Start Your Store

Get your online store up and running

Everything you need to register and launch a retail business in British Columbia, in order. Work through the steps at your own pace. Your progress is saved in this browser, or to your account if you sign in.

0 of 63 tasks done0%
  1. 1Choose your structure and business nameDecide how the business is set up and what it is called.0/4 tasks · 1–2 hours
  2. 2Register the business with BC RegistryRegister your sole proprietorship and business name.0/5 tasks · 30–60 minutes
  3. 3Get your CRA Business NumberThe federal number that your tax accounts attach to.0/4 tasks · 20–30 minutes
  4. 4Register for GST (5%)Collect GST from customers and claim back the GST you pay on stock.0/5 tasks · 30 minutes
  5. 5Register for BC PST (7%)Separate from GST, and the step people most often miss.0/5 tasks · 30–45 minutes
  6. 6Get a municipal business licenceYour city or district licences businesses operating there.0/5 tasks · 1–2 hours
  7. 7Get business insuranceProtects you personally if something goes wrong.0/5 tasks · 1–2 hours
  8. 8Open a business bank accountKeep business money separate from personal money.0/4 tasks · 1 hour
  9. 9Set up bookkeeping and income taxTrack sales, GST, PST and expenses from day one.0/5 tasks · 2–3 hours
  10. 10Get approved by a payment processorDo this early. Processors review each business before approving it.0/5 tasks · Days to weeks
  11. 11Website legal pages and privacyPolicies and privacy law for your store.0/5 tasks · 3–5 hours
  12. 12Product labelling and complianceWhat to check before you list products for sale.0/5 tasks · 1–2 hours
  13. 13Open your reseller accountThe final step before you can order stock.0/6 tasks · 30 minutes