A thriving small business community contributes to a vibrant local economy. This in turn helps to attract and retain residents and more businesses by creating local jobs. If you need help, staff at the District of Fort St. James are more than happy to guide you through the process.
Programs and Resources
The appearance of a community can create a sense of appreciation and civic pride for residents, and make a place more attractive for visitors to that community.
The District of Fort St. James is pleased to provide the Business Façade Improvement Program to award grant funding as an incentive to building and business owners, to improve the character and physical appearance of their buildings or storefronts, while allowing them to assert their identity. Businesses may be eligible for up to $5000 of matching funding to implement facade and signage work. A total of $10,000 is available to be granted to applicants in 2023.
Eligible properties include those on Stuart Drive East, Stuart Drive West, Birch St, Douglas Ave. and Hwy 27 South.
The deadline for 2023 applications will be 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of of April, May, June, July, and August. However, if we haven't received any applications or funding remains at the end of the intake, considerations may be made to later application dates.
The guide to the application and program guide are now available.
The Northern Housing Incentive program is intended to encourage the creation of new market-based housing units in communities which will, in turn, retain seniors and attract workforce and thereby increase business and employment opportunities. This program is intended to encourage developers to construct multi-unit market housing. This funding provides rebates of $10,000 per unity to a maximum contribution of $200,000.
This program provides a rebate to eligible small and medium sized businesses for customized consulting services that focus on increased productivity, new or incremental revenues and or job creation. This program reduces the financial barrier to businesses as they seek professional consulting services to remain competitive in their market.
Receive up to $30,000 to a max of 50% of the eligible project budget.
Small and medium sized businesses in eligible industries. The program provides rebate funding for applied research and development, new or improved products and services and testing of innovative equipment or technologies to support capital investment decisions. This program supports the growth and strengthening of businesses in the North to be competitive and innovative in their industry.
The Small business recovery consulting rebate is offered by Northern Development in response to the impact the forestry sector downturn and COVID-19 are having on Businesses. This rebate program reduces the barrier to accessing professional expertise for projects that focus on ways to sustain businesses.
I Want to Start a Business
This District of Fort St. James can help you get started with these 5 steps:
Reach out to the Economic Development Department for information about starting or expanding your business. We can also point you in the right direction to find business related statistics, and answers to your business and investment questions
A business plan is a document that details what you intend your business to be, and how it will run. There are a number of key elements to an effective business plan that you should include:
- Executive summary
- Business Overview
- Products and Services
- Market Research
- Marketing and Sales Strategy
- Implementation and Operations Plan
- Financial Forecasts
You may require financing for your new venture. There are multiple sources for securing funding. Check out these resources for more information:
When you are ready to officially start up your business, you will need to have it registered. Visit One Stop Business Registry to complete this process. Here you will be able to choose your business structure, and your business name. This is also where you will register for PST, Payroll information, and a WCB plan if applicable.
The District of Fort St. James requires you to have a business license to conduct business within Municipal boundaries. Please find the Business license application here.