Launch Your Burnaby Human Resources Consulting Services Practice Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step plan for starting a Burnaby-based Human Resources Consulting Services business under NAICS 541612. It offers a six-item startup requirements checklist, a quick view of the permits you may need from the City of Burnaby, and a realistic look at startup costs and timeline from idea to client-ready service.
In this guide you’ll learn the six essential startup requirements without guesswork: choose your business structure; register a business name with BC Registries; secure a City of Burnaby business license (and any municipal permits); register for GST/HST if your revenue crosses the threshold; obtain professional liability and cyber liability insurance; and set up your finances with a simple accounting system and a business banking setup. We also outline typical costs and a practical timeline.
Burnaby’s proximity to Vancouver, diverse industries, and growing small-business scene make it a strong base for HR consulting. It’s a friendly, accessible market to grow your practice while delivering real value to local employers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. You cannot legally run or invoice clients without this CRA-issued ID, and it serves as the umbrella for taxes, payroll, and other filings. This is non-negotiable: without a BN, you won’t be able to register for GST/HST, remit payroll deductions, or open official accounts in your business name. Think of the BN as your business’s official ID with the tax system, and you’ll use it for most filings going forward.
Beyond that, there are mandatory operational requirements that protect people and data. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is required to ensure workplace safety and proper injury coverage. Even as a solo consultant, you should put privacy controls in place because HR work involves handling personal information; comply with applicable privacy rules (PIPEDA and any BC privacy laws) by having a clear data-handling plan, secure storage, and a simple privacy policy.
On the business registration and tax side, BC Business Name Registration (for a sole proprietorship or partnership) lets you operate under a legal name. GST/HST registration may be required if your annual revenue meets the threshold (or you can register voluntarily). Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA is needed if you have employees to withhold and remit payroll taxes. These steps ensure you can legally invoice, pay yourself, and file obligations correctly.
To get started, map out your structure, complete BN and business name registration, review GST/HST requirements, and set up payroll and privacy measures. If you’re unsure, reach out to a small-business advisor or use government resources in BC and Canada. With these steps in place, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation to grow your HR consulting practice in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a human resources consulting 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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Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance RequiredProfessional services that collect, use, or disclose personal information must comply with PIPEDA federal privacy law. Includes consent requirements, security safeguards, and breach notification obligations. No registration required - compliance law. Follow PIPEDA's 10 fair information principles when handling personal data: accountability, identify purposes, consent, limit collection/use/retention, accuracy, safeguards, openness, individual access, challenging compliance. Appoint someone responsible for privacy. Penalties: up to $10M or 3% global revenue under proposed Bill C-27. Contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner 1-800-282-1376.
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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 human resources consulting services:
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Cohort-based program supporting Quebec companies operating primarily in immersive/interactive digital content (VR/AR/MR, interactive scenographies, installations). Selected cohorts share a total funding envelope. First cohort (2024): 17 companies shared $7.5M; second cohort (2025): 11 companies shared $3.725M (~$340K–$440K per company). Video games, animation, VFX, and traditional formats are not eligible.
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Non-repayable project or composite (multi-year) grants for arts sector innovation, development, and support activities. Project grants normally up to $50,000; composite grants up to $50,000/year for multi-year periods. Exceptional projects may receive up to $100,000. Rolling intake — no fixed deadlines.
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Invest Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate is a negotiated incentive for knowledge-based companies creating at least 20 net new full-time positions in Nova Scotia. The rebate is 5–10% of eligible gross payroll, disbursed annually over a set period (typically up to 5 years), after audited confirmation of job creation. Eligible …
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