Launch a Surrey Child and Youth Services Business Today
This page breaks down how to start a Surrey-based child and youth services business (NAICS 624110). You'll find a practical, step-by-step overview of the seven requirements, the permits you'll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to open. Whether you’re turning a passion for helping kids into a licensed operation or expanding an existing service, you’ll get a clear path to compliance and success.
You’ll learn exactly what the seven requirements cover, how to navigate local permits and licensing for child care (including Surrey zoning and inspections), rough startup and ongoing costs, and a practical timeline from registration to first day of service. Expect tips on securing staff qualifications, creating safe spaces, and meeting health and safety standards so you can avoid delays.
Why Surrey? This city combines family-friendly demographics with supportive business resources, affordable space options, and a thriving community. It’s a strong backdrop for launching responsible, high-quality child and youth services (NAICS 624110) and growing with your community.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a child and youth services business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This number is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable and essential for taxes, payroll, funding, and interactions with government programs.
Beyond BN, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and permits. Make sure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for your staff, which is a legal obligation in most workplaces. You’ll also need a City of Surrey business licence to operate at your chosen location. If you plan to run under a trade name rather than your legal name, register BC Business Name for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership to establish your business identity.
In the Business Registration & Tax area, you’ll handle several registrations and numbers. Use your BN for federal tax-related needs, and register your BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You may also need GST/HST registration based on your sales, and if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA is required to handle payroll taxes. If you intend to fundraising or operate as a charity, you may pursue Registered Charity Status (Social Services) to issue tax receipts and access additional funding opportunities.
Next steps: map out your structure and the sequence of registrations, then start with BN, followed by Surrey’s Business Licence and BC Business Name if needed. From there, set up WorkSafeBC coverage, consider GST/HST and payroll registrations, and explore charity status if it fits your funding model. A quick consult with a local business advisor can help keep you on track and moving forward.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a child and youth 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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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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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 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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