Home : Business Tools & Guides : Starting Your Business - A guide to resources for BC women
Making It Official
Once you've completed your business plan, you are ready to take the following steps to establish your business formally and legally. (Note: some of the services require a fee.)
Choose your business name and get it approved: This is the first step in registering or incorporating your business. For instructions, see www.bcbusinessregistry.ca. 
Register your company: Next you register your proprietorship or partnership, or incorporate your company. For instructions, see www.bcbusinessregistry.ca.
Get a business licence: Contact your municipality or district to obtain a business licence and to ensure you are meeting land use and zoning bylaws. See "Municipalities" on www.bcbusinessregistry.ca or look in the Blue Pages section of your phone book.
Choose and register a Domain Name for your website (optional).
Register for provincial taxes, including sales tax: If you buy goods for wholesale or retail sale, or provide taxable services, apply for a social service tax registration certificate. See www.rev.gov.bc.ca/ctb or call 1-877-388-4440, 604 660-4524 (Vancouver)or 250 387-0636 (Victoria).
Obtain a Federal Business Number (BN): You need a Business Number if you are incorporated, if you import or export, if you have employees, or if you charge GST. See http://businessgateway.ca or call 1-800-959-5525.
Register with Workers' Compensation Board (WCB): If you plan to hire employees, you need a BN (see above)and must register with the Workers' Compensation Board. You should also be familiar with Employment Standards. If you're incorporated, you must register with WCB at www.worksafebc.com.
Set up your business records: You will need an orderly record and accounting system, and are required to keep records for at least seven years. See the Keeping Records section in "Guide for Canadian Small Businesses ", online at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Review British Columbia regulations: Talk to your lawyer or business counsellor to find out about any regulatory bodies that govern your business and any relevant legislation.