Launch Your Victoria Child Care Services Business Today
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting a licensed child care service in Victoria, BC under NAICS 624410. You’ll find an overview of the eight essential requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to opening your doors.
You’ll learn exactly what it takes to get approved: the eight essential requirements—licensing application and approval, facility standards, staffing ratios and qualifications, health and safety rules, background checks, program policies and child development plans, insurance and business registrations, and ongoing inspections and compliance. The guide also covers the permits required, expected startup costs (licensing fees, space setup, insurance, training), and a practical timeline from application to opening so you can plan a smooth launch.
Victoria is a welcoming, family-focused city with strong community networks and a growing need for quality child care. This supportive environment, plus local resources and services, makes Victoria a great place to launch and grow a thriving child care business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a child care service in Victoria is BC Child Care Centre Licence. This licence is legally required by the provincial government, and you cannot operate a centre without it. It is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of all other steps.
Beyond the licence, you’ll need to meet essential operational requirements related to health, safety, and permits. This includes obtaining a municipal Business Licence to operate in Victoria and ensuring WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for all staff. If you plan to run under a name other than your own, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. If your program is run as a registered charity, you’ll need to maintain Registered Charity Status (Social Services). These items ensure your day-to-day operations are compliant and safe for children and staff.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to licences, you’ll handle business numbers and tax registrations. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to manage taxes, payroll deductions, and GST/HST. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, register your BC Business Name. Consider GST/HST Registration if required by revenue thresholds or your business plan, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration for employee taxes. If applicable, maintain Registered Charity Status.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by confirming the BC Child Care Centre Licence requirements and begin the application process. Check with Victoria’s city hall about obtaining a Business Licence, and set up your BN with the CRA. Plan for GST/HST, payroll obligations, and any business-name registrations in manageable steps—each milestone brings you closer to a compliant, successful child care service. You’ve got this.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a child care services in Victoria:
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BC Child Care Centre Licence RequiredCommunity Care Facilities Licence for child care centres and daycares in British Columbia under the Child Care Licensing Regulation Apply through local Health Authority Community Care Facilities Licensing. No licensing fee charged by Health Authority. Required: ECE-certified staff, appropriate space, background checks, first aid. Licence required for care of 3+ children. Annual inspections. Contact your regional Health Authority CCFL office.
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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 care 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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