Starting up your own business is both exciting and challenging. If you have been through the process and owned your own company before the task will obviously seem less daunting. You’ll be pleased to know that the government agencies and local networks designed for assisting new business in the province have proven to be both helpful and professional in our own experience. There is a genuine feeling of encouragement and a true will for you and your business to succeed. So for entrepreneurs and business professionals BC is a great place to set up shop.
For the nuts and bolts of actually starting your business then you should visit http://www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/ where, among other things, you can get your business registered and also find your way to a wealth or useful publications and resources. You can also call them for help on 1 877 822 6727
Another solid starting point is www.canadabusiness.ca – this guides you to general information that will provide an overview of the hoops you need to jump through, the forms you should fill and the local resources you can utilize.
The Community Futures Development Corporation is a network of 90 offices across Western Canada that provides financing and business training for entrepreneurs across the province. Find your nearest location at www.communityfutures.ca
Below we have listed some of the many other organizations you may find useful in setting up your business in BC:
BC Chamber of Commerce www.bcchamber.org (and don’t forget to look up the Chamber of Commerce for your local area)
Economic Development Associate of BC www.edabc.com
Western Economic Diversification Canada www.wd.gc.ca
Small Business BC www.smallbusinessbc.ca
Women’s Enterprise Centre www.womensenterprise.ca