Information Resources for the Small Business Owner

Aboriginal Business Canada

Aboriginal Business Canada is an Industry Canada program that promotes the growth of commerce as one means towards economic self-sufficiency for all Aboriginal people.
Address: #2000-300 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6B 6E2
Phone: (604) 666-3871
Fax: (604) 666-0238
Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/home

Aboriginal Youth Business Council
Aboriginal Youth Business Council is a volunteer-run, non-profit, youth-driven council of First Nation, Metis, & Inuit entrepreneurs. We are a grass roots organization and we created this site as a resource for other youth to learn about business. That's why we're here. This site is made possible by the efforts of volunteers and through financial support from Aboriginal Business Canada.
Website: http://www.aybc.org

About.com Small Business: Canada
Website: http://sbinfocanada.about.com

Be your own boss.org
Be your own boss.org is a BC-based e-zine, directory, discussion group and resource site. Other sections include a marketplace and classified ads.
Website:www.beyourownboss.org

Canadian Company Capabilities
Canada's business information site. For registration of businesses, company directories, trade & investment, economic analysis and statistics, research, technology and innovation, licenses, legislation & regulations, and consumer information.
Toll Free: 1-800-328-6189
Website: www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/cdncc

Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce assist business in a variety of programs to maintain a healthy business climate.
Call them for information about their programs and services.
    Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce
    Address: 3550 Bridge Street, Armstrong BC V0E 1B0
    Phone: (250) 546-8155
    Fax: (250) 546-8868
    Website: www.aschamber.com

    Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce
    Address: 700 Railway Avenue, Enderby BC V0E 1V0
    Phone: (250) 838-6727
    Website: www.enderby.com/chamber/community.html

    Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce
    Address: 701 Highway 97 South, Vernon BC V1H 1G1
    Phone: (250) 545-0771
    Fax: (250) 545-3114
    Website: www.vernonchamber.ca

    Lumby Chamber of Commerce
    Address: 2001-B Miller Street, P.O. Box 534, Lumby BC V0E 2G0
    Phone/Fax: 547-2300

E-business connection
Starting a small business? E-business connection offers a comprehensive collection of e-business information services to help your small business succeed in an internet connected world. Access the tools and information you need to integrate e-business technology into your start-up or growing business.
Address: Suite 82, 601 W. Cordova Street, Vancouver BC V6B 1G1
Phone: (604) 775-7532
Website: www.e-bc.ca

Community Futures Development Corporation/North Okanagan (CFDC)
CFDC provides information on business development, financial assistance for business start-up & expansion, Business counselling services, Employment Options, Employment Resource Centre Community Access Centre and Connections Career Centre for youth.
Address: 3105 33rd Street, Vernon BC V1T 9P7
Phone: (250) 545-2215
Website: www.futuresbc.com

Entre world.org
Features the entrepreneurs search engine, a well laid out comprehensive source of links on starting your business, growing your business and supporting entrepreneurship.
Website: www.entreworld.org

First Business.ca
Is dedicated to the Aboriginal Entrepreneur and is the result of combined efforts of the Aboriginal Business Service network and the Canada British Columbia Business Services Society.
Toll Free: 1-800-551-2276
Phone: (604) 775-6299
Website: www.firstbusiness.ca

Guide to Aboriginal Organizations & Services
Download the PDF

Government Agent's office (also known as BC Access Centre)

Government Agents provide access to a wide variety of Government programs and services. The Government Agent offers a location in each community where members of the public can go to obtain government information, make application to government programs electronically, and access information pertaining to all levels of government.
Address: 3201 - 30th Street, Vernon BC V1T 9G3
Phone: (250) 549-5511
Fax: 549-5508
Website: www.governmentagents.gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development
Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development is the primary provincial agency responsible for initiatives and programs dedicated to creating a strong provincial economy in British Columbia. Activities within the Ministry are focused on building a competitive business environment that gives the private sector the confidence to invest, generate opportunities and create jobs throughout BC. The Ministry is committed to reducing and simplifying regulatory requirements and providing entrepreneurs with one-stop access to start-up capital through investment capital programs and maximizing economic development opportunities related to the 2010 Olympics.
Website: www.gov.bc.ca/sbed

