Launch Your Other Individual and Family Services in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting an Other Individual and Family Services business (NAICS 624190) in Burnaby. Learn about the six requirements you must meet, plus an approachable overview of permits, licences, and what it costs to get up and running. We'll walk you through a realistic plan so you know what to do first and how to prepare. Plus, get action steps you can start today.
You’ll discover exactly what to prepare for each requirement, the typical permits and registrations you’ll need from Burnaby and provincial authorities, and the expected timeline. The guide also covers starter costs—from registration fees to essential setup investments—so you can budget with confidence and avoid surprises. By the end, you’ll have a clear path from idea to opening day, and you’ll know when to apply and what to budget.
Burnaby is a welcoming hub for family- and community-focused services, with local support and nearby resources to help you grow a trusted, impactful business, and make meaningful connections with clients and partners.
Requirements Overview
In Burnaby, starting an individual and family services operation hinges on a few essential steps. The most critical starting point is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This CRA-issued number is required to handle taxes, payroll, and dealings with government agencies, and you cannot legally operate without it. If you plan to raise donations as a charity, you’ll also pursue Registered Charity Status with the CRA, and if you’ll run as a sole proprietorship or partnership under a name other than your own, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration. These registrations are non-negotiable foundations for legitimacy and smooth operation.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. Ensure your workplace is safe for staff and clients, with WorkSafeBC coverage and registration if you have employees or contractors. Develop clear policies for safeguarding clients, emergency procedures, and privacy, and obtain any necessary local permits or approvals. Keeping up-to-date records and aligning with general health and safety standards will help you run responsibly.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN and name registration, plan for GST/HST registration if your taxable revenue meets or exceeds the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions registration if you have staff (to handle income tax, CPP/EI). These steps ensure you’re compliant with federal and provincial tax rules and payroll obligations, even as you focus on delivering services to families in Burnaby.
Encouragement and Next Steps: Start with a practical action plan—check the CRA and BC registries, set up your accounting, and reach out to a local business advisor or Small Business BC for guidance. With these core steps in place, you’ll move confidently from idea to compliant, ready-to-operate services that support families in our community.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other individual and family 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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Registered Charity Status (Social Services) RequiredMany social service organizations operate as registered charities to receive tax-exempt status and issue donation receipts. CRA registration and compliance required. CRA registers charities federally (T2050 application). Ontario: Extra-Provincial Corporations Act for foreign charities. Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) for provincial incorporation. Charitable purpose required. Annual T3010 filing. Disbursement quota rules. ONCA transition completed Oct 2024. Contact CRA Charities: 1-800-267-2384.
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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 individual and family services:
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Two streams: Community-Based (up to $25,000 for local projects led by and for seniors) and Pan-Canadian ($1M–$5M for national collective impact initiatives). The most recent Community-Based intake closed September 17, 2025; Pan-Canadian intake closed November 2023. Next call dates have not been announced as of early 2026. The program runs …
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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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