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Business Planning Resources

What does it take to start and run a successful business in B.C.? What can you do to ensure your business thrives in a competitive and evolving marketplace?

Not every new business succeeds. And not every business that succeeds continues to thrive. In an economy that’s based on knowledge, the success of your business may depend on whether or not you seek out the right information.

Find information on general planning assistance, financing, staffing your organization and much more – to help guide your business towards success!

Business Portals and Guides

Are you just starting out or looking to grow a business? The Resource Centre for Small Business provides comprehensive information on a range of business planning and development topics.

Also check Small Business BC for valuable business information and services in the province.

Are you thinking about investing in or developing a business in B.C.? Visit Trade and Invest British Columbia for information on the province’s many business opportunities.

Are you interested in B.C.’s local government sector? CivicInfo BC has information on local government news, bid and tender postings, and directories of local governments, related organizations and suppliers.

Business Planning

Careful planning is crucial to starting and growing a business. By creating a well-developed business plan, you can provide a solid foundation to launch a successful business.

BC Stats’ Business Gateway has all the resources and information that you’ll need to research, plan and develop a business. BC Stats also has a number of useful small business planning publications.

Are you interested in exploring international trade and investment opportunities? The Asia-Pacific Business Centre can help you with strategic market intelligence, referrals and information on doing business in Asia.

Financing

Looking for financial help to start or grow your business? A number of resources are available to help you learn about the different types and sources of funding, as well as learn valuable tips on how to obtain financing:

Small Business BC’s Explore Your Financing Options outlines a number of options and opportunities for small business financing.
Canada Business has an extensive directory of Canadian financial providers that can help you locate the right service for your business.

Greening Your Business

Want to learn more about the rewards of "going green"? Visit LiveSmart BC to learn more as well as discover what other businesses are doing to improve their eco-efficiency.

Also check Pacific Carbon Trust, who help their clients meet carbon reduction goals through carbon offsets.

For more about greening your business, check the Climate Action Secretariat webpage, which includes links to climate change legislation and regulation in B.C.

RFPs and Contracts

Interested in providing goods or services to the public sector? BC Bid allows you to create a profile, browse and compete for public sector opportunities.

Want to learn how the RFP and contract process works? Consult the guide that explains how to compete for contract opportunities with the B.C. government.

Also check Information for Businesses to learn about 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. businesses.

BizPaL provides businesses with 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). TILMA aims to help businesses by encouraging a competitive economy where goods, services, workers and investments move more freely between the two provinces.

Do you need to register a business or change a business address? The BC Business Registry provides one-stop access to business information and the online business registry.

For more on regulation and policy see the Doing Business in British Columbia guide. It’s targeted to non-Canadian companies and entrepreneurs and offers information about the laws, regulations and taxes that apply to new and existing businesses in B.C.