Launch Your Surrey 624190 Other Individual and Family Services Business
This page helps you plan and launch an Other Individual and Family Services business (NAICS 624190) in Surrey. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of the seven requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need from the City of Surrey, and the typical start-up costs involved—so you can move forward confidently. You’ll also get a simple costs snapshot and a clear timeline.
You’ll cover seven essentials: legal structure or registered name, provincial registration, a Surrey business license, zoning checks and permits, GST/HST registration with the CRA, any relevant provincial licenses, and staff background checks plus insurance. We’ll outline costs and a realistic timeline—most steps take a few weeks to a couple of months, with start-up costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand depending on licenses and setup.
Why Surrey? A supportive local business climate, growing family and social services sector, and easy access to Vancouver’s markets make this a promising place to start and grow your client base.
Requirements Overview
Starting an other individual and family services business in Surrey begins with getting a Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is your umbrella ID with the Canada Revenue Agency for taxes, payroll, and program accounts, and you generally cannot legally operate or hire staff without it. If you intend to run as a charity, you’ll also pursue Registered Charity Status (Social Services) so you can issue tax receipts and access certain funding streams.
Health and safety come next in practical terms. You’ll need WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect your employees and stay compliant with workplace rules. In addition, a City of Surrey Business Licence is required to operate legally in the city. If you’re working from home or a dedicated space, double-check local bylaws or zoning rules to avoid surprises down the line.
For registration and tax purposes, plan your business name and tax accounts as you grow. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, you’ll typically register a BC Business Name (the public-facing name you’ll use). You’ll also decide on GST/HST Registration (to charge GST/HST when applicable) and Payroll Deductions Registration (to handle withholdings and remittances for employees). If charity status is part of your plan, make sure you align that with the appropriate charity requirements and funding considerations.
Next steps and encouragement: gather your information, choose your business structure, and start applying for the BN, charity status if relevant, a Surrey business licence, and the provincial name registration as needed. Then set up GST/HST and payroll accounts with the CRA, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage, and connect with an accountant or business advisor to keep you on track. You’ll have a clear path to launch with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other individual and family services in Surrey:
-
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).
-
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.
-
Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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 …
-
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 …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: