Launch Burnaby Agents and Managers for Public Figures Today
Welcome to your practical guide for starting a Burnaby-based agency or management firm for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures (NAICS 711410). This page covers six key requirements to get started: choosing a business structure, registering the company, obtaining licenses, drafting client contracts, setting commissions, and marketing your services. You'll find a clear requirements overview and a realistic path to launch with confidence. No fluff—just actionable steps you can start today.
What you'll learn: the permits and licenses you may need (City of Burnaby business license, possible GST/HST registration if you hit the threshold, and any home-based permits). The typical startup costs (registration, insurance, contracts, marketing, and website), plus a practical timeline from registration to landing your first client. We'll also outline common challenges and how to avoid them with solid pricing, ethics, and compliance.
Why Burnaby makes sense: a vibrant arts, sports, and entertainment scene with proximity to Vancouver, plus a supportive business climate and affordable startup options for growing your agency. This city-and-niche combo helps you build a local network, work with top talent, and scale thoughtfully.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This government-issued identifier is essential for handling taxes, hiring staff, and working with government programs. It’s non-negotiable—without a BN you can’t properly file taxes, set up payroll deductions, or keep your finances in good standing with CRA and the province.
Next, focus on mandatory operational requirements to keep things compliant and safe. This includes staying on top of health and safety: ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration if you hire employees or engage contractors. In addition, copyright matters are important in the media and entertainment space—put clear licensing, permissions, and written agreements in place for representing artists. You may also need a basic local business license as required by Burnaby, depending on how you run your agency.
For business registration and tax, you’ll want to complete BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, and you’ll need a BN to tie everything together. GST/HST registration, payroll deductions registration, and related tax accounts are typically handled through the BN. These steps ensure you can bill clients correctly, report taxes, and meet payroll and other regulatory requirements as your agency grows.
If you’re ready to start, take it step by step: decide your business structure, secure a name (if needed), register with BC for your business name, get your BN from CRA, and then add GST/HST and payroll accounts as your revenue and headcount require. You’re building a solid, compliant foundation—keep going, and consider a quick consult with a small‑business advisor to tailor this to your exact situation. You’ve got this.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures in Burnaby:
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Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment) RequiredMedia production and entertainment businesses must comply with copyright law, obtain rights/licenses, and may need to register with copyright collectives (SOCAN, Re:Sound). Copyright Act compliance for media and entertainment. Licensing agreements. SOCAN, Re:Sound royalties. Digital rights management. Fair dealing. Contact Copyright Board: 613-952-8621.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures:
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The City of Castlegar's Grants in Aid program accepts applications from community organizations four times per year. The program supports non-profit and community groups delivering programs and services in Castlegar, including arts and cultural organizations. Applications are reviewed quarterly by City Council.
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The Open Spaces Program is an initiative by Prismatic Arts Festival and Neptune Theatre to assist traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities in the HRM arts community. The program provides free access to a rehearsal room, kitchen, and restroom facilities including power, lighting, and stage space. Artists of all disciplines and …
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The Chrysalis Project, initiated in 2018, is a hands-on learning program that provides emerging directors, designers, and choreographers with experience and exposure to professional productions at Neptune Theatre. Chrysalis participants are mentored by seasoned local and visiting professionals. Supported by the RBC Emerging Artist Program, it has included dedicated streams …
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The Maria Anna Mozart Award, launched in 2016, is the first award of its kind in Canada. It provides $10,000 for Symphony Nova Scotia to commission and perform a new symphonic work by a Canadian woman or non-binary composer. The award is given every three years and was made possible …
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The Municipality of Pictou County provides Municipal Grants to non-profit sector and charitable organizations that offer community-based programs and services that replace, supplement, or complement the municipal mandate. Grants benefit one or more council districts or the entire municipality. This includes support for arts, culture, and heritage organizations and initiatives.
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