250-334-3234
Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce | Courtenay, BC
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  • Resources
    • MindReader Program
    • Community & Business Info
    • Certificates of Origin
    • Job Board
  • Events
    • All Events
    • 2023 Chamber Awards
  • THE CHAMBER
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Corporate Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Membership
    • Apply to Join
    • Member Benefits
    • Business Directory
    • Member Login
    • Marketing Opportunities
    • How to Start a Small Business

How to start a small business

Starting a small business can be a rewarding, yet challenging, endeavor. We're here to support your journey and help you get your business up and growing. If you're in the seed stage of starting a small business, the following resources may be helpful for you.
Start Writing a Business Plan.
Writing out a business plan will help you zero in on ideas and aspects of the business that you may not have otherwise considered. Even if you're not seeking financing for your startup, a business plan is a helpful tool.
  • Download a free Business Plan Checklist from Small Business BC
  • Download a free Business Plan Template from Small Business BC
  • Use Futurepreneur's interactive Business Plan Writer online tool
  • Unsure where to start? Find out How to Write a Business Plan
Research The Market.
  • Explore the Village of Cumberland
  • Doing business in Cumberland
  • Not sure where to start? Check out this practical guide on how to do market research from BDC.
  • Download a free Market Research Checklist from Small Business BC
  • Check out the Resources section for market information from Vancouver Island Real Estate Board
  • Learn about the community through the Comox Valley Regional District
  • Regional research reports from Destination BC
Decide On Your Business Structure.
  • Download the How to Choose the Right Business Structure info sheet from Small Business BC
  • Definitions of the different business structures
  • Understanding the different business structures 
Seek Financing.
  • In the tech industry? Try Innovate BC
  • Business grants and financing information from the Government of Canada
​Choose a Name for Your Business.
  •  
​Register Your Business.
  • https://onestop.gov.bc.ca/
Secure Your Online Presence.
  • Launching a Website and Getting Your Business Online with Small Business BC


Register for PST and GST.
  • Register for Provincial Sales Tax (PST) at gov.bc.ca/pst
  • Register for goods and services tax (GST) here.
Employees?
  • Other provincial, federal or local government registrations (www.bcbusinessregistry.ca)
  • If you plan to hire employees you need to register with WorkSafeBC
  • Need help finding the right people? The CEAS can help.
Investigate Additional Regulations and Requirements.
  • labour.gov.bc.ca/esb
Identify Permit and Licence Requirements.  
  • at bizpal.ca
  • Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
  • Business Licenses: Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland
Get Support From a Mentor. 
  • http://www.mentorshipbc.ca/Pages/default.aspx
Further Resources:
  • www.antco.bc.ca
  • ​www.futurpreneur.ca
  • www.womensenterprise.ca/
  • www.smallbusinessbc.ca
  • www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca
  • www.workbc.ca
Need more advice after starting your business? Check out our membership page here.
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2040 Cliffe Avenue  |  Courtenay, BC  V9N 2L3
Phone: (250) 334-3234 |  sitemap

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