-owned trucking business,
Seattle based firm working in the space of digital transformation. Brianna saw firsthand the difficulties that
organizations have with building and retaining
For the full Interview visit: great teams. After graduating from UBC with a
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/ BComm in 2012, Brianna got into the recruitment
small-business/small-business-success-stories business with a Vancouver-based company and saw an opening in
the market she knew she could fill.

3
That’s why Brianna built Envol, an employer branding, recruitment
Develop a marketing and talent acquisition firm specializing in helping
Business Plan businesses grow. Primarily working with small and medium-sized
BC businesses, Envol helps organizations identify who they are
You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “Failing to plan is planning to as an employer, what makes them unique and then attract the
fail.” Many entrepreneurs write a business plan only when they need right people to support ongoing growth. Through strategic talent
to secure start-up financing. However, your plan is far more than a acquisition, Envol provides invaluable support on the full employee
document for banks and investors to read; it’s an invaluable roadmap life cycle. Envol prides itself on helping smaller companies grow –
for launching and growing your business. With a plan, not only can you it’s very much a hands-on partnership.
spot potential weaknesses, opportunities and threats, you can make
informed decisions about your venture before you commit yourself For the full Interview visit:
legally or financially. www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/
small-business/small-business-success-stories
8 9
 4 Secure Your out to those wanting extra capital to compete in global markets. For
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more information call 1 800 665-6597 or visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/
Financing content/employment-business/investment-capital
For your new small business to succeed, you need to have enough  Banks and credit unions can provide you with information on
money to cover business start-up costs and daily operating expenses products and services designed to help your business operate
for at least three months. If you don’t have enough money for start-up effectively.
through family, friends, loans or lines of credit, you may need to consider

5 Choose a Business Name and

outside sources of financing. For information about government, private
and venture capital sources of financing, go to:
 Small Business BC at:
Have it Approved
www.smallbusinessbc.ca/article/how-finance-your-start-business/ Choosing a business name is one of the most important decisions you’ll
make when starting your business, and most likely one of the hardest.
 Government of Canada - Business and Industry website at:
www.canada.ca/en/services/business.html If you want to use a business name that is anything other than your
 Innovation Canada website at: personal name, you will need to have your business name approved by,
http://innovation.canada.ca and then registered with BC Registry Services.

In addition, financing for small business is available through Business names must have both a distinctive and a descriptive element,
the following: like “ABC” (distinctive element) “Landscaping” (descriptive element). You
must add a corporate designation, such as “Ltd.” if you are planning to
 The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier
incorporate your business.
for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions. The
Government of Canada shares the risk with lenders to make it If you need help coming up with a great business name,
possible for more entrepreneurs to receive financing. For more Small Business BC offers some tips on how to choose the perfect name.
information on eligibility call 1 866 959-1699 or visit: Visit: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/article/choosing-a-business-name-
www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp made-easy/
 Futurpreneur Canada provides youth aged 18-39 with start-up
It’s a good idea to have a first, second and third choice for your business
financing (loans up to $45,000) and mentorship to help launch and
name, just in case the name you want is not available. You can do
sustain successful businesses. www.futurepreneur.ca
some preliminary research for potential conflicts by looking through
 WeBC provides business loans up to $150,000 to women in B.C. telephone listings, business directories or similar publications. You can
who own a business or are thinking of starting or buying a business. also search for existing names on the BC Registry Services to see if the
www.we-bc.ca name you’ve selected has already been registered. View:
 If you live in rural B.C., visit your local Community Futures British www.bcregistrynames.gov.bc.ca/nro
Columbia office. To find the one nearest you, call 604 289-4222 or
You can download the Name Approval Request form at:
visit: www.communityfutures.ca/location-finder
www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca/bcreg/corppg/forms.page
 The Investment Capital Branch offers programs to help small The form also includes guidelines for choosing a name.
businesses gain access to investment capital, from those just starting
10 11
 7 Secure Your
You can also apply for a Name Approval Request at:
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www.bcregistrynames.gov.bc.ca/nro/welcome.jsp
Online Presence
Submit your name approval request electronically to the Name
In today’s world it is almost essential for a business to have an online
Reservation Unit for examination at the Corporate Registry. Payment
presence, whether through company listings, social media or a
online is by credit card (VISA, Mastercard and American Express). There
company website.
is online information available to assist you through the process.
Creating a website for your business is no longer the expensive and
Once your business name is approved, it will be reserved for 56 calendar
time-consuming activity it used to be; plenty of templates exist in
days. Within these 56 days, you must register your business with BC
which you can simply input your business information and publish. If
Registry Services.
you do choose to set up a website for your business, you will need to

