Launch a Computer Facilities Management Services Business in Burnaby
This page offers a practical starter guide to launching a Computer Facilities Management Services business in Burnaby, BC (NAICS 541513). You’ll get a clear, step-by-step outline of what you need to begin—from the six core requirements to permits, expected startup costs, and a realistic timeline. The goal is to help you move from idea to operations smoothly and confidently.
What you’ll learn includes the six core requirements you’ll need to satisfy, how to register your business, obtain a Burnaby business license, and set up tax accounts and basic insurance. We’ll share practical cost ranges for registration, licensing, insurance, and initial setup, plus a realistic launch timeline (often a few weeks to a couple of months) so you can plan with confidence.
Burnaby is a strong fit for this service: a growing tech and professional-services ecosystem, easy access to Vancouver markets, and a business-friendly environment. With a solid Burnaby setup, you’ll be well-positioned to serve local offices and data centers while scaling as you win new contracts.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a computer facilities management services in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a government-issued identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency that you need to legally run your business, invoice clients, and report taxes. It is non-negotiable—you cannot properly operate, charge GST/HST, or hire staff without a BN.
For operational readiness, focus on health, safety, and governance. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are mandatory to keep workers safe and to meet BC’s employer obligations. Establish basic safety practices and training for your team. In addition, if you collect, store, or disclose personal information about clients or employees, you’ll need to follow privacy rules under PIPEDA (or applicable provincial privacy laws) to protect data and avoid penalties.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll want to align BC business name and tax numbers with your BN. If you operate under a name other than your own, register the BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also need GST/HST registration with the CRA if your taxable revenue meets or exceeds the threshold (or if you choose to register voluntarily to reclaim input taxes). If you employ people, set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA to handle withholdings, CPP, and EI.
Ready to get started? Begin with obtaining your BN, then confirm whether you need BC Business Name registration, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as soon as you anticipate revenue or hiring. Implement privacy practices and safety programs now, and connect with a qualified advisor or a government resource to verify your specific obligations in Burnaby. You’ve got this—take one clear step at a time.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a computer facilities management 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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Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance RequiredProfessional services that collect, use, or disclose personal information must comply with PIPEDA federal privacy law. Includes consent requirements, security safeguards, and breach notification obligations. No registration required - compliance law. Follow PIPEDA's 10 fair information principles when handling personal data: accountability, identify purposes, consent, limit collection/use/retention, accuracy, safeguards, openness, individual access, challenging compliance. Appoint someone responsible for privacy. Penalties: up to $10M or 3% global revenue under proposed Bill C-27. Contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner 1-800-282-1376.
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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 computer facilities management services:
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Cohort-based program supporting Quebec companies operating primarily in immersive/interactive digital content (VR/AR/MR, interactive scenographies, installations). Selected cohorts share a total funding envelope. First cohort (2024): 17 companies shared $7.5M; second cohort (2025): 11 companies shared $3.725M (~$340K–$440K per company). Video games, animation, VFX, and traditional formats are not eligible.
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Non-repayable project or composite (multi-year) grants for arts sector innovation, development, and support activities. Project grants normally up to $50,000; composite grants up to $50,000/year for multi-year periods. Exceptional projects may receive up to $100,000. Rolling intake — no fixed deadlines.
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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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 Invest Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate is a negotiated incentive for knowledge-based companies creating at least 20 net new full-time positions in Nova Scotia. The rebate is 5–10% of eligible gross payroll, disbursed annually over a set period (typically up to 5 years), after audited confirmation of job creation. Eligible …
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