Small Business BC
Created in 1993 as a federal/provincial partnership and then transformed into a not-for-profit Society in 2002, Small Business BC is British Columbia's key resource centre for business information and services.
Address: 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 1G1
Toll Free: 1-800-667-2272 (B.C. region only)
Phone: (604) 775-5525
Fax: (604) 775-5520
Website: www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Tourism Business Guide
In partnership with Small Business BC and Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Ministry of Tourism , Sport and the Arts has recently completed "A Guide for Tourism Business Entrepreneurs". The Guide is a primer for individuals thinking about starting a tourism business in British Columbia, as well as where to find additional resources.
Download the pdf
Website: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/guides-list.php?catID=6

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD works with financial institutions, co-operatives, the Farm Credit Corporation and Business Development Bank of Canada to facilitate funding for small business on commercial terms. Decisions on loan approvals are made by the lending institutions.
Toll Free: 1-888-338-9378
Website: www.wd.gc.ca

Women's Enterprise Centre
The Mission of the Women's Enterprise Centre of BC is to assist women in establishing and growing businesses owned and controlled by women in British Columbia.
Address: #201 1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna BC V1Y 9R9
Toll Free: 1-800-643-7014
Website: www.womensenterprise.ca

Young Entrepreneurs Association of BC
YEABC connects young entrepreneurs with each other both physically and via the internet. YEABC is a volunteer- driven, non-profit organisation whose mandate is to support young people in Business.
Toll Free: 1-888-639-3222
Website: www.yea.ca




Bylaws
Please check with your local city hall for bylaw information in your area. For Home-based business information and regulations your local city hall can assist you as well.

City of Armstrong
Phone: (250) 546-3023
Website: www.armstrongbc.com

City of Enderby
Phone: (250) 838-7230
Website: www.enderby.com

City of Vernon
Phone: (250) 545-1361
Website: www.vernon.ca

North Okanagan Regional District (NORD)
Phone: (250) 545-5368
Website: www.nord.ca

Municipality of Coldstream
Phone: (250) 550-3700
Website: www.districtofcoldstream.ca

Municipality of Spallumcheen

Phone: (250) 546-3013
Website: www.spallumcheentwp.bc.ca

Village of Lumby
Phone: (250) 547-2171
Website: www.lumby.ca


Business Planning

Most lenders and investors will want to assess your business plan before deciding to fund your business.

Business Planning and Financial Forecasting Guide
This is a useful tool for creating a business plan.
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/guides-list.php?catID=6

Community Futures Development Corporation
A business Counsellor is available to meet with you one-on-one to help you create a customised and professional business plan. Also available “Planning for Success: A Guide to Creating Your Own Business Plan”.
Address: #102, 3105 - 33rd Street, Vernon BC V1T 9P7
Phone: (250) 545-2215 Ext. 232
Download the pdf
Download the Financial Spreadsheets
Website: www.futuresbc.com

The Interactive Business Planner
An online tool to help you create a business plan; the planner walks you through the creation of a business plan and provides sample business plans.
Website: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/ibp

Small Business BC
Created in 1993 as a federal/provincial partnership and then transformed into a not-for-profit Society in 2002, Small Business BC is British Columbia's key resource centre for business information and services.
Address: 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6B lGl
Toll Free: 1-800-667-2272 (B.C. region only)
Phone: (604) 775-5525
Fax: (604) 775-5520
Website: www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Women's Enterprise Centre
The Mission of the Women's Enterprise Centre of BC is to assist women in establishing and growing businesses owned and controlled by women in British Columbia.
Address: #201 1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna BC V1Y 9R9
Toll Free: 1-800-643-7014
Website: www.womensenterprise.ca




