Starting a Business

So you are thinking about starting a business - we have tried to provide a comprehensive list and links to the information you may find useful.  A number of resources are available in BC to help you on your road to business owner.

Is Entrepreneurship Right For You?  Take the questionnaire 

The Province of BC provides a comprehensive online resource to help you in starting a business in BC.  

• Starting or managing a business in B.C. - Province of British Columbia.
• Resources and support for businesses and entrepreneurs in B.C. - Province of British Columbia, which includes the following new pages to improve visibility of:
• Guides and templates,
• Business support organizations, and
• Indigenous business resources.

Financing - Besides your own financial institution there are other options for financing your business:

www.communityfutures.ca - Community Futures Peace Liard - Community driven economic renewal.  Providing  business support & strategy development including financing.  

www.bdc.ca - Business Development Bank of Canada

www.we-bc.ca  - Women's Enterprise BC

www.futurpreneur.ca - Futurprenuer:  Non-profit organization, government funded and mandated to help 18-39 year olds think about entrepreneurship and support them with guidance, financial loaning programs and mentorship for 2 years

Set Up your Business

• Decide on and request a name for your business 
• Register your business or organization in B.C.
• Guide to Federal Incorporation
• Obtain a business number
• Get a BCeID to access on-line government business services
• Develop a privacy policy for your organization

Permits and Licenses

All business operating in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality requires a valid Business License.  Contact the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality at 250-774-2541 or online www.northernrockies.ca

Key Resources:

• Start your business*
• Evaluate your business idea
• Choose your business structure*
• Conduct market research
• Resources for market research
• Create a marketing and sales plan
• Write a business plan*, which includes 3 new templates:
• Business plan template (DOCX, 123.2 KB)
• Cashflow forecast template (XLSX, 59.8 KB)
• Sales forecast template (XLSX, 35.6 KB)
• Import goods into Canada*
• Export goods from Canada*
   

The Province’s Business Advisory Services are now available in both English and French, which includes free access to one-on-one consultation, resources designed to help businesses start and grow, and guidance on navigating government programs and funding opportunities.

Government Programs, Services and Contacts for Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Liaison Officer service

The Liaison Officer service (LO) offers free, personalized support to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals. The LO service is available across Canada to help you understand your tax obligations. A visit from a Liaison Officer is 100% confidential; the information you choose to discuss with a Liaison Officer will not be shared with other areas of the CRA, or anyone else.   You can request a visit from a Liaison Officer using our online request form.