Launch a Telemarketing Bureau in Surrey: Your Step-by-Step Guide
This page helps you launch a Telemarketing Bureaus and Other Contact Centers (NAICS 561422) in Surrey. It provides a clear overview of six essential startup requirements, plus the permits, costs, and timeline you’ll need to plan for. Six essential startup requirements: 1) register your business with BC Corporate Registry; 2) secure a City of Surrey business license; 3) set up payroll, taxes, and GST/HST obligations; 4) ensure privacy and telemarketing compliance (CASL and PIPEDA); 5) obtain appropriate insurance and bonding if required; 6) establish workplace safety and staff training through WorkSafeBC.
Beyond the list, you’ll learn practical steps for each item: where to apply, typical fees, and how long each step takes. You’ll get a realistic cost picture—licensing, registration, space, telecom, software, and ongoing compliance—so you can budget confidently. A typical Surrey launch timeline runs roughly 6–12 weeks from planning to go-live.
Why Surrey? The city offers affordable space, a growing business ecosystem, and close access to talent in the Metro Vancouver region, making it a strong base for telemarketing teams and client contact centers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a telemarketing bureau in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, is the central identifier for your business across tax accounts and government programs. You cannot legally operate or bill clients without a BN, and you’ll need it to set up payroll, collect GST/HST, and register for other programs. This requirement is non-negotiable.
Beyond the BN, there are essential operational steps to keep you compliant and safe. You’ll need a City of Surrey business licence to operate locally, and you should register your business name if you’re using a name other than your own (BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership). It’s also important to arrange WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your staff and meet BC health and safety rules. Grouped together, these items cover the permits, safety, and basic workplace obligations you must meet before you open your doors.
For registration and taxes, you’ll rely on your BN to handle ERP-style accounts with the government. Plan GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies reach the threshold (or if you choose to register voluntarily), and set up payroll deductions registration for any employees. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, make sure your BC Business Name Registration aligns with your public business name so everything ties together smoothly.
Next steps are practical and straightforward. Gather your basic business details, apply for BN, then obtain the Surrey business licence and, if needed, BC Name Registration. Set up WorkSafeBC coverage and tax accounts (GST/HST, payroll) as part of your onboarding. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple checklist and timeline to fit your exact situation and help you get running quickly and compliantly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a telemarketing bureaus and other contact centers 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).
-
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 telemarketing bureaus and other contact centers:
-
Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
-
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: