Start Your All Other Support Services Business in Surrey
This page helps you turn your idea into a Surrey-based All Other Support Services business (NAICS 561990). It outlines practical, step-by-step guidance—from choosing a business structure to securing necessary permits, estimating costs, and planning a realistic timeline for launch.
You’ll learn the six essential requirements to start in Surrey: 1) register your business name or form an incorporation, 2) obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, 3) register for GST/HST if applicable, 4) secure a Surrey municipal business license, 5) obtain any zoning, occupancy, or site-specific permits, and 6) arrange general liability insurance and basic safety compliance. We’ll also cover typical startup costs (filing fees, licensing, insurance, and setup) and give you a practical timeline so you can budget and schedule your launch with confidence.
Why Surrey? The city’s growing economy, affordable workspace options, and close ties to the Vancouver market create strong opportunities for service-based businesses. With local resources and a supportive business climate, you’ll be well-positioned to attract clients and grow your All Other Support Services venture.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and serves as the unique ID your business uses for taxes, payroll, and reporting. You cannot legally operate a business in British Columbia without a BN, so getting this right from the start is non-negotiable. It’s the cornerstone that unlocks GST/HST, payroll, and regulatory reporting down the line.
Next come essential operational requirements that keep you compliant and safe. A Surrey Business Licence is typically required to operate in the city, so you’re not vulnerable during inspections. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is mandatory to protect workers and meet provincial rules. Group these items as the core day-to-day permits and safety steps that help you run a lawful, safe business.
Beyond the BN and licence, you’ll handle business registration and tax numbers. BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) ensures you can operate under your chosen name. You may also need GST/HST Registration if your revenue hits the threshold and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire staff. These registrations tie back to your BN and help you stay organized and compliant.
Ready to move forward? Start by applying for your BN with the CRA, then check Surrey’s licence requirements and register your business name if needed. Plan for GST/HST and payroll registrations as your business grows, and make sure you’re covered by WorkSafeBC if you have employees. If you’d like, I can help you build a simple, practical checklist and timeline tailored to your services and team size. You’ve got this.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other support services in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey 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 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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