Business Planning Support and Development Tools
Business Plan Workbook | View PDF Cash Flow Cash Flow Worksheet
This is our in-house workbook designed for individuals who have never seen a business plan before, and are looking to get their feet wet. It is a very basic booklet that will guide you through making your Business Plan.
Interactive Business Planner | Visit site
A free on-line business planner that is suitable for someone comfortable with business terminology. This is the recommended starting point for someone who is seeking financing.
Business Plan Samples | Visit site
Browse a large number of sample business plans to give you an idea of what is contained in a plan, and how it is written
BC Canada Business Service Centre | Visit site
Located in urban centres, Canada Business Service Centres are well-equipped with staff and resources to help you in any phase of your business. AKA Small Business BC
Canada Business | Visit site
Services for entrepreneurs - Federal government's one-stop shop for all your business needs
Canadian Youth Business Foundation | Visit site
Business support and resources designed for young entrepreneurs
Women's Enterprise Centre | Visit site
Business support and resources designed for women.
Rules and Regulations for Doing Business in BC
B.C. Business Registry | Visit site
This site provides a step-by-step process for getting your business registered with the appropriate departments for things like business name registration, incorporation, GST and Sales Tax etc. Once you've completed your plan, and have secured financing, this is where you go to actually "Start" your business
Business Licenses | Who issues business licenses?
Business licenses are applied for through the local government of the municipality, district or community within which you plan to operate. Visit your local office to find out their requirements and cost.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | Visit site
Information on operating businesses in Canada including information on Payroll Deductions, and GST
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue | Visit site
Information for businesses on requirements for operating in BC including information on Sales Tax
Incorporation | Visit site
Information on incorporating on a federal, or provincial level
Canadian Intellectual Property Office | Visit site
Office that governs and enforces Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents etc.
Interior Health | Visit site
Office responsible for public health - information on what you must to to comply with health guidelines (restaurant health inspections)
The Employment Standards Act | Visit site
For an easier to use guide designed to be understood by the common person, click here
WorkSafe BC | Visit site
Also known as Worker's Compensation - agency that oversees workplace safety
Serving It Right | Visit site
BC program required for servers of alcohol
Better Business Bureau | Visit site
Private non-profit organization providing reports on business information on charities and organizations, promoting business standards.
Research
***TIP: FIND OUT YOUR NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) AND USE IT IN YOUR INTERNET SEARCHES - YOU'LL LIKELY FIND VALUABLE, INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION. To find the code for your business, click here
BC Stats | Visit site
BC specific information on various industries, trends, etc.
Statistics Canada | Visit site
Canadian statistics
Industry Canada | Visit site
Resources for business including
information on companies, statistics, financing, innovation, research, science and technology, intellectual property, radio, spectrum and telecommunications, regional and rural development, regulations and standards, sustainability and environment, as well as trade and investment.
Local Census Information | Visit site
Census information organized by community in BC
Small Business Profiles | Visit site
Compare your business to similar businesses in Canada; this resource uses tax returns from businesses to create profiles on a federal or provincial level (before using this, determine your North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code by using this tool)
