Launch Your Computer Training Business in Burnaby Today
This page offers a practical roadmap to start a computer training business (NAICS 611420) in Burnaby. You’ll find a straightforward overview of the six requirements, plus the permits and licenses you’ll typically need, a rough cost outline, and a realistic timeline from setup to your first class.
What you’ll learn: how to meet each of the six requirements, where and how to apply for municipal licenses in Burnaby, which permits might be needed for a classroom or home office, and the typical startup costs for equipment, software, insurance, and space. We'll also map a practical timeline so you know what to do and when to do it, helping you move from idea to opening smoothly.
Why Burnaby makes a great home for a computer training business: it’s a growing tech hub with a supportive business climate and access to a diverse student base. With the right setup, you can tap into in-demand IT and digital skills training while building a sustainable local brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a computer training business in Burnaby is BC Independent School Certification. This licensing confirms your program meets the standards to educate learners in BC, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable, so plan to obtain the certification before you start enrolling students or advertising courses.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits are foundational. Ensure your training space and activities comply with safety rules, and secure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your business and staff. If you use a physical location, check for any required facility permits or inspections and put clear safety, emergency, and incident reporting procedures in place.
Business Registration & Tax: Set up your basic business structure and numbers. Start with a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, and register a BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership. Plan for GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the threshold or if you expect to make taxable sales, and arrange Payroll Deductions registration if you have employees.
Encouragement: You’ve got this. Once you’ve confirmed the Independent School Certification pathway, tackle the registrations in a logical sequence, and use available resources or a trusted advisor to keep you on track. With these steps in place, you’ll be well positioned to launch a compliant and successful computer training program in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a computer training in Burnaby:
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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 computer training:
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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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