Launch a Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (NAICS 561591). You'll get a clear overview of the six startup requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll likely need, and a sensible look at initial costs and a realistic timeline—designed to help you plan with confidence.
You’ll learn the six requirements in plain terms, the typical approvals from city and state authorities, and the permits or licenses that often apply to a CVB setup. We break down startup costs (one-time setup and ongoing operations), provide rough budget ranges, and map a timeline from filing to an active bureau.
Why Richmond? The city's growing visitor economy, easy access for travelers, and a cooperative local government create a welcoming context for a CVB. With six straightforward requirements and a clear path for permits, costs, and timing, you can launch a bureau that elevates Richmond’s profile and boosts local tourism and business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Richmond is a Business Licence. This is a legal necessity from the City of Richmond to run any commercial activity within its borders, including a convention and visitors bureau. You cannot legally operate without it, and you’ll need to apply, pay the fee, and keep it current through renewal. Treat this as non-negotiable from day one.
Once you’re licensed, focus on health, safety, and permits. The key item in this area is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration, which ensures your workers are protected and your workplace meets provincial safety standards. If you have employees, you’ll need to manage premiums and maintain compliance records. Keeping safety rules up to date helps protect your team and reduce risk in your day-to-day operations.
Next comes business registration and tax numbers. You’ll typically register your BC Business Name if you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, and you’ll obtain a Business Number (BN) for dealings with federal and provincial governments. Depending on your revenue and activities, you may also need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration for employee payroll. These registrations keep you compliant with tax, payroll, and government reporting.
To get moving, start with your city license, then line up your registrations and tax setup. Gather the needed information, set renewal reminders, and consider talking to an accountant or business advisor to tailor registrations to your situation. With these basics in place, you’ll be on solid ground to launch and grow your Richmond convention and visitors bureau.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Richmond:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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 convention and visitors bureaus:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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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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