Deciding on a Business Name
The first step in the registration process is the approval of a business name. Business names must have both a descriptive and distinctive element. The name approval process cannot be completed online; however, Name Approval Request forms may be downloaded from the Ministry of Finance website, www.fin.gov.bc.ca/registries/corppg
completed and mailed to the Corporate Registry. Forms are also available and may be completed at all OneStop kiosks. Small
Business BC is a OneStop kiosk. To locate your nearest kiosk, go to www.bcbusinessregistry.ca or call 1-877-822-6727. Once your business name is approved, it is reserved for 56 calendar days. Within this 56-day period, you must register your business with the Corporate Registry. This is easy to do using OneStop Business Registry (information is available in this directory). Business owners who decide to establish a business in their own name, without adding any other words (i.e.” and sons/daughters ” or “and associates ”), do not have to go through the Name Approval Request process, nor does their business have to be registered with the Corporate Registry.

*Please note: Sole proprietorship and partnership names have no statutory name protection. If name protection is important to you, you may wish to incorporate your business.



Business Structure
Selecting the right business structure-a sole-proprietorship, a general partnership or a corporation (also known as limited company) will depend on such things as tax considerations and personal liability for debts and obligations related to business.

To find out the differences between sole proprietorship, general partnership or incorporation, go to the Ministry of Finance’s information centre at
Website: www.fin.gov.bc.ca/registries/corppg/ or www.smallbusinessbc.ca/register

If you plan to incorporate your business, you may want to talk to a lawyer regarding legal aspects of your business concept, and seek advice from an accountant on the financial implications of incorporation. Companies can now incorporate online using Corporate Online.
Website: https://www.corporateonline.gov.bc.ca/corporateonline/colin/static/colin/html/index.html

Information packages about incorporating a business, registering a sole proprietorship or partnership, registering an extra- provincial company, society or cooperative are available.
Website:www.fin.gov.bc.ca/registries (Click on information packages)


Employment and Business Standards

Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is a non-profit, self-regulatory organization, dedicated to promoting fairness and honesty in the marketplace.
Toll Free: 1-888-803-1222
Website: www.interior.bbbvan.org

Employment Standards Information Line
If you are hiring employees, you should be aware of the current Employment Standards Act for British Columbia.
Address: #102, 1690 Powick Road, Kelowna BC V1X 7G5
Toll Free: 1-800-663-3316
Phone: (250) 861-7404
Website: www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb

Labour Requirements-Apprenticeship Act
Requirements for certain industries can be directed to the industry training branch
Toll Free: 1-866-660-6011
Website: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/industrytraining


Financing

Aboriginal Business Canada
Aboriginal Business Canada is an Industry Canada program that promotes the growth of commerce as one means towards economic self-sufficiency for all Aboriginal people.
Address: #2000-300 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6B 6E2
Phone: (604) 666-3871
Fax: (604) 666-0238
Website: strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/home

All Nations Trust Company
All Nations Development Corporation (ANDEVCO), a subsidiary of ANTCO, was formed with the mandate to provide advisory, technical and management services to the Aboriginal community.
Address: #208-345 Yellowhead Hwy, Kamloops BC V2H 1H1
Phone: (250) 828-9770
Fax: (250) 372-2585
Website: www.antco.bc.ca

Banks and Credit Unions
Financial Institutions are an excellent source of information about financing for your business.
See Chartered Banks in the Yellow pages.
Other sources of Business Financing include:
    Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
    Financial assistance for businesses, as well as venture capital and consulting services.
    Address: 313 Bernard Street, Kelowna BC V1Y 6N6
    Toll Free: 1-888-463-6232
    Phone: (250) 470-4812
    Fax: (250) 470-4832
    Website: www.bdc.ca

    Community Futures Development Corporation
    Financial assistance for small to medium-sized business ventures starting up, or expanding and for purchase of existing businesses.
    Address: #102, 3105 - 33rd Street, Vernon BC V1T 9P7
    Phone: (250) 545-2215 Ext. 249
    Website: www.futuresbc.com

    First Nations Bank of Canada
    First Nations Bank of Canada is all about commitment -- our commitment to First Nations peoples and more specifically to you, as individual customers. We are committed to providing a total banking relationship by fulfilling your complete banking needs and working diligently to maintain a high level of customer service.
    Website: www.tdcanadatrust.com/fnbank

    First Citizens Fund
    Is dedicated to enhancing cultural, educational and economic development opportunities for Aboriginal Citizens resident in BC. For more information about the business loan program and the business loan aftercare program.
    Website: www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/fcfund

    Francophone Economic DevelopPment Organizations
    La Société de Development économique de la Colombie-Britannique.
    Toll Free: 1-877-732-3534
    Website: www.sdecb.com

    Investment Capital Programs
    The Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development offers programs to help small business gain access to capital, whether a business is just starting out or seeking expansion capital to compete in global markets. These programs offer investors, including employee investors, tax credits for making equity capital investments in qualifying small businesses.
    Phone: 1-800-665-6597
    Website: www.equitycapital.gov.bc.ca

    National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association
    To assist Aboriginal Financial Institutions to enable their communities to realize greater economic self-reliance through advocacy, providing fair access to capital, resources, and information.
    Website: www.nacca.net

    Self Employment Program
    An initiative of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, North Okanagan Employment Enhancement Society offers this program for unemployed individuals (with an established EI claim) who want to start a business. Four weeks of business plan training included.
    Call Community Futures today to get a referral.
    Address: #201, 3105 - 33rd Street, Vernon BC V1T 9P7
    Phone: (250) 545-2215 Ext. 219

    Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
    WD works with financial institutions, co-operatives, the Farm Credit Corporation and Business Development Bank of Canada to facilitate funding for small business on commercial terms. Decisions on loan approvals are made by the lending institutions.
    Toll Free: 1-888-338-9378
    Website: www.wd.gc.ca

    Women's Enterprise Centre
    The Mission of the Women's Enterprise Centre of BC is to assist women in establishing and growing businesses owned and controlled by women in British Columbia.
    Address: #201 1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna BC V1Y 9R9
    Toll Free: 1-800-643-7014
    Website: www.womensenterprise.ca

Government contact information


Governmental Contacts on Aboriginal Affairs
Download the PDF

Local

Mayor of Vernon
Wayne Lippert

Address: 3400-30th St, Vernon, BC V1T 5E6
Phone: (250) 545-1361
Website: www.vernon.ca

Mayor of Coldstream
Gary Corner

Address: 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC V1B 1L6
Phone: (250) 545-5304
Website: www.districtofcoldstream.ca

Chairman of North Okanagan Regional District(NORD)
Stan Field

Address: 9849 Aberdeen Rd, Vernon, BC V1B 2K9
Phone: (250) 550-3700
Website: www.nord.ca

Mayor of Armstrong
Jerry Oglow

Address: 3570 Bridge St, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0
Phone: (250) 546-3023
Website: www.armstrongbc.com

Mayor of Spallumcheen
Will Hansma

Address: 4144 Spallumcheen Way, Armstrong, BC VOE 1B6
Phone: (250) 546-3013
Website: www.spallumcheentwp.bc.ca

Mayor of Lumby
Eric Foster

Address: 1947 Glencaird Street, Lumby, BC V0E 2G0
Phone: (250) 547-2171
Website: www.lumby.ca

Mayor of Enderby
Sue Phillips

Address: 619 Cliff Ave, Enderby, BC V0E 1V0
Phone: (250) 838-7230
Website: www.enderby.com

Cheif of Spallumcheen Indian Band
Wayne Christian

Address: Old Vernon Rd, Enderby, BC VOE 1VO
Phone: (250) 838-6496
Website: www.spallumcheen.org

Cheif of Okanagan Indian Band
Fabian Alexis

Address: 12420 Westside Rd, Vernon, BC V1T 7Z3
Phone: (250) 542-4328
Website: www.okib.ca


