Starting a Business in Squamish

BC Small Business Guides

Produced by the Government of BC, these guides provide helpful information for anyone looking to start a business in Squamish

–          Starting a Small Business

–          Small Business Resources Handout

–          Starting a Restaurant in BC

–          Starting a Franchise in BC

WorkBC 

Access a range of business planning tools, including a business plan check list and resource guide: www.workbc.ca/Employer-Resources

Small Business BC 

Small Business BC offers a range of affordable tools, advice and education for starting or growing a small business. . Access a comprehensive range of guides, checklists and how-tos: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/resources/howtos-checklists

UBC’s Small Business Accelerator Program 

The Small Business Accelerator offers free online access to information and tools for market research for BC business and entrepreneurs: www.sba.ubc.ca

Women’s Enterprise 

Women’s Enterprise is a leading business resource for BC women who own a business or are thinking of starting a business: www.womensenterprise.ca

Futurepreneur 

Futurepeneur provides financing, mentoring, funding and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39: www.futurpreneur.ca

Canada Business Network

The federal government’s Canada Business Network provides a range of resources and information to get businesses going and growing: www.canadabusiness.ca

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 

The Innovation, Science and Economic Development website offers a range of tools and resources to start your business: www.ic.gc.ca

The District of Squamish has created a number of strategies and plans to help economic development.

Squamish.ca provides access to a whole range of plans:

Economic Development Action Plan

Official Community Plan

Employment Lands Strategy

Home, Land and Property Development

Why Squamish Infogram

Access the full range of plans here: www.squamish.ca/business-and-development/economic-development/data-and-strategies

If you are conducting business within the District of Squamish, a valid business license is required. Please contact the District of Squamish for more information: www.squamish.ca/business-and-development/business-licence

Additional Resources: 

Permit Search

The federal government’s Canada’s Business Network website will help you find out what permits you need to open your business: www.canadabusiness.ca/search-permits

Small Business BC

Access a range of registration services:

www.smallbusinessbc.ca/services/registration

BizPal

BizPaL is an online service that provides you with simplified access to information about business permits, licenses and other requirements needed to establish, operate and grow your business: www.services.bizpal-perle.ca

OneStop Registry Services 

Take care of the most common business registrations online: www.bcbusinessregistry.ca

When starting a business in Squamish, you can find all the business services you need, right here in town. By supporting local businesses, you support the Squamish economy and help create a thriving community where companies support and reinvest in one another. In turn, the community benefits from the support of Squamish businesses, from sponsoring minor hockey to developing trails and mentoring young entrepreneurs.

You can find all the services you need start your business in our business listings:

–          Lawyers to set up your operation

–          Realtors to find a location

–          Accountants and book keepers to look after the finances

–          Business consultants to develop strategy

–          Promotions and marketing to help you gain customers

–          Trainers and coachers to help you and your team grow