6
secure a domain name (a name that will identify your Internet website)
Register Your and hosting service. You can research whether the domain name
Business you want is available, and buy the rights to that name. For a guide on
how to launch your website, see Small Business BC’s How to get your
If your business is a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you can Business Online at: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/article/launching-your-
register it easily with the Province of British Columbia online using the website-how-to-get-your-business-online/
OneStop Business Registration Service at:
www.onestop.gov.bc.ca It’s also important to secure your presence on social media early on in
your business, even if you don’t actively use it until later. Social media,
You will need VISA, Mastercard or American Express to complete and although very effective for many entrepreneurs, can also be extremely
pay for this transaction online. Over-the-counter payments to register time consuming, so think about your product or service and decide
(using cash, debit card or cheque) are accepted at OneStop locations which social media platform will make the best use of your time.
such as Service BC Centres.
Small Business BC offers seminars and webinars for business owners
If you decide you want to incorporate, you must file an Incorporation who want to learn more about how to use social media to grow and
Application with BC Registry Services. develop their business. To register for an upcoming session, visit:
 Apply online using Corporate Online at: www.corporateonline.gov. www.smallbusinessbc.ca/seminars/
bc.ca (pick “File an Incorporation Application” on the home page).
You can also book a one-on-one session with an expert through Small
 See the registry’s website for detailed information on the application Business BC as part of their Talk to an Expert series. Sessions are available
process at: www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca at their Vancouver office or via Skype from anywhere in B.C.
For information about applying for federal incorporation, visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca/services/talk-to-an-expert/
Corporations Canada at: www.corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca

12 13
 8 Register for Provincial
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SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY:
Sales Tax (PST) Okanagan Rawsome
PST is a retail sales tax that applies when a taxable good or service is
Born and raised on
purchased, acquired or brought into British Columbia, unless a specific
a large dairy farm in
exemption applies. This means that if you sell or lease taxable goods or
the Netherlands, Afke
services, or provide accommodation, in British Columbia, you may be
grew up with business
required to register with the Ministry of Finance to charge and collect
decisions being made at
PST. To find out more about PST and how to register, go to the Ministry
the dinner table. For her
website at: www.gov.bc.ca/pst being an entrepreneur
Register for Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) wasn’t an afterthought,
it was genetic and after
If you provide accommodation in certain areas of the province, being self-employed for
you may also be required to charge MRDT on the purchase price 30 years as an interior designer, Afke at 60 years of age decided to
of accommodation. The MRDT is currently collected in over 50 follow her second passion – healthy food. She bought a recipe book
municipalities throughout the province and is used to fund tourism and started experimenting to create nutrient-rich, delicious raw
marketing for the local area. To find out more about the MRDT, see the snacks. But it wasn’t until her daughter piped up and said how great
PST on Accommodation Bulletin (PST 120) (PDF). the crisps were that she had even considered selling them.

9
Afke decided to fill a gap in the market and as luck would have
Register for Goods and it a wonderful food grant came through from the Small Business
Services Tax (GST) Association of BC which allowed her to purchase a commercial
grade dehydrator that she had her eyes on for a long time – it
If you sell or provide goods and services in Canada and your annual
would be her ticket to scale up and support the production demand
worldwide GST taxable sales, including those of any associates, are more
for Okanagan Rawsome.
than $30,000, you may be required to register for goods and services tax
(GST). Okanagan Rawsome is a proud family business created by Afke
Zonderland and her daughter Anna. They are a family “Farm to Fork”
business in the small rural area of Grindrod.

For the full Interview visit:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/
small-business/small-business-success-stories

