How to Expand to British Columbia
If you’re thinking about opening a location in British Columbia to launch a new business or to expand an existing operation, we can help you through the process.
Establish a New Business
It’s easy to set up a business in British Columbia — in fact, most businesses can be incorporated in a matter of hours. Initiatives to streamline and reform regulations have reduced compliance costs and made it easier for businesses to operate. Our employment laws are responsive to the needs of businesses while protecting the well-being of employees.
Grow Your Business
British Columbia is one of North America’s most advantageous business locations, thanks to a responsible fiscal policy and a competitive tax system. Moody’s consistently rates British Columbia AAA, its highest rating, based on our strong economy and financial outlook. This reflects confidence in British Columbia’s fiscal management and ability to reduce its debt below the median of other provinces in Canada.
Doing Business in British Columbia
Expanding your business presence in British Columbia? General information about laws, regulations, employment considerations, taxes, and business practices that are relevant to starting and operating a company in B.C. can be found in this comprehensive guide.
Programs and Business Incentives
B.C. is pro-business and has a wide range of programs available to help lower operating costs or provide an avenue for businesses to access essential funds. There are also many Federal and Provincial tax credits available for businesses that qualify based on industry. The B.C. Ministry of Finance publishes a comprehensive list of these tax credits.
Tax credits and programs targeting specific sectors of the economy, which in some cases, are funded by the provincial government in cooperation with the federal government, include:
Information pertaining to other types of taxes and tax credits can be referenced through the B.C. Ministry of Finance website. Other notable programs that are non-sector specific Include:
- BC Employer Training Tax Credit (Province of B.C.)
- BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (Province of B.C.)
- BC Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit (Province of B.C.)
- Climate Action and Low Carbon Operations Incentives (BC Hydro)
- InBC Investment Fund (Province of B.C.)
- InnovateBC R&D Tax Grants (Province of B.C.)
- Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive (Government of Canada & Province of B.C.)
Other economic development funding and grants can also be explored through the B.C. Provincial Government website.
Canadian Federal Government Programs And Incentives
The Government of Canada offers various supports to businesses across the country, providing assistance with financing, development, tax credits, and wage subsidies. The following are some of the most widely accessed programs:
- <British Columbia Environmental Tax Credit (Government of Canada)
- Canadian Technology Accelerators (Government of Canada)
- Industrial Research Assistance Program (Government of Canada) – This National Research Council program provides funding to support innovative research and development projects.
- Strategic Innovation Fund (Government of Canada) – This program offers funding for business innovation and growth, as well as industrial research and development.
- Scientific Research and Experimental Development (Government of Canada) – This program provides organizations undertaking basic research, applied research and experimental development tax credits.
Overseen by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada are also a wide variety of other Programs and Initiatives available to Canadian businesses in all areas of the economy.
The Business Benefits Finder can be used to navigate the more than 1,600 federal government programs and incentives available to businesses in Canada.
Learn more about B.C.
Discover the sector or regional advantages to support your business. Learn more about community engagement and consulting with Indigenous people and First Nations communities in British Columbia.