Launch Your Burnaby Telephone Answering Services Business Today
This page guides you through starting a Burnaby-based telephone answering services business (NAICS 561421). You’ll get a practical overview of the five key requirements, plus what permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline. It’s designed to be approachable — no jargon, just clear steps you can follow to move from idea to revenue quickly.
Five essential requirements to launch: 1) Structure and register your business (roughly $60–$300; 1–2 weeks). 2) Get a Burnaby business license (and home-based permit if needed) ($100–$300; 2–4 weeks). 3) Set up telephony and privacy basics ($1,000–$5,000; 1–3 weeks). 4) Arrange insurance and privacy/compliance measures ($300–$1,200/year; 1–2 weeks). 5) GST/HST registration and invoicing setup with CRA (no upfront license cost; 0–1 week; ongoing).
Burnaby’s business-friendly climate and easy access to Vancouver’s tech ecosystem make it a smart starting point for a telephone answering services business. Local resources, streamlined permits, and a thriving small-business scene help you grow confidently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency is legally required to manage taxes, payroll, and other programs, and you cannot legally operate a business in Canada without it. Getting your BN in place is non-negotiable and should be your very first step so you can open accounts, file returns, and stay compliant.
Mandatory operational requirements: For health and safety and general practice, you’ll need WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. If you hire employees or contractors, this coverage is mandatory and helps protect your team while keeping you compliant with BC rules. This category covers the essential safety framework for a call-center setup, including proper coverage for workers and adherence to workplace safety standards.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, register your BC business name if you’re operating as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. You’ll also handle tax registrations: GST/HST Registration with the CRA and Payroll D deductions Registration with the CRA if you have staff. These steps ensure you collect and remit taxes correctly, maintain proper payroll records, and keep your business compliant with federal and provincial requirements.
Encouragement: Start step by step and keep it practical. Gather your documents (business name ideas, ID, address), file the BN with the CRA, then register your BC business name, and add GST/HST and payroll registrations as you grow. If you hire, set up WorkSafeBC coverage. If you feel unsure at any point, a quick chat with a small-business advisor or accountant can make the process smoother. You’ve got a clear path—just take it one step at a time.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a telephone answering services in Burnaby:
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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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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 telephone answering services:
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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.
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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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