Launch Your Burnaby Farm Management Services Business Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Farm Management Services business (NAICS 115116) right in Burnaby. It covers the five essential setup requirements, from registering your company to securing the right licenses, and explains what permits you may need to operate legally in the city and province. You’ll also get a clear look at typical start-up costs and a realistic timeline to kick off.
What you’ll learn: the five requirements you must meet (business registration and name search, tax numbers and GST/HST setup, municipal business license and zoning clearance, insurance and safety basics, and client contract readiness). We break down permits, costs (filing fees, insurance, basic equipment), and the steps to move from planning to your first client within weeks.
Burnaby’s blend of suburban farms, community markets and easy access to suppliers makes it a great place to launch farm-management services. Local networks and city programs can speed permits and connections with clients.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a farm management service in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration. This number is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and you need it to handle taxes, payroll, and dealings with government programs. You cannot legally operate without a BN, so securing it is non-negotiable and should be your first step.
Next come the health and safety and payroll responsibilities. Make sure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so workers are protected and you meet provincial rules. If you hire employees, you’ll also need to set up payroll deductions and remit them. And if your activities require it, you’ll need GST/HST registration to collect and remit tax on taxable goods and services.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll likely register a BC business name if you plan to operate under a name other than your own, choosing between a Sole Proprietorship or a Partnership. This BC name registration is separate from your BN. You’ll also plan GST/HST registration (if not already) and ensure any payroll registrations are in place when you hire staff.
With these basics in place, you’ll have a solid, legal foundation. Start by confirming your BN, then move to BC Business Name registration if needed, followed by WorkSafeBC coverage, payroll setup, and GST/HST registration as applicable. If you’d like, I can map a simple 60-day action plan and point you to the exact government pages. You’ve got this—these steps set you up for a confident, compliant start.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a farm 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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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 management services:
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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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