Launch a Burnaby Copy Shop and Other Business Service Centers
This page helps you start an Other Business Service Center (NAICS 561439) in Burnaby, including copy shops. It offers a practical, step-by-step path from idea to opening, with a clear overview of the five essential requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, cost estimates, and a realistic timeline. You’ll also find simple checklists, quick tips on equipment and workspace setup, and links to local resources to save time.
Five essential requirements guide your setup: 1) register your business with provincial authorities, 2) obtain a Burnaby business license, 3) choose a legal structure, 4) set up tax accounts (GST/HST, payroll as needed), and 5) meet local zoning, occupancy, and other permitting rules. The guide couples these prerequisites with a transparent timeline and cost ranges for licensing, initial equipment, fit-out, and ongoing fees, helping you budget and avoid delays.
Burnaby’s central location, strong small-business ecosystem, and easy access to Metro Vancouver make it a great place to launch a copy shop or service center. The city’s supportive licensing process, affordable commercial space options, and skilled workforce can help you move from plan to opening faster while still delivering professional, local service to customers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must—you cannot legally run a business without a BN. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and serves as a single ID for your federal tax accounts, making it easier to handle GST/HST, payroll deductions, and other government filings. This is non-negotiable, so start your BN process now.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health and safety and any necessary local permits. Make sure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for your employees and follow BC’s health and safety rules. Depending on your location and services, you may also need Burnaby-specific permits or licenses (such as a general business license or signage permits). Keeping safety practices in place protects staff and customers and helps you stay compliant.
Business Registration & Tax basics: In addition to the BN, you’ll likely need BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating under a name other than your personal name (sole proprietorship/partnership). GST/HST registration is required when you reach the taxable threshold (or you may choose to register voluntarily). Payroll Deductions Registration applies if you hire employees. These registrations connect back to your BN and support proper tax reporting and payroll administration.
Encouragement and next steps: With these basics in place, you’ll be well positioned to launch your Burnaby service center. Start by confirming your business name and structure, then apply for the BN, register your BC name if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll deductions as required. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, step-by-step action checklist for your exact setup.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other business service centers (including copy shops) 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 other business service centers (including copy shops):
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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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