Provincial

Member of Legislative Assembly, Okanagan-Vernon
Tom Christensen

Address: 206-3334 30th Avenue,Vernon, BC V1T 2C8
Phone: (250) 503-3600
Website:www.tomchristensenmla.bc.ca

Premier of British Columbia
Gordon Campbell

Address: Room 347, Parliament Buildings,Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Phone: (250) 953-4844
Website: www.gov.bc.ca/bvprd/bc/home.do


Federal

Member of Parliment, Okanagan-Shuswap
Colin Mayes
Address: 3203 30th Street, Room 206,Vernon, BC V1T 9G9
Phone: (250) 260-5020
Website: colinmayes.ca

Prime Minister of Canada
Stephen Harper

Address: 80 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Phone:(613) 941-6880
Email:pm@pm.gc.ca
Website:www.pm.gc.ca/eng/default.asp


Legal Information

Canadian Legal Resources

Can Law can find you the right lawyer, the right answers and the right related legal services for you or your company.
Website: www.canlaw.com


Marketing
The following Print Resources can be found at your local library or Bookstore
  • Associations Canada

  • Provides contacts for marketing and information on your industry and competitors.

  • FP Markets, Canadian Demographics

  • Financial Post’s coverage of Canadian demographics contains details on population, income, labour force, occupation, retail sales, households, education, etc.

  • Marketing Your Product

  • Self-Counsel Press business guide dealing with marketing for small business.

  • Marketing Your Service

  • Self-Counsel Press publication dealing with marketing in service businesses.

  • Secrets of Power Marketing

  • Canadian publication focusing on “power marketing”

  • What Clients Love

  • A field guide to growing your business. Includes information on advertising and building customer relationships.



Other Business Considerations

Business Records
If you are operating a business or have self-employed income, you will need to set up an orderly record and accounting system as required under various acts. It is recommended that you contact a qualified accountant to assist you with your business records and accounting system. You can find details and requirements for record retention at www.cra-arc.gc.ca by entering “records retention” in the search box.

British Columbia Statutes and Associated Regulations
There may be additional regulations from provincial and/or federal governments that may apply to your particular business.
Toll Free: 1-800-667-2272
Website: www.smallbusiness.ca/search (enter the type of business you’re intending to operate to find out the regulations that may be relevant)

British Columbia Statutes and associated regulations
Phone: (250) 396-4636 (Crown Publications)
Website: www.gov.bc.ca

Internet Resources- Business and Trade Directories
The following is a list of useful websites, specific to business:
    Thomas Net
    Lists of companies and products manufactured in North America.
    Website: www.thomasregister.com

    Canadian Importers
    Provides lists of companies importing goods into Canada, by product, by city, and by country of origin.
    Website: www.strategis.gc.ca/sc_mrkti/cid/engdoc/index.html

    Export Source
    Government of Canada site displays an extensive list of topics relating to exporting goods and services internationally.
    Website: http://exportsource.gc.ca

    BC Manufacturers' Directory
    Lists BC Manufacturers, allows searching by industry, company name, company description, sector and product description.
    Website: www.made-in-bc.ca

    The Big List of BC Wineries
    Listing of BC Wineries and suppliers.
    Website: www.bcwine.com

    Building BC
    Directory for the construction industry. Includes developers, builders and engineers.
    Website: www.buildingbc.com

    Hoover's online
    Hoover’s includes a searchable international company directory: search by company name, location, industry or sales volume. Primarily American, but larger Canadian companies are included. Also provides links to business news sources.
    Website: www.hoovers.com



Registering Your Business Name

Canadian Company Capabilities
Canada’s business information site. For registration of businesses, company directories, trade & investment, economic analysis and statistics, research, technology and innovation, licences, legislation & regulations, and consumer information.
Toll Free: 1-800-328-6189
Website: www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/cdncc

Municipal Business Licenses
Check with the municipalities where your business operates to find out about obtaining a business license.
    City of Armstrong
    Address: 3750 Bridge Street, Armstrong BC V0E 1B0
    Phone: (250) 546-3023
    Fax: (250) 546-3710
    Website: www.armstrongbc.com

