Launch a Surrey Convention and Visitors Bureau Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Convention and Visitors Bureau (NAICS 561591) in Surrey. You’ll find a concise 6-step requirements overview, plus the real-world details you need to prepare—permits, startup costs, and a realistic timeline—so you can move forward with clarity.
Inside, you’ll learn the six core requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits you may need to obtain, typical upfront and ongoing costs, and how long the process usually takes from planning to launch. The guide helps you map tasks, responsibilities, and milestones so you can track progress week by week.
Surrey’s growth, proximity to Vancouver, and vibrant events scene make it a strong home for a CVB. Partnering with hotels, venues, and city agencies here can boost conferences and visitor programs while keeping your goals achievable and aligned with local plans.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a convention and visitors bureau in Surrey is the Business Licence. This licence from the City of Surrey is legally required to run a business in the area, and you cannot operate without it. Having a valid business licence isn’t optional; it’s the first non-negotiable step to legally open your doors and serve visitors.
Beyond the licence, focus on health, safety, and essential permits. If you have employees, you must arrange WorkSafeBC coverage and comply with provincial health and safety rules. This includes registering with WorkSafeBC and maintaining safe work practices, plus keeping required notices posted. Depending on your activities, you may also need standard regulatory permits or clearances tied to your operations.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll want to handle registration and numbers that the government uses to track and regulate your activities. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership under a specific name, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to manage tax accounts. Depending on your revenue, you may need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Densions Registration for employee payroll; these are the accounts you’ll use to file taxes, collect GST/HST, and remit withholdings.
If you’re ready to move forward, take the next steps: apply for the Surrey Business Licence, set up your BC Business Name (if applicable), obtain your BN from CRA, and register for GST/HST and payroll deductions as needed. You’ve got this—taking these steps now will set a solid, compliant foundation for your Surrey convention and visitors bureau.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus 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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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 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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