Launch Your Child and Youth Services Business in Burnaby
This page helps aspiring Child and Youth Services providers plan and launch a Burnaby-based business under NAICS 624110. You’ll find a practical, step-by-step overview tailored to local rules, including the six Burnaby requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits and licenses you'll apply for, and a realistic view of upfront costs, ongoing expenses, and a clear timeline from idea to opening.
What you’ll learn: the six requirements, the specific Burnaby permits and registrations needed for child and youth services, and the roles of the provincial regulator and city hall. We break down typical startup costs—facility setup, equipment, insurance, staff background checks, and training—and provide a practical timeline from registration to opening, so you can map milestones and stay on track.
Burnaby’s welcoming communities, strong family services network, and proximity to Vancouver make it a smart place to serve kids and youth while you grow. This city-business combo supports steady demand, helpful partnerships, and clearer paths to licensing.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a child and youth services business in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal requirement from the Canada Revenue Agency to run any business, and you cannot operate without it. Your BN is the key to handling tax accounts, payroll, and any government remittances, so it should be set up before you begin offering services. In addition, two other essential steps often go hand in hand: exploring Registered Charity Status (Social Services) if you plan to issue donation receipts, and registering a BC business name if you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. Health and safety must be front and center in a youth services program. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your staff, and put in place clear safety policies and child-protection practices. While permits and local licensing can vary by program and location, meeting these safety obligations is non-negotiable for protecting children, staff, and your program’s reputation.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll want to consider formal business and tax registrations. If you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration. Many organizations also pursue Registered Charity Status (Social Services) depending on funding and fundraising plans. GST/HST Registration may be required once you exceed the threshold for charging tax, and Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you have employees. These registrations help you handle finances properly and stay compliant.
Encouragement: You’re taking important first steps. Start by securing your BN, then determine whether charity status applies, register your BC business name if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as your operations grow. Check in with WorkSafeBC requirements and a Burnaby business advisor to align all pieces and move forwar
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a child and youth 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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Registered Charity Status (Social Services) RequiredMany social service organizations operate as registered charities to receive tax-exempt status and issue donation receipts. CRA registration and compliance required. CRA registers charities federally (T2050 application). Ontario: Extra-Provincial Corporations Act for foreign charities. Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) for provincial incorporation. Charitable purpose required. Annual T3010 filing. Disbursement quota rules. ONCA transition completed Oct 2024. Contact CRA Charities: 1-800-267-2384.
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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 child and youth services:
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Two streams: Community-Based (up to $25,000 for local projects led by and for seniors) and Pan-Canadian ($1M–$5M for national collective impact initiatives). The most recent Community-Based intake closed September 17, 2025; Pan-Canadian intake closed November 2023. Next call dates have not been announced as of early 2026. The program runs …
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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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