14 15
 10 Complete Other government e-services regularly, you will need a business BCeID.
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You can apply for a business BCeID at Register for a Business BCeID
Registrations (www.bceid.ca/register/business/getting_started/getting_started.
You may also need to complete other provincial, federal or local aspx). A BCeID is an online service that makes it possible for you
government registrations. to use one login ID and password to sign in securely to any BCeID
participating provincial government website. For a complete list
For example: of government e-services that use BCeID, visit the Online Service
 If you plan to hire employees – or have established your new Directory at: www.bceid.ca/directories/bluepages
business as a corporation – you will need to register with  If you are going to import or export goods, you will need to register
WorkSafeBC and pay WorkSafeBC insurance premiums. This will with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). For more
ensure you and your workers are covered in case of work-related information about importing and exporting, go to the CBSA’s site at:
injury or disease. If you are self-employed, you may also want to www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Select “Import and Export” from the top of the
apply for WorkSafeBC’s Personal Optional Protection. To find out page.
more, visit WorkSafeBC’s website at: www.worksafebc.com.
 If you are hiring employees and you are paying salary, wages, HAVEN’T MADE UP YOUR MIND ABOUT
IMPORTING OR EXPORTING?
bonuses, vacation pay or tips to your employees – or providing a
benefit to your employees such as boarding or lodging – you will Check out our Import/Export Guide.
need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a This guide introduces you to the places and people who can help you
payroll deductions account. This account will enable you to make the decide whether import/export is right for you, and how you can best set
required Income Tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment up your business to enter the exciting world of international trade. The
Insurance (EI) payments. For more about payroll deduction accounts, guide is available at: www.gov.bc.ca/importexportguide
call 1 800 959-5525 or go to the CRA’s website at:
www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/payroll.html In addition, your business may require a local government business
 If your business is incorporated, or you are a non-resident licence to operate. Please check with your local government or First
corporation operating in Canada, you will need to register for a
Corporate Income Tax account with the Canada Revenue Agency.
 If you have a restaurant and will be serving food as the primary focus
of your business, as opposed to liquor, you can find information and
apply for a restaurant liquor licence through the Liquor and Cannabis
Licencing Portal: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/lcrb.
For more information about a restaurant liquor licence, go to the
Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch’s website at:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/
liquor-regulation-licensing
 If you need to change your business address or plan to access other
16 17
 Nation to find out about licence and zoning requirements in your area.
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PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS NAME
The names of sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not
Visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/ protected by law, which means someone else could decide to use
managing-a-business/permits-licences/businesses-incorporated- the same name. Only incorporated businesses have that protection. If
companies/onestop/onestop-business-licences for a list of participating protecting your business name is important to you, you may want to
local governments and First Nations. You can also access BizPaL, a incorporate your business.
convenient web-based service that allows business clients to easily
generate a customized list of the permits and licences needed from all
levels of government by answering some simple questions about their
business. For more information about BizPaL, please refer to Step 12 on
page 21 of this guide.
11 Investigate Additional Business
Registrations and Requirements
You may need to consider additional registrations or requirements
The Canada Revenue Agency also provides a summary of information before you open your small business. For example:
for small businesses, explaining federal requirements for GST, payroll
deductions, importing/exporting and corporate income tax. Employment Standards
www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb
Go to: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4070/README.html Tel: 250 612-4100 Prince George (or outside B.C.)
or call 1 800 959-5525. Toll Free in B.C. 1 800 663-3316
For More Information The Employment Standards Act and Employment Standards Regulation
Small Business BC offers a Starting Your Business Checklist that takes apply to most workplaces in British Columbia and cover important
you through the step-by-step process of starting a business as well as issues such as required wage rates, vacations and overtime rules. If
ensuring you know exactly which registrations you need to complete. you are planning to hire employees, you should be familiar with this
information.
Go to: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/resource/howtos-checklists/starting-
your-business-checklist/ Industry Training Authority
www.itabc.ca
Other Laws Tel: 1 866 660-6011
You can find copies of all B.C. laws at: www.bclaws.ca. You can E-mail: [email protected]
purchase official print versions of B.C. Statutes and Regulations by The Industry Training Authority (ITA) is a provincial Crown Agency that
calling 250 387-6409 or e-mailing [email protected] leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. ITA works
The new Tribunal Small Claims Regulation under the Civil with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and
Resolution Tribunal Act – the tribunal has jurisdiction to resolve a government to issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program
claim that is less than or equal to an amount prescribed by regulation standards, and increase opportunities in the trades. If you are planning
as the maximum tribunal small claim amount. to hire apprentices to work in your new business, you will need to be
registered with the ITA.
For more information, visit: www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/
complete/statreg/232_2018 Canada Revenue Agency
18
www.cra-arc.gc.ca 19
 Tel: English 1 800 959-5525 Whether you are hiring employees or working on your own, you are
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Tel: French 1 800 959-7775 required by law to keep complete records of your business income and
expenses. The Canada Revenue Agency’s website provides a list of all
If your business is either a sole proprietorship or general partnership,
business records you must keep. Visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/records/
you must report your share of gross and net profits (or losses) on your
individual tax return (T1). If your business is an incorporated company, We also recommend you contact a qualified accountant to help you set
you must file a corporation tax return (T2) within six months after the up and maintain proper business records and accounts. It is also a good
end of the corporation’s fiscal period. idea to talk to a lawyer for advice about any legal issues that may affect
your small business.
Canadian Intellectual Property Office
www.cipo.gc.ca

