Business Planning Resources
What does it take to start and run a successful business in B.C.? What can you do to ensure that your business thrives in a competitive and evolving marketplace?
Not every new business succeeds. And not every business that succeeds continues to flourish over time. In a knowledge economy, your success or failure may depend on whether or not you seek out the right information.
Take advantage of the range of resources available to businesses in B.C. with the help of the following tools and information. From general planning assistance to financing to staffing your organization, this section can guide you toward business success.
Business Portals and Guides
Entrepreneurs just starting out or looking to grow a business typically have many questions. The Resource Centre for Small Business offers comprehensive advice and information on a range of business planning and development topics.
Small Business BC is another key resource for business information and services in the province.
Considering investing in or developing a business in B.C.? The B.C. Gateway to Opportunity website provides information on the many business opportunities the province has to offer.
Looking for resources to help you with e-business and e-commerce? Visit eBC for startup and expansion information, one-to-one planning and advisory services, guides, seminars and more.
Those who have an interest in B.C.’s local government sector will also find CivicInfo BC helpful. The site offers information that includes local government news, bid and tender postings, and directories of local governments, related organizations and suppliers.
Business Planning
Careful planning is critical to starting and building a business. A well-developed business plan provides a solid foundation from which successful businesses can be launched.
The BC Stats Business Gateway provides one-stop access to resources and information that will help you research, plan and develop a business.
You will also find a number of useful small business planning publications on the BC Stats website.
Interested in exploring international trade and investment opportunities? The Asia-Pacific Business Centre assists B.C.-based businesses with strategic market intelligence, referrals and information on doing business in Asia.
Financing
Looking for financial help to start or grow your business? Learn from the resources below about the different types and sources of funding, and gain valuable tips on how to secure financing.
Small Business BC’s Explore Your Financing Options outlines a number of options and opportunities for addressing your financing needs.
Canada Business provides an extensive directory of Canadian financial providers to help you quickly locate a service to fit your needs.
Aboriginal small business owners and entrepreneurs can get help starting, expanding or making improvements to their business through the First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program.
Aboriginal Financial Institutions provide funding and other services such as training and advocacy to support Aboriginal small business development.
Greening Your Business
Businesses today increasingly see the rewards of "going green." To learn more and find out what other businesses are doing to improve their eco-efficiency, visit LiveSmart BC.
Do you want to identify ways to reduce your carbon footprint? Check out Pacific Carbon Trust, which helps clients meet their carbon reduction goals through carbon offsets.
RFPs and Contracts
Interested in exploring opportunities to provide goods or services to the public sector? BC Bid allows you to create a profile, browse and compete for public sector opportunities.
To find out how the RFP and contract process works, consult the guide that explains how to compete for contract opportunities with the B.C. government.
Information for Businesses informs those interested in contracting with the Government of Canada.
Regulations and Policy
The following resources provide information on regulations and policies that apply to businesses in B.C.
BizPaL provides businesses with one-stop access to permit and licence information for all levels of government.
For information on interprovincial regulations between B.C. and Alberta, see the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA). Under this accord, businesses benefit from a more open, competitive economy, with goods, services, workers and investments moving more freely between the two provinces.
Need to register a business or change a business address? The BC Business Registry provides one-stop access to business information and an online business registry for small businesses throughout the province.
The Doing Business in British Columbia guide is targeted to non-Canadian companies and entrepreneurs. It offers general information about laws, regulations and taxes that apply to starting and operating a business in B.C.
If you’re interested in greening your business, learn about climate change legislation in B.C.
