Search
This Site
2. Register Your Business with Corporate Registries (Unless you are a sole-proprietor operating under your own name)
3. Meet Local Development & Zoning Regulations
4. Obtain Town of Canmore Business License
5. Meet Industry Regulatory Requirements
6. Register your company for Taxation & Payroll Deductions
7. WCB & Insurance
8. Obtain a Business Bank Account from your bank
9. Start Selling
Partners in Economic Development
Town of Canmore
Tourism Canmore
The Biosphere
Institute
BOWDA
Mountain Arts
Foundation
Canmore Community
Housing Corporation
MD of Bighorn # 8
Chamber of Commerce
Associate Membership
Canmore Business Registry
1. RESEARCH & PLANNING
§ Business Development Centre West (BDC West) - are in Canmore weekly to meet and counsel business, whether for start-up, tune-up, assistance in financing arrangements, or other. 1-877-603-2329
§ The Business Link is probably the most comprehensive source of information available to Alberta entrepreneurs, containing everything from industry regulations, marketing research tips, business start-up guides, legal agreements, business tune-ups, and more: www.cbsc.org
§ Business Consultants, Lawyers, Accountants, – Canmore & area has many qualified counselors, consultants & professionals ready to assist with your business decisions. Check out the Bow Valley Business Listing online at www.canmorebusiness.com
§ Market Research: Obtain local stats/info from Canmore Profile on this website. Check Stats Canada, and other sources. Industry publications, journals and Industry Associations are an excellent source of data. Look up business customers & competitors on Town of Canmore Online Services Online Business Directory or www.albertafirst.com Business Directory.
§ Business Plan guides are available through banks, accountants, software programs, consultants and if you have internet access, the easiest template available is through The Business Link The Interactive Business Planner - IBP
2. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS
Canmore Registry
838 Main St. Canmore
678-9320
§ Decide how your business will be structured: Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Incorporation, Cooperative.
§ Decide on a name for your business. You may be legally challenged if your business carries a name similar to another. In Alberta, you may conduct a name search through your local Registry Office or for corporations, you may request an actual NUANS Report, again through the local office.
§ Sole Proprietors will not need to register with corporate registries if they are carrying on business in their own name.
§ Register your business with Alberta Corporate Registries through the Canmore Registry Office. If you will be carrying on business beyond Alberta or outside of Canada, you should probably register your business with Corporations Canada online.
3. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT & ZONING REGULATIONS
§ Location: Decide on the best location for your business. Ensure that your business can meet all development & zoning regulations and at the same time attract the market you need for success. Click Here for Town of Canmore & MD of Bighorn Planning Requirements for more information or contact the local Planning Department to check if your business will be eligible in the location you have in mind.
Town of Canmore Planning & Development
Canmore Civic Centre 678-1511
MD of Bighorn Planning & Development, Exshaw 673-3611
4. OBTAIN A CANMORE BUSINESS LICENSE
-
All businesses carrying on business in the Town of Canmore are required to register with an annual Business License.
Town of Canmore Business License Registry
Civic Centre
902 - 7th Ave
678-1503
-
There are no business license requirements in the MD of Bighorn although development approval may be required. (see Item 3 above)
5. MEET INDUSTRY REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
§ To find out if your business is regulated, Contact: Alberta Government Services, Consumer Services Division 1-877-427-4088 See the document Provincial Business Licenses and Registrations
6. TAXATION & PAYROLL REGISTRATIONS
§ Canada Revenue Agency: Most businesses are required to deduct corporate income tax, GST, import/export taxes, and payroll deductions. Businesses will be assigned the same single Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for all of the accounts that apply. For information or to register:
Canada Revenue Agency (Calgary)
220 - 4th Avenue South East
Calgary, Alberta T2G 0L1
Toll-free: 1-800-959-5525
§ Alberta Employment Standards: Know and understand employer/employee relation regulations. Contact the Employment Standards Branch of Alberta Labour and/or the Canmore Job Resource Centre.
§ Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan - All employers with five or more employees, including owners and partners, are required to form an employee group for payroll deductions of Alberta Health Care premiums. 1-800-272-8864. See the document Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Group Coverage Fact Sheet
7. WCB & INSURANCE
§ Workers' Compensation Act (WCB) - In Alberta, most employers are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance for all of their workers and must notify the WCB-Alberta within 15 days of hiring their first worker. (403) 517-6000 For further information see the document Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) - Alberta or http://www.wcb.ab.ca
§ Make sure your business is adequately insured for accidents, liability, theft and any other risks. Your insurance agent is the best source of expertise or check out The Business Link. For a list of local insurance providers, check out the Bow Valley Business Directory at www.canmorebusiness.com
8. OBTAIN A BUSINESS (sometimes called a "COMMERCIAL") BANK ACCOUNT FROM YOUR BANK
9. Open Your Doors & Start SELLING!