LibGuides UFV: BUS 227, New Business Development: Starting and Running a Business

General Resources

Starting Your Business Checklist
Downloadable pdf which asks the questions you need to ask. From Small Business BC.
Small Business Accelerator
A list of resources - both freely available on the web and available from libraries - on starting and running a small business.
Work BC: Business Resources
A guide to resources than can help you turn your idea into a living, breathing B.C. business, from the government of BC.
Start and grow a social enterprise
From Government of Canada

Business Development Bank of Canada Advice Centre
Find information on topics like starting your business, expanding your sales, innovating, managing money and other business tools

Business Advice from the Banks

Small Business BC
B.C.-focused resource centre for knowledge-based business products and services designed to: assist in development and growth; improve productivity; increase profitability; and enable businesses to take advantage of new opportunities.
Canadian Co-operative Association
Links to information on all types of Canadian and international co-operatives, including credit unions, regarding associations, related government websites, and educational initiatives.
Canadian Marketing Association
Membership organization representing 30+ sectors; B2B business development exchange in Canada.
Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada
Canada's national self-regulatory organization overseeing all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.
Directories of Canadian Companies
Government of Canada

Canadian Franchise Directory
Canadian Importers Database
Summary reports and lists of companies
importing goods into Canada. Browse by city or country.
Canadian Trade Index
Information on over 30,000 Canadian manufacturers, distributors and service companies; search by product or company.
Frasers: Canada's industrial search engine
Directory of Industrial Suppliers and Manufacturers from Canadian Manufacturing Industry News

How to choose the right location for your business
Analyse your potential locations and help you decide on the best retail location for your business. From Business Development Bank Canada.

Corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship?
A brief description of the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of business ownership. From the Canada Business Network.
Doing Business in Canada (Gowlings)
An overview of different business structures, including: sole proprietorship; partnership; corporation; branch operations; and joint venture.

BizPal: Business Permit and Licence Information
Step-by-step guide to finding the permits and licences you may require when starting or operating your business in B.C.
OneStop Business Registry
Easy access to registering your business name, your business and incorporating your company.
Corporate Registry: Partnerships / Proprietorships
From the BC Goverment. Registry information and forms

How to Hire Your First Employee
Advice for evaluating your HR needs, recruiting qualified candidates, and managing HR.
Canada Revenue Agency: Small Businesses and Self-Employed
Taxation for business, business account registration, GST, corporate income tax, payroll, and excise taxes.

Employment Standards British Columbia
Resources related to employment standards in BC: wages, hours of work, vacations, statutory holidays, termination, and more.
Worksafe B.C.
Promotes workplace health and safety for the workers and employers of this province: consults with and educate employers and workers; enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation; and provides services to injured workers.
Labour Relations Board (BC)
Mediates and adjudicates employment and labour relations matters related to unionized workplaces in British Columbia.
Canada Industrial Relations Board
Dispute resolution service related to the interpretation and administration of Part I (Industrial Relations), and certain provisions of Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code.

Canadian Intellectual Property Office
Find information on registering patents, trademarks, intellectual property and copyright.

Top 50 Franchises
Annual review of the top 50 franchises across North American by Franchise Business Review; based exclusively on owner satisfaction survey.
Top 100 Global Fanchises: Franchise Direct
Annual ranking by Franchise Direct; criteria include system size (number of units); revenue; stability and growth; number of years in operation; market expansion; franchisee support and training; environmental policy; and social responsibility.