12 Identify Permit and

Tel: 1 866 997-1936
Patents, copyrights and trademarks are all ways by which businesses
protect their intellectual property, including inventions, designs,
Licensing Requirements
symbols and products. Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Canada’s Canadian Intellectual Property Office offers a series of guides
that explain how to register your business patents, copyrights and
trademarks.
BizPaL
WorkSafeBC www.bizpal.ca
www.worksafebc.com
Tel: 604.244.6181 (Lower Mainland) BizPaL is a free, online tool to streamline your business permit and
Toll Free: 1.888.922.2768 (Canada) licensing experience. The step-by-step process generates a customized
Email: [email protected] list of permits and licences you may need from all levels of government
in order to operate or open a business. By using BizPaL, entrepreneurs
Employers, regardless of size, must ensure the health and safety of minimize the time spent searching for permits and licences from about
their workers. WorkSafeBC has resources for small business owners seven hours to 20 minutes. BizPaL reduces red tape and makes your
that can quickly help you understand what’s required to meet your interactions with all levels of government simpler and straight forward.
legal obligations, including registering your business and applying for

13
coverage, managing claims, and meeting your responsibilities for health
and safety. Get
Generally, you need coverage if you: Support
• Employ and pay workers on a regular, casual, or contract basis In British Columbia entrepreneurs are fortunate that so much support
• Come from another province or country to do work in B.C. exists to help them launch and grow a successful business. That being
• Work in the commercial fishing or trucking industries said, some of the best advice and guidance you can receive will come
from experienced business owners themselves.
BUSINESS RECORDS Joining a local business group or networking group is a great way to

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 14 Check Out Other
access experienced entrepreneurs, as well as to find potential clients.
Star ting a Small Business

Star ting a Small Business

Here are some organizations you might consider joining:
 Local Chamber of Commerce
Useful Resources
www.bcchamber.org/membership-directory In addition to Small Business BC and the OneStop Business Registry, there
 Local Business Improvement Association are a number of other places where small business owners can look for
www.bia.bc.ca/ new business opportunities, practical advice and helpful services.
 Women’s business groups and organizations INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS
www.womensenterprise.ca/networking_connections
Aboriginal Business Entrepreneurship
Attending business events and conferences will help you learn new skills and Skills Training (BEST) Program
and connect with like-minded people. For a list of upcoming events
www.aboriginalbest.com
across British Columbia, see Small Business BC’s event calendar:
Tel: 250 352-3878
www.smallbusinessbc.ca/events-calendar/
E-mail: [email protected]
Aboriginal BEST is a 12-session training series – sponsored by the
Provincial Government with additional funding from the Labour Market
SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY: Development Agreement, and with support and funding from Vancity
AVA Technologies Inc. Credit Union – that provides young B.C. Indigenous entrepreneurs, aged
When Valerie asked her three-year old niece 18 to 35, with the tools they need to start their own business. Through
where the tomatoes on her pizza came from and this program, you can conduct market research, write a business plan
she said “grocery stores,” Valerie knew young and explore financing options.
people were in danger of becoming even more
disconnected to their food. A business graduate All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO)
from UBC’s Sauder School of Business, Valerie worked in the organic www.antco.bc.ca
food marketing industry, her first foray into gardening and knowing Toll Free: 1 800 663-2959
where good food comes from – it’s also where she found inspiration All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) is an Indigenous-owned financial
in the company’s motto: “Leave the Earth better than you found it.” institution that supports Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and
AVA Technologies Inc., launched by Valerie and co-founder Chase communities. ANTCO offers financial services, including business
Ando, is a budding start-up from Vancouver trying to help people loans and commercial mortgages, for Indigenous business ventures.
eat better while reducing food miles. AVA (Automated Vertical Along with their subsidiary, All Nations Insurance Brokers Inc., they are
Agriculture) creates smart home products starting with AVA a leading Indigenous financial institution in Canada. They also offer
Byte – think Nespresso machine for gardening. By using modern business support and advisory services for Indigenous entrepreneurs
technology, AVA wants to help the world get growing by unlocking in areas such as business planning, budgeting and marketing.
access to the freshest, organic ingredients at home, all year round.

