Ever Thought of Starting Your Own Business? You’re Not Alone
Many newcomers who come to Canada will end up starting their own business. In fact, according to the 2016 Census, there are more than 600,000 self-employed immigrants across Canada. If you’re a newcomer and you’re considering your own business, you will want to arm yourself with as much information as you can. Luckily, there are many free, or relatively inexpensive, resources available to you!
Business Resources in BC
- The Vancouver Public Library’s Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre is an online and in-person resource centre that helps newcomers to Canada find the information they need to get a job, explore careers, or start a business. Their services and resources are free. Their Small Business Guide will help you find materials at the Vancouver Public Library and on the internet to help you start a small business in British Columbia. Small Business Support offers information on Starting a New Business for Newcomers, Financing Your Small Business, Market Research and Business Plan, and more.
- DIVERSECity Community Resources Society is a registered charity helping newcomers to Surrey, Delta, Langley, and White Rock. They provide specialized services for newcomers, including a free Immigrant Entrepreneur Program designed to help newcomers explore business ideas, do market research and competitor analysis, write a business plan, register their business, understand financial loan options, learn about marketing, sales and operational plans, and more. You will receive one-one consultations and referrals to business resources in the community to help you launch your business.
- Small Business BC helps entrepreneurs with products and services to assist their successful entry into small business ventures and supports to help them grow and become resilient. They offer several free to low-cost seminars on many topics that will benefit your small business. With a team of advisors on hand to answer your questions, you can take advantage of a wide range of services including: Guided Business Registration, Import/Export Advisory and Registration, Business Plan Review Services, Market Research Advisory Services, and more.
- The Business Development Bank of Canada offers a free online course to guide you through all the aspects of starting a business in Canada. You’ll be introduced to key business concepts and discover what information to gather to write your business plan. Along the way, you’ll also get advice from experts in a variety of fields, including financial management, human resources, and sales and marketing. And, you’ll be inspired by the real-life stories of entrepreneurs and learn how they succeeded.
- ISSofBC provides a supportive environment for newcomers to Canada of all backgrounds. They offer newcomers two free options for entrepreneurs: Spark – If you’re a newcomer interested in exploring your ability to become self-employed, Spark can help you take the first steps. Ignite – If you’re a newcomer with a clear business idea or need help to improve an existing business, Ignite can connect you to opportunities and resources to help you build and grow.
Set Yourself up for Success
With the many resources and services available, you can know you’re in good hands when exploring your small business plan in BC. If you have questions, or you need help finding information, you can be assured that one of these organizations will know which direction to point you. Good luck!