Launch Your Other Individual and Family Services Business in Victoria
This page gives a practical, action-ready roadmap to starting an Other Individual and Family Services business (NAICS 624190) in Victoria. You’ll find a clear overview of the seven requirements, plus the permits and licenses you’ll typically need at the city level, along with expected costs and a realistic timeline. It’s designed to be easy to follow—step by step—from registration and local permits to the initial setup needed to get you launch-ready.
In this guide you’ll learn the seven key requirements and what they entail in Victoria: registration and business license, zoning/compliance checks, provincial or municipal permits, background checks if needed, insurance (liability and workers’ comp), tax registrations and payroll setup if you hire, and privacy and record-keeping policies. We’ll also cover typical costs (startup and licensing), plus a realistic timeline from initial planning to a launch-ready business.
Victoria’s supportive community and steady regulatory environment make it a strong place to serve families through 624190 services. With clear licensing pathways and local resources, you can build trust and grow your client base while meeting essential requirements.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria, BC is the Business Licence. This licence is issued by your local municipality and you must have it in place before you start offering any services. Without it, you’re not legally allowed to operate, and that breach can lead to fines or closure. Securing the licence is the foundation that unlocks the other essential registrations and compliance steps you’ll need.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, permits. Beyond the licence, focus on health and safety and essential permits. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is mandatory and you’ll need to maintain safety policies, training, and reporting to stay compliant. Create clear procedures for safe service delivery, and keep records showing you meet BC safety standards. This is non-negotiable for protecting both clients and staff.
Business Registration & Tax. Your business identity and tax numbers also matter. Register BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) if you operate under a name other than your own. You’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes and payroll. GST/HST Registration may be required if your revenues meet thresholds or you choose to register. Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you employ staff. If you intend to operate as a registered charity, apply for Registered Charity Status with the CRA to issue donation receipts.
Encouragement and next steps. Start with your local Victoria municipality to secure the Business Licence, then set up the BN and any charitable status you need, and plan for WorkSafeBC coverage. Gather the necessary documents, confirm your business structure, and map out a practical timeline. You’re on the right track—take it one step at a time, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your services.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other individual and family services in Victoria:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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