Launch Your Surrey-Based Other Performing Arts Companies Today
This page is your practical, friendly guide to launching an Other Performing Arts Companies (NAICS 711190) in Surrey. You’ll find a clear overview of the 7 requirements you must meet, plus the permits and registrations you’ll likely need, and a sense of the costs and timeline involved. It’s all about turning a great idea into a compliant, ready-to-perform plan.
You’ll learn the 7 requirements you’ll need to satisfy—from business registration and provincial licensing to local permits and workers’ safety standards. We’ll spell out the permits and registrations common to Surrey’s performing arts companies, plus a practical budget range and a realistic timeline. Expect to budget for filing fees, insurance, space or studio costs, and ongoing regulatory costs.
Why Surrey? The city’s growing performing arts scene, accessible venues, and supportive small-business resources create a welcoming launchpad for your company. With lower costs than larger markets and easy connections to Vancouver’s arts ecosystem, Surrey helps you grow audiences, book spaces, and bring productions to life.
Requirements Overview
Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment) is the foundation for any performing arts company in Surrey. You must have the rights to use music, scripts, recordings, and other content, and secure proper licenses or permissions before presenting work. This is not optional—without the right permissions, you cannot legally operate or avoid penalties, so start by mapping out all content you’ll use and securing licenses upfront.
Mandatory Operational Requirements are health, safety, and permits. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for anyone working with your company, and implement basic safety practices in rehearsals and venues. Also check local rules for events or venues and obtain any required permits or licences from Surrey (for example, a business licence) before you start performing or selling tickets.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to set up your official business identity and tax accounts. Register your BC Business Number (BN) and your BC Business Name (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) if you operate under a name other than your own. Plan for GST/HST registration as your revenue grows, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire employees or contractors who require payroll withholding.
Encouragement: With these steps in place, you’ll be on solid ground to launch your performing arts company in Surrey. Start by choosing your business structure, securing a name, and filing the BN and name registrations, then apply for a Surrey business licence and any local permits. If you’d like, I can outline a simple one-page checklist or connect you with a local startup adviser to tailor this to your exact plans.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other performing arts companies in Surrey:
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Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment) RequiredMedia production and entertainment businesses must comply with copyright law, obtain rights/licenses, and may need to register with copyright collectives (SOCAN, Re:Sound). Copyright Act compliance for media and entertainment. Licensing agreements. SOCAN, Re:Sound royalties. Digital rights management. Fair dealing. Contact Copyright Board: 613-952-8621.
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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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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.
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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 performing arts companies:
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The City of Castlegar's Grants in Aid program accepts applications from community organizations four times per year. The program supports non-profit and community groups delivering programs and services in Castlegar, including arts and cultural organizations. Applications are reviewed quarterly by City Council.
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The Open Spaces Program is an initiative by Prismatic Arts Festival and Neptune Theatre to assist traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities in the HRM arts community. The program provides free access to a rehearsal room, kitchen, and restroom facilities including power, lighting, and stage space. Artists of all disciplines and …
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The Chrysalis Project, initiated in 2018, is a hands-on learning program that provides emerging directors, designers, and choreographers with experience and exposure to professional productions at Neptune Theatre. Chrysalis participants are mentored by seasoned local and visiting professionals. Supported by the RBC Emerging Artist Program, it has included dedicated streams …
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The Maria Anna Mozart Award, launched in 2016, is the first award of its kind in Canada. It provides $10,000 for Symphony Nova Scotia to commission and perform a new symphonic work by a Canadian woman or non-binary composer. The award is given every three years and was made possible …
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The Municipality of Pictou County provides Municipal Grants to non-profit sector and charitable organizations that offer community-based programs and services that replace, supplement, or complement the municipal mandate. Grants benefit one or more council districts or the entire municipality. This includes support for arts, culture, and heritage organizations and initiatives.
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