Manage Your Business

Planning resources

A strong business plan will set you on a path for success.

Evaluate your business idea – Identify your target market and service or product offerings to determine if your idea is business ready.
Conduct market research – Learn about your customers, competitors and trends to help you plan your business.
Choose a business structure – Pick the right type of business (e.g., sole owner, partnership or corporation).
Create a business plan – Define your goals, costs and operational needs to determine profitability.
Build a marketing plan – Decide how you want to promote your business and reach your customers.

You can also refer to the Start your business section for an overview of the key steps to bring your idea to life.

Start your business

Set up your business by registering it and getting the permits and licenses you need to operate.

Once your business plan is ready, complete these steps:

Register your business – Register your business name with the Province of B.C.
Permits and licences (BizPal) – Find out what permits and licences you need based on your business type, industry and location.
Mobile business licence – Learn how to run your business in different communities with one licence.
FrontCounter BC – Get help applying for permits, licences and other business services.

Finance your business

Access funding programs and financial planning resources to help support your business goals.

Funding and financing

Personal Savings – Many small business owners often use personal savings as part of their start-up funding. Contributing your own funds can help demonstrate commitment when seeking additional financing.
Government grants and funding programs – Explore grants, contributions and funding programs that may be available for your business.
Community Futures business loans – Access loans and financing support for starting, purchasing or expanding a business.
Canada Small Business Financing Program – Learn about government-backed financing options available through participating lenders.
Futurpreneur – Access financing, mentoring and business resources for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
British Columbia’s Indigenous business resources – Find financing, loans and business development supports for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (Community Futures) – Access business loans and financial guidance tailored to entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Women’s Enterprise (We) BC Centre Loans Program – Explore financing options and business support designed for women-owned businesses.
B.C. Employer Training Grant – Receive up to $300,00 for workforce and new hire skills training.

Financial planning resources

Visit the Tools, templates and guides section below for additional resources to help you prepare for funding applications and manage your finances.

Together these programs and digital resources can help you identify funding opportunities, build a financial plan and secure the financing needed to start, manage and grow your business.

Get support and advice

Support programs and organizations

Get support from programs and organizations that can help your business succeed.

Startup programs – Learn about the programs available to support you in starting a business.
Resources for entrepreneurs – Find information on IP strategy, provincial business advisory services, how to navigate U.S. tariffs, inclusive hiring practices and other online resources.
Community Futures’ Accessible Entrepreneurship Services – Find extra support for entrepreneurs who are also managing disabilities or health issues.
Women’s Enterprise (We) BC – Get essential business services, support, resources and referrals tailored to assist women in starting and growing businesses in British Columbia.
Business Advisory Services – Get free one-on-one advice to help start and grow your business.
Employers’ Advisers Office – Get help with workplace safety, claims and WorkSafeBC requirements.

Visit the Better Regulations page to learn how B.C. is improving regulations to support businesses.

Manage and grow your business

As your business grows, use these resources to manage your work and explore new opportunities.

Work with government

Find opportunities to work with the B.C. government. Learn how to buy and sell goods and services.

How to do business with the Province of British Columbia – Learn what goods and services the Government of B.C. buys, who can sell to the government and how to find out about opportunities.
Sell to government – Learn how to sell your products or services to the B.C. government.
BC Bid resources – Get help using BC Bid to find and apply for government contracts.
CanadaBuys – Visit the Government of Canada procurement service to find tender opportunities and contacts, and to learn how to do business with the Government of Canada.

Expand beyond B.C.

Explore ways to grow your business by reaching customers outside of B.C. and Canada.

Import goods – Learn how to bring products into Canada for your business.
Export goods – Learn how to sell and ship your products to other countries.
Trade and Invest British Columbia – Explore tools and support to help your business grow in global markets.
Global Affairs Canada – Get information and support to help your business trade and expand into international markets.

Tools, templates and guides

Use these tools and resources to support your business at any stage.

Provincial guides and templates – Access guides and templates to help you plan, manage and grow your business.
Small business PDF handout (multi-language) – Get a quick guide with key steps and resources for starting and running a business.
Small business resources and guides – Explore a wide range of tools, supports and information for small businesses.
BC small businesses statistics and data – Access data and reports to better understand markets, trends and your industry.

Templates:

Business plan template – Use a ready-made template to create a clear and organized business plan.
Cashflow forecast template – Track your income and expenses to help manage your finances.
Sales forecast template – Estimate your future sales to help guide better business decisions.
Market research resources – Find tools and data to help you learn more about your market and customers.

Success stories

Check out the successes of small businesses in B.C.

Caroline: Stitching Together a New Career
Read how knee surgery led Caroline to turn her passion into business.
Dave and Melissa: Agrifoods
Learn how the couple manage their own cidery and was nominated for best new business and best manufacturer.
Mandy: Accommodation
See how Mandy runs a small hospitality business amidst international chains.