Self Employment

If you are planning to start your own business, we have some information to help you.

Please remember that starting a business is always a risk and you have the greatest chance of success if you research your idea well. The following is information on the Internet that can help you get started.

Canada Business - Services for Entrepreneurs
This link is to the Small Business and Self Employment section of the Canada Customs and Revenue website. It contains much of the information you will need. Call toll free 1-800-959-5525 for a 24 hour/day telemessage or speak to a representative between 8:15 am - 8:00 pm. Try early or late for best results.

Provincial - BC Small Business Start Up Services and Resources
Information for starting a Small Business in Canada. If you have not started a small business before, there is helpful information about business planning. If you already have experience in business start up, read the section Small Business and you will find the Business Guides. It will be the most up-to-date on business start up in BC.

Government of British Columbia - Government Agents
Look for "Business Information and Referrals" or visit in person at: BC Access Centre 460 Selby Street, Nanaimo BC V9R 2R7 Tel: (250) 741-3636 Fax: (250) 741-3663 Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

City of Nanaimo
You can get local information at the City of Nanaimo site. See "Business Licenses and Business Information". There is also an excellent "Community Profile" with information about Nanaimo's population, economy and more.

Community Futures Resource Library
On-line resource library of links and documents on a variety of topics relating to self-employment.

Remember that we are here to help. Please call us or drop in for more information.

  The Government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative

Angelika Valchar Employment Consultant Tel: (250) 753-5503 (ext 2) Fax: (250) 753-4250 E-mail: avalchar@cvims.org