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
10160 - 103 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? 

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
780-401-8600

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
10160 - 103 Street NW, Edmonton  
Edmonton 780-422-7722
Fax 780-422-0055
http://www.canadabusiness.ab.ca/

Research websites of interest:

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
Water, Wastewater and Waste are maintained by Strathcona County. 

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
Planning and Development Services
780-464-8080

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 their property are required to pay property taxes.
780-464-8120 
Assessment and Tax

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.
Corporate Registries
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

Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) - business assistance for youth 18-34 years

Economic Development and Tourism provides:
• initial consulting services
• information
• a comphrehensive Resource section on website
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/

Mentorship Programs

Immigrant Entrepreneur Mentorship Program
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
Deloitte Women's Initiative for Leadership Learning

Financing

Commercial Banks in Strathcona County:
ATB Financial
BMO Bank of Montreal
Canadian Western Bank
CIBC
RBC Financial Group
Scotia Bank
Servus Credit Union
TD Canada Trust

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.
Canadian Youth Business Foundation - ages 18-34
Community Futures Elk Island Region - rural Strathcona County only
1-888-526-6689
Government of Canada - government grants, loans and financing
Leadership Grants
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
microbusiness Training Centre Inc.

Last updated: Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Page ID: 4562

County Hall: 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 3W7