Resources
Here are some initial resources to help people start, or grow, their small business. Have a question not answered in these resources? Contact us to see if we can help.
1. Starting Your Business & Compliance
Business licenses and permits, zoning, waste disposal, procurement opportunities, and small business resources.
*Not in Vancouver? Check your local municipal website for similar information.
Find permits and licences specific to your business type and location.
Federal resources and portals for starting and managing a business including planning, registration, tax compliance, incorporation, and regulatory requirements.
BC Government
Provincial resources and portals for business and tax registration, licenses and permits, liquor and cannabis regulations, and the BC Business Corporations Act. Free advisory services and multilingual startup guides available.
BC Registry Services – Business registration and incorporation for within BC
WorkSafeBC – Workplace health and safety insurance and information
Service BC – Help with forms, registrations, and BC Services Card account setup
Business Resources and Templates – Guides and tools for starting and managing a business
2. Funding, Procurement & Financial Support
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Funding including loans and capital. Free ‘entrepreneur’s toolkit’ resources to manage, grow, and promote your business. Fee-based advisory services for financial planning, strategy, and operations.
Loans of up to $1M provided by community partners. Free business resources. Fee-based business consulting or businesses located in Metro Vancouver (free outside Metro Vancouver).
Loans of up to $75k for young entrepreneurs (18-39) starting or within their first two years of business.
Provincial procurement platform. Find tender opportunities and learn how to do business with the Government of British Columbia
BC Government
Federal procurement platform. Find tender opportunities and learn how to do business with the Government of Canada.
Search all GC resources and programs. Filter by resource, industry and more for a tailored list of services including grants, tax credits, loans, wage subsidies, expert advice, collaboration, research, and other support.
Map of all participating lenders, primarily banks and credit unions, in the Canada Small Business Financing program.
3. Business Advice & Learning
BC Government
BCStats Small Business Profile – Statistics on BC small business related metrics
Business Advisory Services – Free consultations and guidance on navigating government programs
Trade and Invest BC – Resources and support for expanding into international markets
Public Libraries
Public libraries offer various business support, community programs, and research services.
Vancouver Public Library (VPL)
Free small business resources on starting and managing a small business. Fee-based research services via InfoAction.
Find your local library branch here.
UBC Small Business Accelerator
Extensive free resources on how to start and manage a small business. Includes guides to market research, industry-specific resources, and business planning support.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
Extensive free library of business resources including webinars, HR and health & safety templates, articles, and guides. Paid membership available for additional HR services and benefits.
BC Buy Local initiative with research, reports, and resources on local business and community economic development in Vancouver.
4. Community Organizations & Advocacy
Business Improvement Associations (BIAs or BAs)
BIAs are associations of businesses who work together to improve and promote their specified commercial district. BIAs can provide current, tailored advice and resources about their neighbourhood’s issues and opportunities.
There are 41 individual BIAs in Metro Vancouver and 22 in the City of Vancouver.
If you’re in Vancouver, you can find your nearest BIA on this map.
Nonprofit collective of BIAs across BC. Advocates for small business interests and provides resources for local commercial districts.
Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade
Chambers and Boards of Trade are federally regulated organizations under the Boards of Trade Act. They advocate for their districts, offer networking opportunities, and provide a variety of business support programs and resources.
Find your local chamber or board of trade:
Federal and Provincial
Municipal
Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce
Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce
Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
New Westminster Chamber of Commerce
Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce
Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade
