Business Resources

Starting a business in British Columbia involves several key steps—choosing a structure, registering your business, securing permits, and ensuring compliance with provincial regulations.

Provincial Guides and Tools

• Starting a Business in B.C. – Understand legal structures, name approval, registration, and regulatory requirements.
• Starting a Restaurant in B.C. – A step-by-step guide for restaurant owners, including food safety, building requirements, and liquor licensing.
• Register Your Business – Learn how to register or incorporate your business through BC Registries.

Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber supports local businesses through networking, advocacy, workshops, and promotional opportunities. Membership provides access to professional development sessions, community events, and a supportive network of entrepreneurs.

Visit the Sooke Chamber of Commerce

Sooke Commercial Listings

Explore available commercial spaces and properties to help you find the right location for your business. Listings include retail storefronts, office space, industrial units, and development-ready sites.

View Sooke Commercial Listings 

Community Economic Development Officer

For personalized guidance or help navigating local requirements, you can connect directly with Gail Scott, the District’s Community Economic Development Officer. Gail supports entrepreneurs, investors, and local businesses by offering information on zoning, business licensing, commercial opportunities, and connections to regional partners. Connect by phone at 250-64-1634 or email at gscott@sooke.ca.

Business Licences

All businesses operating within Sooke, home-based, mobile, or storefront, require a District of Sooke business licence.

• Learn about Business Licences

Zoning and Land Use

Before securing a location, confirm that your proposed business use is permitted in the applicable zone.

• Review Zoning and Land Use Requirements

Building and Renovating

If your business requires renovations, signage, or tenant improvements, review guidelines for building permits, development permits, and applicable bylaws.

• Explore Building Requirements

Funding and Grants

Explore provincial, federal, and regional programs that support business start-up, expansion, technology adoption, and workforce development. Examples include:

• WorkBC supports
• Funding opportunities through PacificCan
• Sector-specific grants for:
  • agriculture,
  • tourism, and
  • clean technology.

Workforce and Hiring Resources

Access employment programs, hiring incentives, and labour market supports:

• WorkBC Employment Services
• Wage subsidy programs:
  • WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program
  • Canada Summer Jobs
• Apprenticeship training supports:
  • Skilled Trades BC Apprenticeship