Launch Your All Other Support Services Business in Burnaby
This page helps you plan and launch an All Other Support Services business (NAICS 561990) in Burnaby. It breaks down what you need to do to get started, from registrations to licenses, permits, and a practical timeline. You’ll find a clear overview of the five requirements to meet, the permits you may need, and the costs and timelines to expect along the way.
What you’ll learn: the five requirements in plain language, including how to register your business, how to obtain a Burnaby business license, when and how to register for GST/HST, what insurance and safety checks you should have, and any industry-specific permits. We'll also outline typical startup costs and ongoing fees, a realistic licensing timeline, and practical steps to stay compliant as you grow.
Why Burnaby? This city’s growing services market and strategic location near Vancouver make it a strong fit for an all-around support services business. Easy access to clients, suppliers, and networks helps you start faster and scale.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This government-issued identifier is how federal agencies recognize your business for taxes, payroll, and other filings, and you cannot legally run the business without it. Getting your BN in place is non-negotiable and it unlocks the ability to open a bank account, hire people, and file the paperwork you’ll need year after year.
Beyond the BN, health and safety requirements are mandatory. In Burnaby, you’ll generally need WorkSafeBC coverage, which provides workers’ compensation and protection for staff in case of workplace injuries. You’ll need to register for coverage and maintain it as long as you have employees. Also, make sure you follow basic safety practices, provide training, and keep records so you can show you’re staying on top of worker safety.
In addition to BN, you’ll handle business registration and tax numbers. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, register your BC business name with the provincial registry. You’ll also take care of GST/HST registration—required if your taxable revenue meets the threshold—so you can charge and remit sales tax appropriately. If you hire employees, you’ll need to register for payroll deductions with the CRA to manage withholdings like income tax, CPP, and EI.
Take the next steps step by step: apply for your BN, register your BC business name if needed, enroll in WorkSafeBC, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as soon as you expect revenue or staff. Use the government portals to apply online, set reminders, and start a simple compliance calendar. You’ve got this—start today and build a solid, compliant foundation for your Burnaby service business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other support 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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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 support services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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