Launch Your All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Firm in Burnaby
This page gives you a practical, friendly roadmap to starting a 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services business in Burnaby. It covers the six requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits that may apply, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline so you’re never guessing what comes next. Whether you’re solo or building a small team, you’ll find clear steps to move from idea to first clients.
From registration to licenses, you’ll learn the six key requirements you must meet in Burnaby: business registration, provincial licensing, municipal business license, professional credentials or permits, insurance, and zoning/compliance. The guide also flags which permits apply to your field, keeps a running costs estimate (startup fees, insurance, and basic office or workspace costs), and lays out a practical timeline from set-up to serving your first client.
Burnaby’s mix of strong business services demand, affordable spaces, and close access to Vancouver’s networks makes it a smart place to launch. The city’s local resources, support for small firms, and growing tech and professional sectors can help you grow faster while staying compliant.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the federal identifier you get from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you need it to legally run your business, file taxes, register for other accounts, and even hire staff. Without a BN, you cannot operate properly, so this is non-negotiable.
Beyond that, there are mandatory operational requirements to protect people and data and to stay compliant. If you handle personal information, you must follow PIPEDA’s privacy rules; this is a must for most businesses dealing with clients’ data. You also need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and meet safety standards. Depending on your service, you may also need local permits or a Burnaby business license, so check with the city to confirm any location-specific requirements.
Business Registration & Tax: You may need BC Business Name Registration if you operate under a name other than your own (sole proprietorship/partnership). You will likely need GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold or if you want to register voluntarily. If you hire employees, you will need Payroll Deductions Registration. Your BN from the CRA will be used for GST/HST, payroll, and other tax-related accounts, tying these pieces together.
Next steps: Start by confirming your BN with the CRA, then check whether you need a BC business name registration. Decide if GST/HST applies and whether you’ll hire staff (payroll registrations). Set up WorkSafeBC accounts and privacy practices to meet PIPEDA. Finally, check any Burnaby local licensing requirements. You’re on the right track—tackle these steps one by one and you’ll be well positioned to operate smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other professional, scientific, and technical services in Burnaby:
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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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Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance RequiredProfessional services that collect, use, or disclose personal information must comply with PIPEDA federal privacy law. Includes consent requirements, security safeguards, and breach notification obligations. No registration required - compliance law. Follow PIPEDA's 10 fair information principles when handling personal data: accountability, identify purposes, consent, limit collection/use/retention, accuracy, safeguards, openness, individual access, challenging compliance. Appoint someone responsible for privacy. Penalties: up to $10M or 3% global revenue under proposed Bill C-27. Contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner 1-800-282-1376.
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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 all other professional, scientific, and technical services:
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Cohort-based program supporting Quebec companies operating primarily in immersive/interactive digital content (VR/AR/MR, interactive scenographies, installations). Selected cohorts share a total funding envelope. First cohort (2024): 17 companies shared $7.5M; second cohort (2025): 11 companies shared $3.725M (~$340K–$440K per company). Video games, animation, VFX, and traditional formats are not eligible.
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Non-repayable project or composite (multi-year) grants for arts sector innovation, development, and support activities. Project grants normally up to $50,000; composite grants up to $50,000/year for multi-year periods. Exceptional projects may receive up to $100,000. Rolling intake — no fixed deadlines.
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Invest Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate is a negotiated incentive for knowledge-based companies creating at least 20 net new full-time positions in Nova Scotia. The rebate is 5–10% of eligible gross payroll, disbursed annually over a set period (typically up to 5 years), after audited confirmation of job creation. Eligible …
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