Starting a Business In Whistler

Starting a business in any community is an exciting venture. The task can also be daunting and overwhelming if you don’t have access to the information you require.

Are you an entrepreneur? Do you dream of operating your own business in Whistler?

There are many stages to the process and a number of steps to take before your business opens. Many resources are available locally to guide you through the process of starting a business in Whistler. The municipality, the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Corporation of Howe Sound are all great places to start.

The following checklist outlines some of the steps you will need to take and some of the procedures you will need to explore before starting a business in Whistler:

Business Registration

Name Approval:

You should register your business name prior to obtaining a business license. 

Name approval requests can be obtained at the following link, or in writing with the same information required on the form.

http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/registries/Corppg/forms/0708BFILL.pdf

Completed requests can be mailed to:

Names Unit, Registrar of Companies
PO Box 9431 Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC  V8W 9 V3

Delivered to:

Names Unit in Victoria, located on the 2nd Floor of 940 Blanshard St; or

Submitted to any Government Agent:

http://www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/

You must register your business with the provincial Registrar of Companies if you are going to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership or limited company.  A registration package can be obtained from any Government Agent office. 

If you reside in Whistler, Squamish has the closest Government Agent Office.

Contact information:

1360 Pemberton St.
Box 1008
Squamish, BC  V0N 3G0
Tel: (604) 892-2400
Fax: (604) 892-2342

Email: Lorne.Wilson@gems6.gov.bc.ca

Website: http://www.governmentagents.gov.bc.ca/locations/squamish.htm

Business Licenses

You must obtain a business license to operate any business in Whistler, regardless of location. You obtain a business licence from municipal hall. Visit the business licence page on this website for more information. Click here for more information.

Land Use & Zoning

Make sure you are operating in a location appropriately zoned for your business. For more information, check Zoning and Parking Bylaw 303. Click here to access the page. 

Need More Help?

The Community Futures Corporation of Howe Sound has a number of programs to help you get started. Visit their website. http://www.cfdchs.com/

 

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