Whether you are relocating or starting a new company in Surrey, there are a number of resources to support your venture.
Business Immigration Program
The business immigration program identifies, encourages and assists foreign business persons to settle and establish business ventures in British Columbia. Seminars on business opportunities and business immigration in British Columbia are offered on a regular basis.
For more information, contact: Ministry of Economic Development, Business Immigration: Tel: (604) 775-2227 email: bus.imm@gov.bc.ca
Legal Advice – The Canadian Bar Association
Website: www.bccba.org
Legal consultation is advisable when setting up a corporation, prior to taking part in a contractual agreement, or when presented with legal difficulties. Lawyer Referral Service is designed to assist with obtaining legal advice. They can help you to set up a half hour consultation with a lawyer in your area at a reasonable rate.
Small Business BC
Website: www.smallbusinessbc.ca
The provincial and federal governments have teamed up to pool their efforts in a “one stop shop” providing information on all aspects of business planning and operation, and extensive library resources through their Business Info Centre (BIC) in Vancouver. The Vancouver BIC has a customer service desk and resource library.
Insurance Brokers Association of BC
Website: www.ibabc.org
Make sure you’re covered, get advice and referrals to protect assets and ensure business stability.
Surrey Board of Trade
Website: www.businessinsurrey.com
The Surrey Board of Trade’s Business Resource Centre can help you get your business name approved by the Provincial Government, register the business, provide you with copies of your registration or incorporation papers, conduct corporate searches, certify certificates of origin, and provide several business resources including consultation with an exporting expert, in addition to the numerous support services offered through our memberships.
Accounting and Taxation
Advice and referrals on financial record keeping are available from accountants’ organizations such as Certified General Accountants’ Association of BC or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.
Enquiry BC
Website: www.lcs.gov.bc.ca
Enquiry BC is a toll free information service for the Province of British Columbia that provides references to the appropriate Ministry, branch or department of your inquiry.
Better Business Bureau of BC (BBB)
Website: www.bbbvan.org
This non-profit organization is committed to the principle that fair dealing is good business for both the buyer and seller. The BBB concentrates on self-regulatory procedures through which business can discipline unfair trade practices, as well as the collection and dispersal of information to consumers to help them make sound purchasing decisions.
Business Development Bank of Canada
Website: www.bdc.ca
The BDC, wholly owned by the government of Canada, is a financial institution providing small and medium-sized businesses with flexible financing, consulting services and venture capital.
BC Government Publications Index
Website: www.publications.gov.bc.ca
The Publications Index provides quick and easy access to Government of British Columbia publications, participating School Districts and Alberta Trades Learning Modules.