Launch Surrey Elderly and Disability Care Services in 7 Steps
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities in Surrey (NAICS 624120). It outlines what you need to do to turn your care idea into a compliant, client-ready service—from business setup to early operations. You'll find a clear overview of the seven requirements, a snapshot of permits and registrations, cost ranges, and a realistic timeline to guide your planning.
What you'll learn: the seven requirements you must meet, the permits and registrations you may need (business registration, insurance, caregiver qualifications, background checks, safety standards, local bylaws), estimated startup costs, ongoing expenses, and a practical 3–6 month timeline from concept to launch. It also covers how to price services and build relationships with local agencies and clients.
Why Surrey works: Surrey's fast-growing community of seniors, family networks, and strong local resources make it a welcoming place to start. Proximity to Vancouver and a diverse population create solid demand for in-home and community-based services under NAICS 624120. The city has resources to support small businesses and ethical care providers, which helps you launch confidently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a senior care and disability services business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate or bill clients without it. It ties your business to tax, payroll, and other government filings, so getting your BN set up is non-negotiable before you go further.
Operationally, you’ll need the practical permits and coverage to run safely. That includes a valid City of Surrey Business Licence to operate within the municipality and, if you’ll trade under a name other than your own, BC Business Name Registration. If you hire staff, you’ll also need WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect workers and meet regulatory obligations. These steps ensure you’re compliant with local rules and that both clients and workers are safeguarded.
From a registration and tax perspective, you’ll complete the BN registration (as noted above), plus BC Business Name Registration if applicable, and GST/HST Registration as your revenues make you a GST/HST collector. Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you have employees. If you operate as a registered charity, you’ll pursue Registered Charity Status with the CRA to issue tax receipts to donors. Each of these pieces helps you stay on the right side of the rules while supporting sustainable operations.
Next steps: map out your business structure (sole proprietor or partnership), decide on a trade name if any, and start applications with the CRA for BN, with WorkSafeBC, and with the City of Surrey for the business licence. Take it one step at a time—these registrations unlock the ability to legally operate and provide reliable services to your clients. You’ve got this, and help is available if you’d like a checklist or sample forms.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a services for the elderly and persons with disabilities in Surrey:
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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 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 services for the elderly and persons with disabilities:
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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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