Starting a Business in Squamish

Decide On a Business Structure

Your first step to start a business in Squamish? Decide on a legal structure. Will it be a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or corporation? Small Business BC offers a small, free fact sheet discussing the benefits and drawbacks to each option in the Province of BC.

Create a Business Plan

Most entrepreneurs will skip this stage, unless they require a business plan to secure financing, grants or loans. Yet this step is more important than all the others combined for the business owners themselves: it shows you a specific map as to where you want to go, how you’ll get there, and within what time frame. Plus, you can map out your entire business before spending a penny, allowing you to make an informed decision before signing any legal paperwork.

Futurpreneur has an excellent online tool to help you write your own business plan, or you can take a peek at the Community Futures Business Plan Toolkit for more hands-on support and advice.

Get Financing

Whether you’re relying on your own savings, that of friends and family, or the bank, you’ll need at least three month’s operating expenses at the ready before opening your doors for business.

The District of Squamish has a Business Retention and Expansion Program, while Community Futures, Futurpreneur, Canadian Small Business Financing Program, and the Women’s Enterprise Centre all offer some form of loan, grant or financial support for new entrepreneurs.

Choose a Business Name

One of the most challenging decisions you’ll make starting a business in Squamish revolves around the name you choose for your new business. Before starting, make sure to check out Small Business BC’s How To Choose a Business Name article. Then, pick a few you like (it’s rare to have your first choice approved), check to see if it’s been taken, and apply for approval all at BC Registry Services.

Register Your New Business in Squamish

The District of Squamish requires business registration for every business providing services or products in the area, including home based businesses. They recommend registering your business, first, before applying for any sort of required licensing. The easiest way to ensure you’ve covered all your bases with starting a new business in Squamish is to work with BizPal, a website that compiles all the legislative documentation required to start a business in British Columbia. Alternatively, you can jump right to the BC Business Registry to start the process on your own.

Determine Other Registration and Licensing Requirements

While BizPal will cover most of your new businesses’ registration and licensing needs, in some cases, you may need extra paperwork or documentation before opening day. The District of Squamish has specific requirements for those opening marijuana dispensaries, plumbing, electrical, alarm or registered massage therapy services, as well as auto sales and portable food vendors.

Get Support

With more than 300 new businesses starting in the District of Squamish in 2017 alone, there’s a large network of support and guidance available for new entrepreneurs . Mentorship BC offers assistance for those wanting a more experienced business owner to guide them along the journey, and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce offers networking opportunities as well as business support.