Launch Your Farm Labor Contractor and Crew Leader Business in Surrey
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Farm Labor Contractors and Crew Leaders business in Surrey. You’ll find a clear overview of the six essential requirements, the permits you may need, likely start‑up costs, and a realistic timeline to get your crew on the field. Tying it to NAICS 115115, this guide keeps things simple and approachable for first-time entrepreneurs.
You’ll learn exactly what the six requirements cover—business registration, licensing or permits, proof of identity and operating authority, insurance or bonding, workers’ compensation coverage, and compliant record-keeping. We’ll outline the typical permits at provincial and local levels, share rough cost ranges, and lay out a practical, step-by-step timeline from registering your business to securing your first contract and paying your first crew.
Surrey’s proximity to farms and a growing ag labor market makes it a natural fit for this business. With local networks and a supportive business climate, you’ll be well-positioned to connect with growers and crews.
Requirements Overview
The most fundamental starting point for operating a farm labor contracting business in Surrey is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and acts as your single identifier for taxes, payroll, and other federal programs. You cannot legally operate without a BN, so securing this registration is non-negotiable and foundational for everything that follows.
For day-to-day operations, you’ll want to cover health, safety, and permits. Health and safety obligations include having WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, plus ongoing safety training and clear safety practices for your crew leaders. In addition, you’ll need the right permits and local confirmations: a Surrey business licence to operate legally in the city, and BC Business Name registration if you’re using a trade name rather than your personal legal name. Keeping these in place helps you run a compliant, safe operation and avoids surprises later.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need to line up several key items. If you’re not operating under your own legal name, register your BC Business Name for your Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. You’ll also handle tax registrations: GST/HST registration (required if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold or if you choose to register for credits), and Payroll D deductions registration so you can properly withhold and remit income tax, CPP, and EI for employees.
You’re taking solid, practical steps by planning these registrations now. Next steps: contact the City of Surrey about a business licence, confirm whether you need BC Business Name registration, set up your BN with the CRA, and determine GST/HST and payroll tax needs. If you want, I can outline a simple checklist and timeline to get you from here to fully compliant status.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a farm labor contractors and crew leaders 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 farm labor contractors and crew leaders:
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A $25.7M program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership open to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. AAFC contributes up to 70% of eligible costs (max $1M/year or $5M over 5 years; $100K/year or $500K for national fair projects). In-kind contributions capped at 15% of total. Priority intake closed May 30, 2025; …
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The Agricultural Living Laboratories Initiative (now operating under the Agricultural Climate Solutions — Living Labs program) is a $185-million, 10-year federal initiative that brings together farmers, scientists, and sector stakeholders to develop and evaluate innovative technologies and practices in real-world farm conditions. Fourteen living labs across Canada were launched in …
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The Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative (AYGI) was a wage subsidy program under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada designed to attract youth to environmentally focused careers in agriculture. It offered two streams: the Green Farms Stream (subsidizing on-farm youth internships up to $10,000 per intern) and the Green Internships Stream (subsidizing …
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The Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AgGGP) was a $27 million, five-year contribution program administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, representing Canada's contribution to the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. It provided funding to eligible institutions for GHG mitigation research in four priority areas: livestock systems, cropping systems, agricultural …
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BCSRIF is funded 70% federally (DFO) and 30% provincially (BC). Phase 2 provided $128.55M for 73 projects. Covers up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial organizations; commercial recipients receive 50-90% depending on size. Available for BC-based projects until March 31, 2026. Applications assessed competitively on merit.
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