    District of Coldstream
    Address: 9901 Kalamalka Lake Road, Vernon BC V1B 2K9
    Phone: (250) 545-5304
    Fax: (250) 545-4733
    Website: www.districtofcoldstream.ca

    City of Enderby
    Address: 619 Cliff Avenue, Enderby BC V0E 1V3
    Phone: (250) 838-7230
    Fax: (250) 838-6007
    Website: www.enderby.com

    Municipality of Spallumcheen
    Address: 4144 Spallumcheen Drive, Spallumcheen BC V0E 1B6
    Phone: (250) 546-3013
    Fax: (250) 546-8878
    Website: www.spallumcheentwp.bc.ca

    Village of Lumby
    Address: 1775 Glencaird Street, Lumby BC V0E 2G0
    Phone: (250) 547-2171
    Fax: (250) 547-6894
    Website: www.lumbybc.ca

    City of Vernon
    Address: 3400 - 30th Street, Vernon BC V1T 5E6
    Phone: (250) 545-1361
    Fax: (250) 545-7876
    Website: www.cityofvernon.ca

    OneStop Business Registry
    OneStop Business Registry. Here you get instant one-stop access to many public agencies. From the comfort of your home, office or a OneStop kiosk, you can do the most commonly required business registrations and transactions.
    Toll Free: (250) 1-800-667-2272
    Website: www.bcbusinessregistry.ca



Taxation

Canada Revenue Agency
Canada Revenue Agency is responsible for Canadian tax, trade and border administration. The Agency regulates, manages and controls Income and taxes. Information is available for business on income tax, GST, exporting and importing, payroll deductions and more.
Toll Free: 1-800-959-5525
Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca



Training Solutions for Entrepreneurs

Business Beyond the Box

This program is operated by the Women’s Enterprise Society of BC
Success-Oriented skills training for entrepreneurs. BBTB lets you learn at your own place, from your own place... but you are not alone! Support is available as you learn, from BBTB's subject facilitators and on-line peer exchange forum. Best of all, after your course is over, professional analysts can assist you in applying what you have learned to your business!
Toll Free: 1-800-643-7014
Website: www.bbtb.ca

Okanagan College (Continuing Education)
OC offers many business-related and computer training programs, as well as a variety of other programs.
See their current program guide.
Address: 7000 College Way, Vernon BC V1B 2N5
Phone: (250) 503-2650
Fax: (250) 503-2653
Website: www.okanagan.bc.ca

Student Connections
Student Connections (SC) provides small and medium-sized business with e-commerce and Internet training. SC helps businesses adopt innovative practices and pursue new on-line markets to remain competitive in today's global marketplace.
Industry Canada.
Address: Room 440-D, 235 Queen Street, Ottawa ON K1A 0H5
Toll Free: 1-888-807-7777
Website: www.studentconnections.ca


Workplace Safety and Health

Workers Compensation Board

Regulates and monitors workplaces, educates and consults with employers on workplace health and safety issues for employees.
For workplace safety and health inquiries call toll-free within B.C. at 1-888-621-7233
For claims or rehabilitation inquiries call the Claims Call Centre: Toll-free 1-888-967-5377
For employer and assessment inquiries call toll-free within BC at 1-888-922-2768
For human resources inquiries call toll-free within Canada at 1-888-757-5552
For freedom of information inquiries call toll-free within BC and AB at 1-866-266-9405
Direct all claims correspondence to:
Workers:
Address: PO Box 4700 Stn Terminal, Vancouver BC V6B 1J1
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-922-8807
Employers:
Address: PO Box 8940 Stn Terminal, Vancouver BC, V6B 1H9
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-922-8803
Website: www.worksafebc.com



Community Futures Development Corporation
3105 - 33rd Street, Vernon BC V1T 9P7
Phone: (250) 545-2215
Website: www.futuresbc.com