Launch Your Other General Government Support Business in Burnaby
Thinking about starting an Other General Government Support business in Burnaby? This page gives a practical, step-by-step overview—from the ten requirements you'll meet to the permits, licenses, and startup costs involved. It also lays out a clear timeline from registration to launch, so you can plan with confidence.
What you'll learn: Get a concise overview of the ten requirements, the permits you'll likely need, typical startup costs and ongoing fees, and a realistic timeline for getting set up. We'll also note how this work fits under NAICS 921190 (Other General Government Support), and share tips to prepare your business plan and stay compliant.
Why Burnaby? The city’s location in Metro Vancouver, supportive business resources, and easy access to suppliers and clients make it a great place to launch an NAICS 921190 venture. With streamlined municipal processes and plenty of local guidance, you’ll have a solid path to go from idea to operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This unique identifier is required to interact with federal and provincial authorities for taxes, payroll, and GST/HST. You cannot legally operate or file government forms without a BN, so this requirement is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start.
For day-to-day operations, you’ll want to cover health, safety, and governance needs. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your staff, and align with employment standards for your workers. You’ll also want to uphold ethical practices by following Conflict of Interest and Ethics guidelines, and protect privacy by meeting Access to Information and Privacy requirements. If your work involves communications with the public in specific contexts, apply Official Languages Act requirements where applicable. Grouping these items helps you build a compliant, trustworthy operation when working with government and the community.
In addition, plan your business registration and tax setup. Along with the BN, register your BC business name if you’re operating under a name other than your own (for sole proprietorships or partnerships). You’ll likely need GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration so you can remit payroll taxes for employees. These steps ensure you can bill, report, and pay correctly from the start.
Next steps: start with your BN application, then determine if you need BC business name registration, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts. Gather the necessary documents, set up a simple compliance calendar with key filing dates, and consider reaching out to local business resources or a mentor to stay on track. You’ve got this—tackle each step, one by one.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other general government support 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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Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
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Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
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Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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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.
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