Small businesses play a big role in British Columbia’s economy. In fact, according to a BC Government survey, 98% of all BC businesses are considered small businesses.

If this describes you and you’re thinking of starting a BC business — here are five steps from our partners at Small Business BC to help guide you through the planning and launch of your small business:

#1: Start by developing a business plan

A strong business plan will serve as a valuable roadmap for launching and growing your small business. You can start by downloading Small Business BC’s Business Plan Template. The template will arm you with the information you need to make decisions about your new venture before you commit.

To help guide your plan, determine the best structure for your small business. Most businesses in BC are operated under one of the following:

• Sole Proprietorship (the owner/operator or self-employed)
• General Partnership (involving one or more partners)
• Corporation (also known as a limited liability company)

If you’re unsure which structure is best for you, the BC Registry Service offers a guide on the different structures and how to register each one.

#2: Get financing

Launching your business can be capital-intensive. It is recommended to have enough funds to pay for your start-up costs and daily operating expenses for at least three to six months. To get through this period, there are various ways small business entrepreneurs can source financing, including investors, grants and bank loans. Below are some other sources you can refer to as well:

• BDC. The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is the only Canadian bank that’s exclusively devoted to entrepreneurs. They offer BC entrepreneurs a wide range of financing options for businesses of all sizes and in all industries.
• Canada Small Business Financing Program. This program helps small businesses get loans from financial institutions. It works by sharing the risk between the borrower and the Government of Canada, which lowers the barrier to entry for many small business loans.
• Futurpreneur Canada. For two decades now, Futurpreneur Canada has fuelled the entrepreneurial passions of Canada's young businesspeople. This program helps Canadians aged 18-39 to get start-up financing, mentoring and expertise they need to launch and sustain their businesses.
• WeBC. WeBC offers business loans up to $150,000 to women in BC who either own a business or are thinking of starting or buying a BC business. Unlike traditional banks, the WeBC loans come with free, ongoing, professional business advice, business skills training and mentors.

#3: Pick a name, register your business and secure your online presence

Choosing the right name is one of the most challenging but important decisions you’ll face. Want help? Here are some naming tips.

If your business is a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you’ll need to register it through the BC Government's Registration Service. To incorporate your business, file an Incorporation Application with BC Registry Services.

Once you’ve locked down your business name, you’ll want to secure your online presence and create social media accounts for your business. Small Business BC offers a guide on how to get your business online and how to grow your business using social media.

#4: Complete all additional registrations necessary for your business

Depending on the nature of your business there are various registrations you may need to complete. These could include:

• PST. You may be required to register with the BC government’s Ministry of Finance to charge and collect Provincial Sales Tax (PST) which is 7%. You can register for PST on gov.bc.ca.
• GST. If you sell goods and/or services in Canada and your annual global GST taxable sales are over $30,000 per year, you may need to register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is 5% in BC.
• Worksafe BC. If you hire employees in BC or are established as a corporation, you’ll need to register with WorkSafeBC and pay WorkSafeBC insurance premiums.
• Canada Revenue Agency. If you are hiring workers and paying salaries, bonuses, vacation pay or tips, you must register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a payroll deductions account.
• Import/Export. If you’re planning to import or export any goods, you’ll need to register with the CBSA Assessment and Revinue Management (CARM).

For a complete list of the permits and licenses you’ll need for your BC business, you can use the BizPal search engine.

#5: Protect your hard-earned hustle with small business insurance

Ask yourself:

• If your business were to cause damages to a third party, are you protected against a potential lawsuit?
• Will you operate your business in a commercial space like a shop, garage, warehouse, or office?
• Do you have a business based out of your home?
• Do you have equipment, tools or inventory that would be expensive to replace?
• Would an equipment breakdown significantly impact your ability to do business?
• If your business had to shut down unexpectedly, would you have enough savings to support yourself?
• Will you collect customer information?
• Will your clients want to see proof of insurance?
• Will you run your business out of your home?
• Do your business goals include future growth?

If you answer yes to any of the above, you should protect your business with small business insurance. You can learn more about BCAA Small Business Insurance here.

BCAA knows what small businesses in BC need

We provide insurance for BC, made in BC. We’re here with expert advice from our BCAA Small Business Advisors when you need it. Our mission with BCAA Small Business Insurance is to provide you with customized insurance protection so your business can continue to thrive and grow. Plus, business owners with a personal BCAA Membership can save up to 10%.

Let us help you grow

We’d love to learn more about your small business. Our BCAA Small Business Insurance online tool will identify your coverage needs, provide a customized quote, and allow you to purchase your insurance policy online the same day. If you need help or have any questions, you can contact a BCAA Small Business Advisor at 1.888.268.2222.

And for more great tips on launching a small business in BC, download Small Business BC’s (totally free) Starting Your Business Checklist.