Graphic/ Web Design Fast Facts

This fact sheet outlines the regulations and permits you may need to operate a Graphic and or Web Design business in Nova Scotia. Listed here are sources of industry information that will help you understand some of the issues to consider before starting your business. You are also invited to review some of our other business information guides; they include the Business Start-Up Info-Guide, Taxation Info-Guide, Financing Info-Guide and E-Business Info-Guide. Additional information can be obtained by calling one of our Business Information Officers or visiting our library.

Summary

PERMITS

Currently, there are no specific permits required to operate a Graphic and or Web Design business. The following is a list of the permits you may need in order to operate a Graphic and or Web Design business in Nova Scotia with regards to employee and work regulations. Please keep in mind that there might be additional permits that you require which are not listed, or some of these permits may not be applicable to your business.

Business Registration

Most businesses are required to register in Nova Scotia. When you register your business, you will also receive a business number, which is required for taxation purposes. Often suppliers will also request a business number before offering you credit.

For further information, call (902) 424-7770 or toll free 1 800 670-4357 see the document Registry of Joint Stock Companies or visit the web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rjsc/forms.stm

Municipal Permits

Most municipalities in Nova Scotia have permits and licences, which are required in order to operate a business. The type of permits and requirements can vary greatly so it is important that you contact your local municipality to determine what you need. You can find the contact information for your municipality in the phone book or at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/contact.

Worker's Compensation Board

Most firms, which employ three or more workers, need to register for coverage. Any employer who fails to register but is required to do so under the Act may be liable for the full cost of any workplace accident, plus additional penalties.

For further information, call Employer Services: 1 877 211-9267
see the document Workers' Compensation Board or visit the web site: http://www.wcb.ns.ca

C/NSBSC REFERENCE LIBRARY

The Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre (C/NSBSC) Reference Library is a great resource for potential and established entrepreneurs. Resources are available for the public's use within the library during regular hours of operation. The following lists some of the Graphic/Web Design resources available for use in the C/NSBSC Reference Library:

e-Business (Start-up Guide) - Entrepreneur Media Inc. 2001

Start & Run a Profitable Business Using Your Computer - Self-Counsel Press, 1998

Start & Run a Profitable Desktop Publishing Business - Self-Counsel Press, 1997

There are many more excellent resources for Graphic/Web Design businesses at the C/NSBSC Library located at 1575 Brunswick Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You can also access a selection of our most popular reference books at one of the Community Business Resource Sites located throughout the province. Call our toll-free number for the site nearest you or see the document Community Business Resource Network.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

Canadian Marketing Association - http://www.the-cma.org
Electronic Commerce in Canada - http://e-com.ic.gc.ca/english/authen/index.html
Marketing Today - http://www.marketingtoday.com
National Survey of Graphic Design Salaries & Billing Practices - 2001- http://www.gdc.net
Society of Graphic Designers of Canada - http://www.gdc.net
The Canadian Institute of Marketing - http://www.cinstmarketing.ca
The Information Technology Industry Alliance of Nova Scotia (ITANS) - http://www.itans.ns.ca

If you are unable to access any of the above web sites, please call one of our Business Information Officers who may be able to help you find the contact information you need (1-800-668-1010).