Guide to Business

Every business operating within the boundaries of the District of Fort St. James is required to have a business licence to operate. Please visit our Business Licence page for more information.

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BizPal is a free online service that helps you determine which permits and licences are required from all levels of government (municipal, territorial, provincial, federal).

BC Registries and Online Services - Search and request a business name, search for a business registered, incorporate and manage your business, and more.

Canada Revenue Agency - If you will be paying salary or wages to employees, you will need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency for a payroll deductions account.

Northern Health - If you are operating a food facility, personal service, or other health approval needs you must apply for a permit from Northern Health. 

WorkSafeBC - If you have employees, you will need to register with WorkSafeBC for Employer's Insurance.

Zoning regulations place limits on land use to help the District of Fort St. James develop strategically and to protect the character and beauty of our neighbourhoods.

One of the requirements for a successful business licence application is operating in the right zone. Depending on the zoning of your location, you business idea may or may not be a good fit for the area. Please email the Land Use Planners for more information.

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is a detailed, collective vision for development in the District of Fort St. James.
This document informs the Land Use Planners decisions and keeps us focused on our long-term goals. The plan emerged from an extensive community consultation process, outlining Council's policy direction for land use, servicing, and the form and character of development within specific areas of the District. Each property has an OCP future land use designation which informs future development on that land.

Are you considering property subdivision, multi-family development, adding a carriage house or secondary suite, or modifying property zoning in the District of Fort St. James? These developments fall under the jurisdiction of our Planning Department. To initiate the process, start with a pre-application meeting. It's the initial step in establishing a common understanding of your project and obtaining preliminary guidance on specific requirements.
For assistance, please reach out to Corporate Officer Alexander Bihori.

To review our Building Permit Application, click here. 

Community Futures Stuart Nechako provides counselling and workshops in many business areas, for example; business plan development, marketing, bookkeeping, and business finance to help new and existing entrepreneurs improve their business skills. Contact them by email at info@cf-sn.ca or by phone at 250-567-5219.
www.cf-sn.ca

Small Business BC offers a wealth of business resources and guides to help support and grow your small business. Whether you are looking for grants, business tips, business tools, and much more they are a premier resource centre for business development. Contact them by email at askus@smallbusinessbc.ca or by phone toll free 1-800-667-2272.
www.smallbusinessbc.ca

The Business Benefits Finder is a tool offered by the Government of Canada which allows for not-for-profits and for-profit businesses to search for grants and funding, loans and capital investments, tax credits, wage subsidies, and more.
ww.innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca

If you are looking to open a business that serves food or drink, cares for children or the elderly, or is involved with personal care such as tanning, tattooing, or hair you will need to speak with someone at Northern Health.
www.northernhealth.ca

Futurpreneur provides financing, mentoring, and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39 years. They also provide free tools to start and run your business from sales & marketing to operational & financial planning. Contact them by email at info@futurpreneur.ca or by phone 604-598-2923.
www.futurpreneur.ca

WorkBC offers a range of specialized experience and expertise in helping job seekers and employers in the community connect.
www.workbccentre-fortstjames.ca

Find resources and support to start, manage, and grow your small business.
www.gov.bc.ca

BC Bid is an online marketplace where public sector organizations advertise contract opportunities for a wide range of goods, services, and construction.
Go to BC Bid

• Business Plan Template - Community Futures Stuart Nechako
• Financials Template - Community Futures Stuart Nechako
• Annual Financial Review Template - Futurpreneur
• Cash Flow Template - Futurpreneur
• Operating Cash Flow Template - Futurpreneur
• Business Continuity Workbook - Community Futures Cowichan
• Restaurant Start-up Checklist - Government of British Columbia
• Starting a Small Business Guide - Government of British Columbia

• Community Futures Stuart Nechako
• Business Development Bank of Canada
• Women's Enterprise Centre
• Innovate BC
• Canada Small Business Financing Program

• Venture Connect
• Community Futures Stuart Nechako
• Small Business BC
• Employee Share Ownership Plan

• Export Navigator
• Trade & Invest British Columbia
• Export Development Canada (EDC)
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
• Canada Border Service Agency Exporters' Guide
• Canadian Trade Commissioner
• Export.ca
• Canadian Commercial Corporation