For the full Interview visit:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/
small-business/small-business-success-stories
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 First Citizens Fund GENERAL INFORMATION
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www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/aboriginal-people
Toll Free: 1 800 880-1022 Small Business BC
E-mail: [email protected] www.smallbusinessbc.ca
Tel: 604 775-5525
The Provincial Government manages the First Citizens Fund to expand Toll Free: 1 800 667-2272
cultural, educational and economic opportunities for Indigenous people E-mail: [email protected]
in B.C. One of the fund’s primary goals is to help Indigenous people and Twitter: @smallbusinessbc
organizations start and expand businesses through business loans and Facebook: /smallbusinessbc
business advisory services. Funding is also provided to the All Nations
Trust Company for a business loan program. Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and
guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Their team of business experts can assist with everything from business
registration to marketing strategy. They offer guided support, one-on-
Futurpreneur Canada
one advisory services, business plan reviews, seminars and webinars on
www.futurpreneur.ca
over 50 topics and dozens of free resources designed to save you time
Tel: 604 598 -2923
and money.
Toll Free: 1 800 464-2923
So, no matter what stage or what skill level, when you find yourself
Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit that turns great ideas
asking “How do I…?” Small Business BC can help.
into successful businesses. They look at character, not collateral, when
providing youth aged 18-39 with pre-launch coaching, start-up Service BC
financing (loans up to $45,000) and mentorship to help launch and www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca
sustain successful businesses. Victoria: 250 387-6121
Vancouver: 604 660-2421
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS Toll Free: 1 800 663-7867
WeBC Outside B.C.: 604 660-2421
www.we-bc.ca Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD)
Tel: 1 800 643-7014 Vancouver: 604 775-0303
WeBC is the leading business resource for B.C. women who own Elsewhere in B.C.: 1 800 661-8773
a business or are thinking of starting a business. Their team of Service BC makes it easy for British Columbians to find and access the
professionals provides business loans up to $150,000 to start, grow or government information and services they need. They provide services
buy a business. They also offer workshops, business advisors, mentors, to citizens, business and government through multiple channels,
resources and a supportive community to help women succeed in including in-person, telephone, e-mail and online.
business. Service BC Centres help citizens get the services they need, when,
where and how they wish to access them. Each of the 62 Service BC
Centres throughout the province provides in-person service for the
delivery of hundreds of government services. Individuals and businesses
24 25
 can access information, complete transactions and receive assistance WorkBC.ca
Star ting a Small Business

