Business Start-Up Info-Guide

This info-guide is designed to help you navigate through the federal and terriorial government programs, services and regulations that may apply to individuals starting a business in the Yukon.  Although many of your questions will be answered in this document, the list is by no means exhaustive. Municipal and other non-government information could be included, depending on the content and region.

Some of the organizations listed below are not subject to the Official Languages Act. Their services and resources may not be available in both official languages.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Start-Up Resources
1.1 Am I an entrepreneur? Self-Assessment Quiz
1.2 Feasibility Checklist for Starting A Small Business
1.3 Points to Consider When Starting Your Own Business
1.4 Checklist For Going Into Business
1.5 Business Start-Up Assistant
1.6 Online Small Business Workshop
1.7 Interactive Business Planner
1.8 Business Planning Guide
1.9 TD Business Planning Software
1.10 ScotiaOne Business Plan Writer
1.11 Reference Library

2. Permits, Licences and Regulations for Getting Started
2.1 Federal, Territorial and Municipal Business Permits and Licenses
2.2 Key Permits, Licenses and Regulations

3. Tax Information for Starting A Business

4. Start-Up Information Sources
4.1 Business Information
4.2 Canada Business
4.3 Business Data
4.4 Strategis
4.5 GD Sourcing
4.6 Canadian Economy Online
4.7 Canadian Company Capabilities
4.8 Information Services - Corporations Canada

5. Additional Info-Guides

1. Start-Up Resources

1.1 Am I an entrepreneur? Self-Assessment Quiz - Western Economic Diversification Canada

An online quiz that allows you to compare yourself and successful self-made business people on some key traits and characteristics. Completing it will give you some insight into your own distinctive style.

For further information, visit the Web site http://www.wd.gc.ca/tools/xindex_e.asp

1.2 Feasibility Checklist for Starting A Small Business - Canada Business Service Centres

This publication is a checklist for the owner-manager of a small business enterprise or for one contemplating going into business for the first time. The questions concentrate on areas you must seriously consider to determine if your idea represents a real business opportunity and if you really know what you are getting into. You can use the checklist to evaluate a completely new venture proposal or an apparent opportunity in your existing business.

For further information, see the document Checklists for Going Into Business

1.3 Points to Consider When Starting Your Own Business - Canada Business Service Centres

Many people start a small business in order to enjoy the perceived rewards of freedom and independence. The reality of small-business ownership can be quite different. Many small business owners will tell you that they work more hours than when they worked for someone else.

For further information, see the document Points to Consider When Starting Your Own Business.

1.4 Checklist for Going Into Business - Canada Business Service Centre

Thinking of owning and managing your own business? It's a good idea - provided you know and have what it takes. Starting a business is risky at best, but your chances of making it succeed will be better if you understand the problems you'll meet and work out as many of them as you can before you start.

For further information, see the document Checklists for Going Into Business.

1.5 Business Start-Up Assistant - Canada Business Service Centre

The Business Start-up Assistant (BSA) is a one-stop site to useful and authoritative information for launching a business in Canada. It combines start-up information from the federal, provincial and territorial governments, the community and many other sources. Information is organized by topics such as market research, financing, taxation, business planning, and many others - all critical to starting a new business. This easy to navigate site also provides links to federal, provincial and territorial forms for registering your business.

For further information, see the document Business Start-Up Assistant (BSA) or visit the Web site http://bsa.cbsc.org/gol/bsa/site.nsf/en/index.html

1.6 Online Small Business Workshop - Canada Business Service Centre

The Online Small Business Workshop (OSBW) is a Web-based workshop designed to provide you with techniques for developing your business idea, starting a new venture and improving your existing small business.

For further information, see the document Online Small Business Workshop - OSBW or visit the Web site Online Small Business Workshop

1.7 Interactive Business Planner - Canada Business Service Centre

The Interactive Business Planner (IBP) is a computer software program that uses the capabilities of the Internet to assist you in preparing a 3-year business plan for a new or existing business.

The IBP will:

• help you write your business plan;
• provide a format for writing your business plan;
• take the information you enter and prepare financial projections for you.

For further information, see the document Interactive Business Planner - IBP or visit the Web site http://www.cbsc.org/ibp

1.8 Business Planning Guide - Royal Bank

The Business Planning Guide outlines how to write your own business plan and includes examples of well structured business plans.

For further information, visit the Web site http://www.royalbank.com/business/tools/bigidea.html

1.9 TD Business Planning Software - Canada Trust

The TD Canada Trust Business Planner can help you prepare a business plan for your company, not matter what size. You can download the TD Business Planning Software to  your computer free of charge.

