Squamish is a hub for innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives across a wide range of industries. Check out our tools and resources library to help start your business today.
Thinking of starting your business in Squamish?
Whether you want to start a small lifestyle business or a large company poised to become the next Canadian IPO, Squamish is a great place to be. Nestled between the west coast metropolis of Vancouver and the world-famous resort of Whistler, Squamish has access to global markets and a strong workforce without the congestion and aggravations of urban life.
Squamish is home to a budding start-up ecosystem, with a growing community of entrepreneurs, investors, and services to support you.
Build your dream company in Squamish
Do your research
Got an idea? Use our tools to research your customers, competition, and likely operating costs.
Plan
These tools and resources will help you gear up before you launch.
Find Squamish businesses for sale
Prefer to purchase an existing business? Explore opportunities here.
Launch
Completed your due diligence? Launch your business in Squamish today.
Validate your business idea.
Before you invest time and money in your business idea, use our tools and resources to validate it. Test your product/market fit with a free online market validation course or use a simple checklist. You can even take a quiz to see if entrepreneurship is right for you.
Start smart with our Small Business BC Seminars.
We've partnered with Small Business BC to offer Squamish businesses 30% off their professional development courses, which you can take via webinar, or in person at their resource centre in Vancouver. Choose from over 40 subjects curated for small businesses, including: business finance and accounting, hiring, marketing, import/export, and more. Simply check out their course calendar HERE and then email us to get your promo code, which can you enter into the checkout to get your discount.
Ready to launch? We can help you.
Get a list of all the permits you'll need
Use the BizPal tool to find the permits that all B.C. and Canadian agencies require for your business.
Find start-up funding sources
The Government of Canada concierge tool helps you curate a list of relevant and preferred type of funding for your business type.
Apply for a Squamish business licence
You need a Squamish business licence to operate a business within Squamish. Our Business Licence team can help you.
Find the right zoning for your business
Not sure where you can operate your business in Squamish? Check out our open data zoning map.
A guide for starting or growing your business in Squamish
Whether you are starting or growing your business in Squamish this guide features a practical checklist to help ensure you don't miss a step along the way. What are you waiting for? Download your copy today.
