Start a Business and Secretarial School in Burnaby
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting a Business and Secretarial School (NAICS 611410) in Burnaby. You’ll find a clear overview of the 7 essential requirements to open a private career training provider, along with the permits, licenses, and typical startup costs you’ll face. We also map out a realistic timeline to help you plan your move from idea to opening day.
You’ll learn what it takes to turn your vision into a licensed education business: how to register your company, secure a Burnaby business license, apply for PTIB accreditation for a private training institution, meet facility and safety requirements, estimate initial costs, design student policies, and lay out a 6–12 month launch plan.
Burnaby’s growing demand for practical skills training, convenient locations, and supportive business services make it a smart fit for an ambitious school. With close proximity to Vancouver’s talent pool and affordable spaces, you can launch efficiently and start helping local job seekers sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is BC Independent School Certification. This certification is legally required if you plan to run an independent school, including a secretarial or business-skills program. You cannot legally operate without it, and it is non-negotiable: the province will verify that your school meets standards for curriculum, facilities, safety, and governance before you can enroll students or open operations.
Beyond that critical requirement, there are mandatory operational rules to protect students and staff. You must stay compliant with health and safety rules, including having WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to keep workplaces safe. You also need to follow the BC Employment Standards Act, which covers wages, hours, overtime, leaves, and record-keeping for any employees. If you hire staff, have clear policies and procedures in place to meet these requirements.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to set up essential numbers and registrations. Start with a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. Register your BC business name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. If your sales exceed the threshold, you’ll need GST/HST registration, and if you have employees, you’ll set up payroll deductions registration. These registrations are critical for lawful operation and ongoing tax compliance.
Next steps: begin with securing BC Independent School Certification and map out a practical plan with timelines. Gather the needed documents, reach out to the appropriate provincial and federal agencies, and consider a quick consult with a business advisor or regulator liaison to keep you on track. You’ve got this—steady, step-by-step progress will get you there.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a business and secretarial schools in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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BC Independent School Certification RequiredCertification to establish and operate an independent (private) school in British Columbia under the Independent School Act Apply to Ministry of Education and Child Care. Submit Expression of Interest via BC Online Portal. Must incorporate as BC society, company, or by Order in Council. Groups 1-2 receive funding (50%/35%). Meet zoning, fire, health, building codes. Teachers need ISTC or Certificate of Qualification. Contact: EDUC.IndependentSchoolsOffice@gov.bc.ca
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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 business and secretarial schools:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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