Star ting a Small Business

with forms, permits, licences and registrations from highly trained local www.workbc.ca
staff. Service BC Centre staff can help you and your small business Tel: 250 952-6914
obtain information and conduct registration and payments. Toll Free: 1 877 952-6914
All Service BC Centres are OneStop Business Registry locations. E-mail: [email protected]
For more information on OneStop, visit: WorkBC is the provincial government’s access point to the world of
www.onestop.gov.bc.ca work in British Columbia. It was created with one key goal – to help all
British Columbians successfully navigate B.C.’s labour market. WorkBC.ca
FrontCounter BC provides a single access point to connect job seekers and employers to
www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca labour market information and services available across government.
Toll Free: 1 877 855-3222 WorkBC helps workers find jobs, explore career options and improve
E-mail: [email protected] their skills. WorkBC also helps employers fill jobs, find the right talent
FrontCounter BC offers a citizen-centred approach aimed at providing and grow their businesses.
clients with one source of information for all natural resource-sector
related licences, permits and registrations needed to conduct business Innovation Canada
on Crown land in any part of the province. Clients may access http://innovation.canada.ca
FrontCounter BC services by telephone, Internet, e-mail or face-to-face Tel: 1 833 201-4358
with staff specifically trained and knowledgeable in authorizations and Innovation.canada.ca matches clients with the right government
permits required for sectors such as energy, mining, forestry, agriculture, programs and services in less than 3 minutes. By asking a few simple
transportation, environment, commercial recreation, etc. FrontCounter questions, it zeroes in on the best options from over 1,000 federal,
BC services include guiding clients through required authorizations; provincial and territorial government supports including funding, loans,
helping clients complete application packages; interpreting land tax credits, wage subsidies, and more. Innovation Canada also has
information, maps and management plans; following up and tracking Innovation Advisors across Canada who can leverage their extensive
the status of applications filed; liaising between ministries, agencies and network of contacts to help clients take advantage of government
governments; and free Internet access to services such as Base Maps resources from financing to technical advice to foreign market expertise.
Online Store, BCeID, Integrated Land Resource Registry and Mineral
Titles On-Line. Find the location closest to you, visit: Community Futures British Columbia
https://portal.nrs.gov.bc.ca/web/client/locations www.communityfutures.ca
Tel: 604 289-4222
Toll Free: 1 888 303-2232
There are 34 Community Futures offices strategically located
throughout rural B.C. Supported by Western Economic Diversification,
Community Futures are non-profit organizations that provide business
financing, business counselling and training to small- and medium-sized
enterprises in their rural communities. To find the Community Futures
office that serves your community, please visit:
www.communityfutures.ca/location-finder
26 27
 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Trade and Invest British Columbia
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www.gov.bc.ca/transporation www.britishcolumbia.ca
British Columbia is the preferred gateway for Asia Pacific trade, with Tel: 604-775-2100
the most competitive supply chain on the west coast of the Americas. Trade and Invest British Columbia works with international enterprises
B.C.’s integrated, seamless supply chain includes airports, seaports, to help them build strong links to resources, skills and businesses that
railways, roadways and border crossings, connecting Canada and make British Columbia an attractive place to work and invest.
the North American market to Asia and the world. Government and
industry partners have made investments to increase capacity, eliminate OrgBookBC
congestion, and streamline operations. www.orgbook.gov.bc.ca/en/home
Use OrgBookBC to quickly verify if an organization is legally registered
Société de développement économique to do business in BC as a corporation.
www.sdecb.com
Tel: 604 732-3534 Western Economic Diversification Canada
E-mail: [email protected] www.wd-deo.gc.ca
From promoting and boosting talent to steering projects, the Société Tel: 604 666-6256
de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) Toll Free: 1 888 338-9378
strives daily to provide a voice, a space and tools for the Francophone E-mail: [email protected]
and Francophile business community of British Columbia. Western Economic Diversification (WD) is committed to advancing
priority areas of Innovation, Trade and Investment, Skills Development,
Small Business Branch and Aboriginal Economic Development. WD supports western Canadian
www.gov.bc.ca/smallbusiness small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the Western
Tel: 250 387-4699 Canada Business Service Network, which includes Community Futures,
E-mail: [email protected] the Women’s Enterprise Centre of British Columbia, and Small Business
B.C. is committed to supporting and listening to its small businesses BC. Through the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative, WD also offers
and has developed numerous valuable resources for business owners repayable contributions to western Canadian SMEs to commercialize
at various stages in their endeavours. innovative processes and technologies.
Visit us online to learn more about what government is doing to
support your business.
Or join the conversation:
• Twitter on #BCBizChat or #SmallBizBC
• BC Small Business Roundtable – the voice of small business to
government www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca

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Small Business BC WorkBC
Comprehensive business information and business Information and resources to help employers fill jobs,
planning resources for starting and growing a find the right talent and grow their business.
business in British Columbia. www.workbc.ca
1 800 667-2272
www.smallbusinessbc.ca All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO)
Financial services, business support and advisory
BC Registries and Online Services services for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Online business registration and change 1 800 663-2959
of business address. www.antco.bc.ca
www.bcbusinessregistry.ca
WeBC
Small Business Branch Business information counselling and skills
Information on provincial government programs training for women entrepreneurs.
and services. 1 800 643-7014
250 387-4699 www.we-bc.ca
www.gov.bc.ca/smallbusiness
Innovation Canada
ServiceBC Provides a personalized list of funding, loans, tax
Province-wide access to government services credits, wage subsidies, internships and more in less
including key government transactions for business. than three minutes.
1 800 663-7867 http://innovation.canada.ca
www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca
Community Futures British Columbia
FrontCounter BC Business counselling and assistance for new and
Single window service for clients of provincial existing businesses in rural British Columbia.
natural resource ministries and agencies to obtain 1 604 289-4222
information and authorizations needed to start or www.communityfutures.ca
expand a business.
1 800 663-7867 Société de développement économique
www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca The Francophone Economic Development Socitey
provides business information, support, networking,
Futurpreneur training and mentoring for francophone and
Provides mentoring services and loans to grow the francophile business in British Columbia.
economy one young entrepreneur at a time. 1 604 732-3534
1 866 646-2922 www.sdecb.com
www.futurpreneur.ca
Western Economic Diversification Canada
BizPaL Works to strengthen western innovation, business
Online tool to quickly and easily identify permit and development and community economic development.
licensing requirements for business. 1 888 338-9378
www.bizpal.ca www.wd-deo.gc.ca