Business in Fort St. John

More than 18,000 people, mostly young families with children, call Fort St. John home.

The City, located in the heart of majestic Peace River country, is the largest regional service center in northeastern BC, servicing 64,000 people in outlying areas. A safe, clean and nourishing community, it is an excellent place to live, raise families, do business, have fun and retire.

Fort St. John offers prospective investors and business operators an array of benefits as the City successfully delivers on its spirit of exploration of ideas, opportunities and improvement. 

A hub for enterprise and excitement

The most important center for enterprise in the northeast region of British Columbia, Fort St. John's key industries are oil and gas, agriculture and forestry. Area residents, Fort St. John's greatest assets, are skilled employees, entrepreneurs, franchise owners and wealth creators. An excellent transportation network of air, rail and highway links keep Fort St. John plugged in to major markets in British Columbia, Alberta and beyond.

Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce

Website:  www.fsjchamber.com

Call 250-785-6037

Checklist of Basic Requirements for Starting a Business

• Develop a business plan. Canadian Bank websites have sample plans.
• Incorporate or register your business name with the Registrar of Companies.
• Contact the Director of Protective Services at Fort St. John City Hall for the appropriate permits and licenses.
• Obtain the proper provincial and/or federal licenses.
• Businesses with more than $30,000 in gross annual taxable sales and revenues must register with Canada Customs & Revenue Agency - Excise to collect and remit the Goods and Services Tax.
• Register your company with the Workers' Compensation Board.
• If you employ people, get a business number for remitting employees' federal and provincial income tax deductions, employment insurance premiums and Canada Pension Plan contributions.
• If you are buying goods for sale to the final consumer, apply for a social service tax registration certificate.
• If you are hiring employees or subcontracting for labour, check labour regulations with the Employment Standards Branch of the Ministry of Skills, Development and Labour.
• Contact an accountant to help set up your book keeping and accounting system.

Business Resources and Contacts

BC Corporate Registry
http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/registries/corppg/

BC OneStop Business Registration
http://www.bcbusinessregistry.ca

Canada Revenue Agency for Business
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html

WCB for Businesses
http://www.worksafebc.com/online_services/register_for_coverage/default.asp

Employment Standards Branch
http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/

Royal Bank of Canada Business section for Business plans
http://www.royalbank.com/

Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce
http://www.fsjchamber.com