Doing Business Here
Business Resources
Top Picks for Business Resources
Here is a great list of local and regional resources to help build your business. From financing, development and information sharing, the organizations below will be able to help you. Of course there are others, but we think these are the best, easiest to use, and offer excellent support for entrepreneurs.
Development & Planning
Community Futures Central Island
Since 1992 Community Futures has been helping grow Central Island Region’s economy by providing small business loans, expert advice and a wide range of tools and resources.
Most well-known for small business loans and helping you get serious with your business-planning.
Small Business BC
The staff is really plugged into the business world. They get what it’s like to own a business.
Small Business BC holds dozens of seminars and webinars, has advisory services and all kinds of toolkits and resources.
Women's Enterprise Centre
Great on-the-ground experience, strong women mentors network.
Resources to help women in business develop skills, find professional guidance, get loans.
Innovation Island
BC Venture acceleration program helps early stage entrepreneurs grow their companies.
♦ Business Advisory
♦ Market Validation Training
♦ BCIC Innovator Skills
♦ Venture Acceleration Program
Futurpreneur Canada
For entrepreneurs ages 18 to 39 years old.
Business planning, development and on-going mentoring, as well as financing.
Set Up and Registration
BC OneStop Business Registry
The provincial government saved small business people a ton of time and bureaucracy by rolling all the “government red tape” stuff under one service.
Both online and phone service is clear and straightforward.
Canada Revenue Agency
The Fed’s website for business owners gives you vital information on taxes and deductions.
It’s not the quagmire it used to be! The feature “My Business Account” allows access to your GST and tax info.
There is also a Tax Reminder Service so you can get email alerts and a Help Desk at 1-877-322-7849.
Financing Alternatives
Gabriola Investment Co-op
Local investment co-op for loans with potential grants portions for youth entrepreneurs (35 and under).
Business Development Bank of Canada
This site is a little more general as it covers all provinces, but it offers lots of free tools and reading on everything to do with business operations, including website setup.
