When it comes to starting a business in British Columbia (BC), Canada, registering your venture is an essential step toward establishing its legal presence. By navigating the registration process, you can unlock numerous benefits, such as protecting your business name and gaining access to various government programs and resources tailored for entrepreneurs in BC.
In this article we will guide you through the steps to register your business in BC.
Pick a Business Structure
When starting a business, one crucial decision you will need to make is selecting the appropriate business structure. There are four common options to consider, which are:
Sole proprietorship
Partnership
Corporation
Limited liability partnerships (LLC)
Each structure has its own advantages and considerations. You will need to pick one that best fits your needs and risk tolerance level.
Choose a business name and register business in BC
When beginning your entrepreneurial journey in British Columbia, choosing a distinctive business name is a vital step. Business name registrations in BC not only provide legal name protection but also establish your unique identity in the market. By carefully selecting a memorable and relevant business name, you can attract customers, build brand recognition, and set yourself apart in the dynamic business landscape of BC.
When selecting a name for your business, it is crucial to bear in mind that business names need to include a distinctive element and a descriptive element such as “Creative Solutions” or “Innovative Technologies” to effectively convey the nature and uniqueness of the enterprise.
“SprintWheels Couriers” is a good example for this as the combination of “Sprint” and “Wheels” adds a distinct flair to a courier service, suggesting speed, efficiency, and reliability in delivering packages and documents.
Business Name Registrations
An independent company or partnership is eligible by law for registration on the BC Corporate Registry. For corporations this happens when an organization operates an enterprise using another entity name — often referred to as DBA “doing business as” or “operating as” (which is explained more in detail in the FAQ section below).
Registering your business name in British Columbia is an essential milestone on the path to establishing a strong and reputable presence. By undergoing the business name registration process, you secure exclusive use rights to your chosen business name, and safeguard it from unauthorized use by others. This not only protects your brand identity but also enhances credibility and instills trust among customers and partners. Whether you are a small business or an established enterprise, registering your business name in British Columbia empowers you to confidently carve your niche and forge ahead with confidence in the vibrant and competitive business landscape of the province.
BC registry services- Register your business
You can apply for name approval online through the BC Registry Service or OneStop Business Registry for business names.
OneStop Business Registration Services let businesses apply for approval with no hassle. You will be prompted for a credit or debit card for the payment which often is $30 for name approval. Payment for registration (using cash, debit card or bank card) is available if you submit your form at a Small Business BC office or at Service Canada Centre locations.
How do I check if a business name is available in BC?
BC Registry Services also allows you to check if your preferred name is available in British Columbia or other provinces. Once you find a name that is available, you are ready to submit it for a review and begin the process for gaining its exclusive rights. You can check the name availability here.
How much does it cost to register a business in BC?
Registration fees are dependent upon the structure of the business (i.e. sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation etc.) . Here you can find a detailed price chart to see how much it would cost to register your company.
Legal Documents- Identify permit and licensing requirements
BizPaL is a user-friendly free online service which allows for easy identification of business permits required. By asking several questions, you will create a printable list of the various licenses or permits required from various levels of government as well as information about each license and contact details and links.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does DBA mean in Canada?
DBA stands for “doing business as”. Most businesses have trade names and legally registered names.
For sole proprietorships and partnerships, the legal name is the name of the business owner(s). Whereas for corporations or limiter liability companies (LLC), the legal name is the one that is officially registered and on the legal documents.
DBA is the business that has a different name than the legal name. The DBA can also be described as the trade name, “alias”, or operating name.
Conclusion
Registering your business in British Columbia, Canada is a significant step towards establishing a solid foundation for success. By following the necessary legal procedures, you protect your business name, gain credibility, and unlock access to invaluable resources and opportunities.
As you start this exciting journey, may you find fulfillment, growth, and prosperity in the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of BC!
