Starting a Business
Start with the basics
Is running a business for you? The Business Link Business is an excellent resources for entrepreneurs. Ask their business officers questions, visit their award winning library, pick up brochures from their information displays, take part in their Brown Bag information sessions, Guest Advisor Program and Business Seminars.
The Business Link Business Service Centre
#100-10237 - 104 Street NW, Edmonton (780) 422-7722 Fax (780) 422-0055
Rocket Fuel Your Biz Learning Module
A comprehensive learning module on the entrepreneurial process from the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website.
Proceed with a business plan
A business plan is a detailed document outlining your business idea. It will assist the business owner in obtaining financing, in establishing a plan of action, in foreseeing obstacles and challenges, and in developing strategies to achieve desired business goals.
Need assistance?
• The Business Plan and You
• Small Business Administration
• Bplans - Free sample business plans
• Business Plans Handbook
• Centre for Business Planning
• The Business Link
• Strathcona County Library
Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism (780) 464-8241
E-mail SCEDT@strathcona.ab.ca
Do your market research
Strathcona County Library provides books on:
• Starting a business
• Writing a business plan
• Obtaining a patent
• Arranging your financing
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Tracking your competition, connecting with others in your industry
Strathcona County Library
2020 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park
(780) 449-5801
Strathcona County provides:
• Marketing area studies
• Market survey information
• Neighbourhood demographic profiles
• Custom research from census data on age, income, and education
• Access to Statistics Canada information
Corporate Planning & Intergovernmental Affairs
2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park
(780) 464-8252
The Business Link provides:
• Extensive resource library and research materials
• Information officers to direct you to printed and electronic information sources
• Internet public access, CD ROM, informative websites, research information
• Confidential one-on-one services
• Information on federal and provincial government regulations, programs and services
The Business Link
#100-10237 - 104 Street NW,
Edmonton (780) 422-7722
Fax (780) 422-0055
http://www.canadabusiness.ab.ca/
Research websites of interest:
• Alberta Government
• Canadian CEO
• Industry Canada
• Statistics Canada
Choose your site
Economic Development and Tourism can help to locate suitable property sites for your business. A listing of land for sale and an inventory of commercial and industrial space for lease is available on the Property Locator. The inventory lists square footage, price and a contact name. Also available are maps of aerials, utilities, and land use. Demographic reports can be created for business planning purposes.
Economic Development and Tourism
(780) 464-8241
Arrange for utilities
For a list of utilities and their contact information, see Communication and Utilities.
Permits, licences, registration
BizPal
Determine all federal, provincial, and municipal permits and licences required for your business on the BizPal service from Industry Canada. www.strathcona.ca
Get a development permit
A business licence is not a requirement in Strathcona County; however, all businesses must obtain a development permit when:
• Establishing a business in a vacant commercial space
• Changing the use of business space
• Developing a new commercial building
• Operating a home business
Zoning
Proper zoning is required for a development permit to be considered. Businesses must ensure that the zoning of a proposed site allows for its intended use. When leasing or buying property for your business ensure possession is subject to obtaining the necessary permit approvals.
Planning and Development Services
(780) 464-8080
Check into building permits
A business will require a building permit for interior or exterior construction. Building permits may also be required for changing the use of a space; for example, starting a business in a home or changing the use of a current space.
Planning and Development Services
(780) 464-8080
Taxation
Strathcona County does not have a business tax. Businesses who own there property are required to pay property taxes.
Assessment and Tax
(780) 464-8120
Taxation
Register your business
The following private sector businesses will conduct name searches and register your business:
Sherwood Park Registries
(780) 417-5283
Registry on Wye Ltd.
(780) 417-7300
Register your business in Strathcona County’s Voluntary Business Directory
This comprehensive directory of retail, service, the light-to-heavy industrial and home businesses is a main source for customers and suppliers. Registration is free! 780-464-8241
Find out about provincial licencing and registration
Some businesses such as prepaid contractors, direct sellers, gas stations, and employment agencies require provincial licences.
Consumer Information Centre
(780) 422-1335
Contact Canada Revenue Agency
You will require an employer’s Business Number (BN) for Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and income tax deductions. Most businesses carrying on commercial activities in Canada must obtain a GST registration number and collect GST. Register online for your Business Number (BN) at:
Canada Revenue Agency
1-800-959-5525
Get a health permit
If you prepare, sell, supply or store food and drink, you will need a food establishment permit.
Strathcona County Health Centre
(780) 342-4600
Information and advice
Business Development Bank - Start a Business
Economic Development and Tourism provides:
• initial consulting services
• information
• a comphrehensive Resource section on www.strathcona.ca
Contact (780) 464-8241 for more information
Government of Alberta - Program and Services
• Business in Alberta - Starting a Business - publications covering numerous topics
Government of Canada - Canada Business Service for Entrepreneurs
The Business Link provides:
• Federal, provincial and regional centre for business information
• Business publications and information guides
• Confidential information and services
• Information sessions like Starting a Business, Marketing, Business Plans.
• A resource library for information and market research
Contact (780) 422-7722, 1-800-272-9675 or visit the
Business Link website
http://www.canadabusiness.ab.ca/
Financing
Commercial Banks
ATB Financial
(780) 449-3636 / 464-4444
BMO Bank of Montreal
(780) 417-7201 / 464-3226 / 417-7272
CIBC
(780) 417-7677 / 417-7600
Servus Credit Union
(780) 449-7760 / 449-1852
RBC Financial Group
(780) 449-7700 / 410-6075
Scotia Bank
(780) 449-9520 / 467-2276 / 449-0333
TD Canada Trust
(780) 449-1612 / 449-9300 / 449-9333
Other financing options
AFSC Unique Financial Services
(780) 427-2140
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
1-800-713-3558
Business Development Bank of Canada
(780) 495-2277 Also provide consulting services.
Community Futures Elk Island Region
Rural Strathcona County only
1-888-526-6689
Tourism Funding Sources Guide
Venture Alberta
Angel Investors
More to consider
Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce
The Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce has a wealth of business assistance and opportunities. Consider becoming a member and enjoy the benefits,
• Credibility for your business
• Networking opportunities with local suppliers and customers
• A voice for business in Strathcona County, Alberta, and Canada
• Many advertising and promotional opportunities
Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce
(780) 464-0801
Business/Professional Welcome Wagon
New businesses are encourage to contact, Lisa MacPherson, Business/Professional Welcome Wagon Hostess. She welcomes and congratulates new businesses, professionals and owners to our community by providing information, and gifts from other local businesses.
Call Lisa at (780) 464-2363 for your “Welcome to the Business Community”.
Of interest:
About.com: Small Business: Canada
Alberta Purchasing Connection - Government of Alberta
Business Incubators in Metro-Edmonton
Business in Alberta - Government of Alberta
Business Opportunities with Strathcona County
Canada Business Blog
CanadaOne
Last updated: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Page ID: 4562