Whether you’re starting a sole proprietorship, partnership, or an incorporated business, there are a host of regulations and laws that you’ll need to understand and comply with in order to operate your business. This list of resources will help get you started:

• If you’re planning to hire employees, be sure to consult the Ministry of Labour’s Employment Standards Branch website.
• For information about municipal, provincial, and federal permits and licences that you might need to run your business, refer to BizPal. Although BizPal covers most of these requirements, you’ll want to follow up directly with your municipality to be sure that you are meeting all permit and licence requirements. Please note that your geographic location or your type of business might not be included. In this case, be sure to check with your local city hall.
• If you intend to export your products, or import goods for sale or manufacturing, refer to our Export-Starting and Import-Starting sections for information on how to bring commercial goods into Canada or to enter new international markets.
• Using Crown land for business requires you to submit an application. The FrontCounter BC website has a simplified process for applying to use Crown land for business purposes.