BUSINESS RESOURCES
pRINCE rUPERT eCONOMIC dEVELOPMENT oFFICE
Prince Rupert Economic Development Office works to make Prince Rupert and the surrounding area the premier location for new business ventures.
As the community’s lead economic development agency, we work with businesses to facilitate growth, expedite local, national and international business investment development opportunities, collaborate with all levels of government and promote sustainable economic growth.
DISTRICT OF PORT EDWARD
Neat, clean and green year-round,
the District of Port Edward is a vibrant coastal community
in British Columbia’s northwest.
The District of Port Edward, nestled in the stunning northwest coast of British Columbia, is a vibrant and welcoming community. Known for being neat, clean, and green year-round, Port Edward embodies the spirit of unity with its rich cultural diversity — a true expression of global brotherhood. As we work together as one, we look forward to a bright future with a stable municipal government, aiming to grow into a motivated, thriving Canadian city for all who call it home.
All businesses operating within the District of Port Edward are required to obtain and maintain a valid business license to ensure compliance with local regulations. It is important to note that submitting a business license application does not automatically guarantee approval, and business operations should not commence until the license has been officially issued by the District.
BIZPAL ONLINE BUSINESS PERMITS AND LICENSES
BizPaL is an innovative online service that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to information about business permits, licenses and other requirements needed to start, operate and grow your business from the federal, provincial/territorial and participating municipal governments.
Benefits of BizPaL
Finding out which government requirements apply to a certain business type can be time consuming and frustrating. BizPaL was created to help identify what you may require, quickly and easily. The information you need is available from a single source; entrepreneurs spend less time dealing with red tape – saving effort and money in the process – and more time building their business. The service is the result of combined efforts by the federal, provincial/territorial and participating municipal governments and is designed with the following benefits in mind:
It’s available 24/7
It’s free to use
It saves time
BUSINESS RESOURCES, SUPPORT AND ORGANIZATIONS
STARTING A BUSINESS IN BC
5 Steps to Starting Your Business in BC Visit gov.bc.ca for assistance on each of the following:
Develop your business idea
Choose a business structure
Request and reserve a business name
Register or incorporate
Get required licences or permits
Cooperatives (co-ops) develop communities and create jobs by offering a range of supports like housing, food or health care. They are owned and operated by the people who use these essential products or services.
Starting a Business in BC | A Guide For Women
BC has almost 360,000 small businesses, and women own or operate almost 36% of them – the highest rate in Canada!
WORKSAFE BC
In addition to providing a no-fault insurance system, Worksafe BC partners with workers and employers to prevent injury, disease, and disability.
When work-related injuries or diseases occur, they provide compensation and support people in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work.
BC LABOUR LAWS
Hiring Employees? BC’s Labour Laws set standards for payment, compensation and working conditions in most workplaces.
The standards promote open communication, fair treatment and work-life balance for employees.
Hiring temporary foreign workers
GROUP INSURANCE FOR BUSINESS
The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan
Protecting Canadian firms for over 40 years, with more than 30,000 small –midsize businesses choose the Chambers Plan to protect their employees.
Canada’s #1 Employee Benefits Plan for small business
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS
in British Columbia, The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The fund, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), provides $700 million nationally over 3 years, which includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet eligibility criteria.
Incentives, tax credits and other assistance to help companies involved in specific activities. They also offer industry-specific assistance.
The B.C. Employer Training Grant program (ETG) supports skills training to address provincial labour market needs. The program is delivered by the Province of British Columbia and is funded by the Government of Canada through the Workforce Development Agreement (WDA).
- Persons with Disabilities Training Grant
- Foundational Training Stream Grant
- Technical Training Stream Grant
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program
NRC IRAP provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses in the technology innovation sector increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.
FUNDING
British Columbia’s Indigenous Small Business Resources (PDF)
Discover national and provincial sources of financing and loans for Indigenous enterprises.
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Find out about support for small businesses from Industry Canada to qualify for business loans at participating financial institutions.
Find expertise, financing, mentoring and business resources for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Discover loans for entrepreneurs in western Canada organized by the Western Canada Business Service Network. British Columbians can qualify under these loan programs:
Women’s Enterprise Centre Loans Program
Find out about loans for women-owned businesses, as well as professional business advice and support.
LOCAL RESOURCES
HECATE STRAIT EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Hecate Strait Employment Development Society is a non-profit organization that provides resources for job-seekers, newcomers, employers and new entrepreneurs. Our mission is to serve and build connections for people to reach their employment, training and settlement goals.
NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE TRUST
Northern Development operates independently from government and provides the funding and ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for stimulating economic growth and job creation within the region
COMMUNITY FUTURES PRINCE RUPERT
Running a business in the north demands agility resilience and support. At Community Futures, we understand that because we live and work here too.
We offer business loans, coaching and training so you can build your network and your net worth. Whether you are starting, scaling or selling your business, we are your boots-on-the-ground support. Community Futures, invested in BC’s north.
Community Engagement Platform for the City of Prince Rupert
