Start a Surrey Amusement Arcades Business: Your Step-by-Step Guide
This page shows you how to start an Amusement Arcades business in Surrey under NAICS 713120. It lays out a practical, six-step path with the six essential requirements, a clear overview of permits, a realistic cost picture, and a practical timeline from planning to opening. You’ll get a concise overview of what you need to move forward and keep momentum.
You’ll learn precisely what is needed to secure licenses, inspections, and a safe, compliant arcade. We break down the six requirements in plain language, outline the permits and registrations you’ll need (business license, zoning checks, fire and safety approvals, insurance), and discuss typical start-up costs for equipment, fit-out, and initial operating expenses. Expect a realistic timeline—from site selection and approvals to your grand opening.
Surrey is a great fit for an arcade: growing neighborhoods, family-friendly communities, and affordable spaces combine to create strong foot traffic and a welcoming vibe. The city’s business-support networks and proximity to Vancouver’s market offer opportunities to attract players and build a local hub. With a solid plan, your Surrey amusement arcade can thrive while delivering fun for years to come.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Licence. This licence is issued by the City of Surrey and is legally required to run an amusement arcade within the city limits. You cannot legally open or operate your arcade without a valid Surrey business licence, so treat this as non-negotiable and top-priority in your startup plan.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health and safety obligations and permits you’ll need as you open your doors. If you plan to hire staff, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration and set up payroll deductions; these steps are essential for a safe workplace and compliant payroll. Even before hiring, ensure your arcade equipment and facilities meet safety standards, with maintenance schedules and clear customer safety procedures in place.
Business Registration & Tax: To handle government interactions smoothly, you’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) registration. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership in British Columbia, register your BC Business Name. Tax registrations such as GST/HST are required if your taxable revenue meets the threshold (or you can choose to register to claim input credits). If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to remit withholdings.
Encouragement: The good news is these steps are manageable and you can tackle them in parallel. Start with securing the Surrey licence, then register your BC business name and BN, and set up GST/HST and payroll options as soon as you have staff or sales. If you’d like, I can help map a simple 8-week checklist and point you to the right local resources to keep you on track and confident.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a amusement arcades 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 amusement arcades:
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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 Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Nova Scotia Creative Industries Fund provides project-based grants of up to $30,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, to creative and cultural businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to grow their export markets. The program targets sectors including fashion and design, screen, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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SSDIC operates through three streams: Stream One funds Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle; Stream Two supports Indigenous governments and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations; Stream Three focuses on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples. The 2024-2026 cycle invested $24.2M across 119 Indigenous-led projects. New funding available for 2026-27 …
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