For further information, visit the Web site http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/smallbusiness/planner.jsp

1.10 Business Plan Writer - Scotia Bank

The ScotiaOne Business Plan Writer is an online tool for developing and completing a business plan for your company. It includes a Business Plan Guide for assisting you in writing your business plan using the ScotiaOne Business Plan Writer.

For further information, visit the Web site ScotiaOne Business PlanWriter.

1.11 Reference Library - Canada/Yukon Business Service Centre (CYBSC)

The CYBSC Reference Library has an extensive collection of publications, directories and leading-edge business products for starting your own business.   An internet enabled computer is also available in the library for doing business research.

The library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for government holidays).

For further information, call (867) 633-6257/Toll Free 1-800-661-0543 or visit the Web site http://www.cbsc.org/yukon

2. Permits, Licences  and Regulations for Getting Started

All businesses in the Yukon must abide by permits, licenses and regulations legislated by all three levels of government i.e. federal, territorial and municipal. These regulations, permits and licenses will vary depending on the type of business you are planning to start. Below is information on how to find the permits, licenses and regulations you require as well as an overview of several key regulations, permits and licenses that most businesses must acquire when starting up a business.

2.1 Federal, Territorial and Municipal Business Permits and Licenses

In order for Yukon businesses to operate legally, they must obtain federal, territorial and municipal permits and licenses for their particular type of business.

Determining the permits and licenses you require can be a time consuming and frustrating experience. Many businesses hire a lawyer, chartered accountant or a business consultant to find out what permits and licenses they need.

Is there an easy and affordable way to determine which permits and licenses I need to start my business?

BizPal is a free online service that asks you to answer a short series of questions about the nature and scope of your current or proposed business. Based on your answers, you will be provided with a customized list of potential permits and licenses from all levels of government that you may require for starting and operating your business.

To determine which permits and licenses you need to start your business, visit the Yukon Government BizPal Web site at http://bizpal.gov.yk.ca/biz/BzInit.do?lang=en

What if my business category isn't listed in BizPal?

If you don't have access to the Internet or you aren't able to find a suitable business category in BizPal, contact your local federal, territorial and municipal government offices near you for more information on the permits and licenses that you may require or contact a private business consultant, lawyer or an accountant.

2.2 Key Permits, Licenses and Regulations

Below are some of the key permits, licenses and regulations that apply to most businesses that are starting up. Other important regulations, permits and licenses will apply depending on the nature of your business.

Development Permit - Local Municipal Government

A Development Permit should always be obtained prior to any other license or permit to ensure that the area in which you propose to do business, supports your business venture.

For more information, please call the local municipal office in the area where your business will be located. To view a list of incorporated municipalities and their contact information, see the document Yukon Municipal Government Directory. For unincorporated municipalities, call the Government of Yukon (Department of Community Services Branch) at (867) 667-8945 / Toll Free (In Yukon) 1-800-661-0408.

Building Permit - Local Municipal Government

A building permit must be obtained before commencing, renovating or expanding a commercial building in the Yukon.

For more information, please call the municipal office in the area where you business will be located. To view a list of incorporated municipalities and their contact information, see the document  Yukon Municipal Government Directory. For unincorporated communities, call the Government of Yukon (Department of Community Services - Building Safety Branch) at (867) 667-5741 or Toll Free (In Yukon) 1-800-661-0408, local 5741.

Business License - Local Municipal Government

Incorporated municipalities in the Yukon require that your business premises be licensed to conduct business within its municipal boundaries in accordance with the bylaws. If you wish to operate your business in an unincorporated area of the Yukon, a business license is not required. Most incorporated municipalities charge a fee for a business licence.

For further information, please call the municipal office in the jurisdiction that your business will be located. To view a list of incorporated municipalities and their contact information, see the document  Yukon Municipal Government Directory .

Labour Standards - Government of Yukon

If you are hiring employees or subcontracting for labour, you need to know the requirements for hours of work, minimum wage, statutory holidays, annual vacation, overtime and other employer/employee rights.

For further information, see the document  Employment Standards , call the Government of Yukon (Labour Standards Branch) at (867) 667-5944 / Toll Free (In Yukon) 1-800-661-0408, local 5944 or visit the Web site http://www.community.gov.yk.ca/labour/index.html

Territorial Business Registration - Government of Yukon

If you are going to operate under a business name as a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation, you are required to register your business with the Government of Yukon (Department of Corporate Affairs); the fees are as follows:

Sole Proprietorship: $25.00
Partnership: $25.00
Corporation: $225.00

If a sole proprietor establishes a business in his or her own name, without adding any other words, it is not necessary to register the business.

