Starting a business in British Columbia involves a clear set of legal steps. While you may be familiar with the process in India, BC has its own specific requirements for getting your candle business off the ground. The good news is that the province has streamlined many of these steps online.

Your first official step is to choose and reserve a name for your business. Unlike some jurisdictions where you can start trading under any name, BC requires you to submit a Name Request through a provincial service called BC Registries and Online Services. This ensures your name is unique and not easily confused with an existing business.

Your proposed name must have two parts: a distinctive element and a descriptive element. The distinctive part makes your name unique (e.g., 'Celestial Glow'), while the descriptive part explains what you do (e.g., 'Candle Co.'). You'll submit up to three name choices for approval. Once approved, the name is reserved for you for a set period, giving you time to complete your registration.

With an approved name, you can officially register your business. You'll need to choose a legal structure. The two most common options for a new small business are a Sole Proprietorship or an Incorporation. A Sole Proprietorship is simple and links the business directly to you personally. An Incorporation creates a separate legal entity, offering more liability protection but requiring more administrative work.

You will complete the registration for either structure through the same BC Registries portal. This is a crucial step that legally establishes your business in the province.

Once registered, you need to get your tax accounts in order. The BC Registries process will help you obtain a federal Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Think of the BN as your primary business account number for all federal government dealings, including income tax.

Because candles are taxable goods, you must also register for a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) number with the BC Ministry of Finance. This allows you to collect the 7% PST from customers on your sales. Depending on your sales volume, you'll need to remit this collected tax to the government on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

Finally, don't forget your local obligations. Every municipality in BC requires businesses to hold a valid business licence. The fees and regulations vary. A licence in Vancouver has different requirements than one in Victoria or Kelowna. If you plan to operate from home, you'll also need to check your city's zoning bylaws for rules on home-based businesses, which might have restrictions on things like customer traffic or signage.

Completing these registration and licensing steps ensures your candle business is legally compliant and ready to operate in British Columbia.