Launch Your Victoria Talent Agency: Start Agents and Managers Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap to launching an agents and managers business for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures in Victoria (NAICS 711410). It breaks the process into seven essential requirements and outlines the permits, registrations, costs, and a clear timeline to move from idea to launch.
What you’ll learn: how to choose the right business structure, register with BC, and secure a City of Victoria business license, plus how to handle taxes (GST/HST). The seven requirements you’ll tackle include: 1) business registration and structure, 2) local licensing, 3) provincial registrations, 4) tax setup, 5) client contracts and agency policies, 6) insurance and accounting systems, 7) a practical startup timeline and budget. You’ll also find templates for contracts, onboarding, and compliance to keep your operations smooth, with a straightforward overview of permits, costs, and timelines.
Victoria is a great fit for a talent agency. The city’s thriving arts and sports scenes, accessible venues, and supportive small-business ecosystem open doors to local talent and venues, while keeping startup costs manageable compared with larger markets.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria, BC is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must through the Canada Revenue Agency to run a business, handle taxes, and manage payroll and invoicing. You cannot legally operate without a BN, so obtaining it early is non-negotiable and forms the foundation for every other compliance step.
Operationally, you’ll want to cover health, safety, permits, and licensing. This includes ensuring you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers, securing a municipal Business Licence to operate in your city, and registering your BC Business Name if you’re using a trade name or operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Grouping these together helps you stay compliant in day-to-day operations and avoids surprises when you hire staff or host events.
Business Registration & Tax: Your BN supports all regulatory numbers and filings. In BC, you’ll likely need GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the federal threshold (and you can choose to register earlier). If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to handle withholdings for CPP/QPP and EI. These registrations tie back to your BN and CRA accounts, keeping your finances and reports orderly as you grow.
Encouragement: Take the next steps with confidence by gathering your documents, choosing your business structure, and starting the registrations in parallel. Contact the CRA or a local business resource for help, and set up a quick plan to complete BN, municipal licence, name registration if needed, GST/HST, and payroll registration. With these foundations in place, you’ll be ready to operate smoothly and focus on representing artists and public figures.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures in Victoria:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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