You must register your business prior to obtaining a municipal business license. It will take approximately 24 hours for your name to be searched and registration to be completed.

For further information, see the document  Proprietorship, Partnership or Incorporation? , call the Government of Yukon (Corporate Affairs Branch) at (867) 667-5314 / Toll Free: (In Yukon) 1-800- 661-0408, local 5314 or visit the Web site http://www.community.gov.yk.ca/corp/index.html

Worker's Compensation Coverage - Yukon Workers' Compensation, Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB)

In Canada, worker's compensation coverage is compulsory for most industries. Every employer in the Yukon is required by law to register with the YWCHSB within 10 days of hiring workers. Worker's compensation is an employer-funded insurance system in which coverage for workers is compulsory. It serves to protect Yukon workers and employers against the result of workplace injuries and illnesses.

If your operation requires staff, or if you are the only person in your business but you want to know about optional protection if you are injured, contact the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board.

For further information, call the YWCHSB at (867) 667-5645 / Toll Free 1-800-661-0443 or visit the Web site http://www.wcb.yk.ca

3. Tax Information for Starting A Business

The three levels of government in Canada (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) have distinct responsibilities and taxing authority. Depending on where you do business, taxes may include any combination of Municipal, Provincial/Territorial and Federal tax.

For more information see the document Taxation Info-Guide.

4. Start-Up Information Services

4.1 Business Information - Canada-Yukon Business Service Centre (CYBSC)

The Canada-Yukon Business Service Centre provides information on federal and territorial programs, services and regulations. The CYBSC can also guide you to resources to assist you in starting your own business, preparing a business or marketing plan, direct you to market research material, provide supplier lists and even help out on Internet searches.

For further information, call (867) 633-6257 / Toll Free 1-800-661-0543 or visit the CYBSC Web site at http://www.cbsc.org/yukon

4.2 Canada Business - Government of Canada

Canada Business provides a single access point to all the government services and information needed to start, run and grow your business.

For further information, visit the Web site http://canadabusiness.gc.ca/gol/cbec/site.nsf/en/index.html

4.3 Business Statistics - Statistics Canada

A business resource for online statistics, publications, statistical tables, analysis and more.  The site offers business statistics that are free and others that must be purchased.  You can also purchase custom data reports compiled by professional service consultants tailored to meet your specific needs and budget.

For further information, call 1-800-263-1136 or visit the Web site http://www.statcan.ca/english/commerce/

4.4 Strategis - Industry Canada

Strategis is Industry Canada's Web site of business and consumer information. It provides fast, accurate and value-added information aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as consumers. With Strategis, Canadian businesses have access to a vast array of management resources, perspectives and data that can help them further develop and expand markets, create alliances and find new clients.

For further information, see the document Strategis or visit the Web site The embedded asset has been deleted:
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4.5 GD Sourcing - GD Sourcing Research and Retrieval

GD Sourcing is a reference point for free and low cost Canadian statistics online. It is designed to help Canadian entrepreneurs with limited research budgets assess their market potential and performance.

For further information, visit the website http://www.gdsourcing.com

4.6 Canadian Economy Online - Government of Canada

This one-stop guide to the national economy lets you check out statistics, access a wealth of federal government information and learn more about economic concepts and events.

For further information, visit the website http://canadianeconomy.gc.ca/english/economy/index.cfm

4.7 Canadian Company Capabilities - Industry Canada

Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC) is an online database which profiles approximately 50 000 Canadian companies. It offers free registration to Canadian companies and is available globally through Strategis, Industry Canada's Web site. This database contains vital company information that can be searched to locate Canadian suppliers and distribution channels, to determine competition, to form partnerships and to uncover export ventures.

For further information, see the document Canadian Company Capabilities, call 1-800-328-6189 or visit the Web site http://strategis.gc.ca/cdncc

4.8 Information Services - Corporations Canada - Industry Canada

Corporations Canada will do various information searches on federally incorporated entities, including businesses, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, cooperative associations, pension fund societies and trade unions, but excluding financial intermediaries.

For further information, see the document Information Services - Corporations Canada or visit the Web site Corporations Canada

5. Additional Info-Guides

Business Plan Info-Guide

Choosing A Name for Your Business

Market Research Guide

Employment and Training Info-Guide

Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide

• List of Fact Sheets
• Key Municipal Requirements for Starting A Business
• Inter-Municipal Business License

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.