Once you've done your research, have a business plan, decided on the business structure and secured your financing, the next step is getting a business name.  Using a business name other than your own personal name requires approval and registration with the Corporate Registry.

 

Business names must have both a distinctive (ie ABC) and descriptive (ie Manufacturing) element.  And, if you are incorporating your business you may add a designation such as "Ltd."

 

When choosing your business name you'll need to fill out a Name Approval Request form (available here, at Service BC, or in Cowichan at the Community Futures office).  We recommend that you fill out a first, second and thrid choice, just in case the name you want is unavailable.  Bring your completed form to our office, where we will submit your Name Approval Request form on your behalf.  We usually receive an answer back within a couple of days.

 

Once you have your business name approved you have 56 days to register the name.  You can do that, as well as obtain your Canada Revenue Agency accounts, register for municipal business licences, WorkSafe BC, etc at the One Stop Business Registry website.