Doing business in the Lower Mainland just got easier, thanks to the new Metro-West Inter-municipal Business Licence agreement.

The six participating municipalities - City of Burnaby, Corporation of Delta, City of New Westminster, City of Richmond, City of Surrey, and City of have worked together to adopt a common bylaw allowing businesses to purchase an Inter-municipal Business Licence (IMBL), also referred to as a Mobile Business Licence (MBL), for specified trades.

The Inter-municipal Business Licence reduces red tape by allowing mobile businesses to operate in more than one municipality by purchasing only one licence, rather than obtaining non-resident licences in each municipality in which they operate.

The Mobile Business Licence was successfully piloted in 2007 by 17 communities in the Okanagan-Similkameen. Since the program's launch, a total of 63 municipalities have established Mobile Business Licence Agreements in their communities.

The B.C. government plays a pivotal supporting role by offering assistance with co-ordination of local governments, revenue analysis, and providing technical support for a shared database for local governments interested in implementing a MBL agreement.

Working with local governments to expand the B.C. government's Mobile Business Licence program is a key commitment under the BC Jobs Plan.

Oct. 1 marks the first day of the seventh annual Small Business Month, as proclaimed by the Province of B.C.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

"The B.C. government is committed to working with local governments to find ways to support businesses and streamline processes in every community. Mobile business licences cut red tape for contractors and others who may work in more than one community, and we will continue to work to get other municipalities to adopt the program and reap the rewards."

Minister of Education Peter Fassbender -

"As a former mayor, I've seen first-hand the benefits of a mobile business licence in my own community. These agreements help small business operators get out and do their jobs - while building local economies - instead of sitting at a desk filling out extra forms."

City of Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan -

"Because our city is in the centre of the region, it is a great home-base for contractors who work in many places. Thank you to the Burnaby Board of Trade for advancing this idea with Burnaby City Council. Council is committed to making it easy to do business in Burnaby. We believe that this new Inter-municipal Business Licence will streamline licensing processes and reduce costs for Burnaby construction and trades-related businesses, helping them to be even more successful."

Corporation of Delta Mayor Lois E. Jackson -

"The Inter-municipal Business Licence pilot program will save time and money for construction and trades related businesses. We are constantly looking for ways to make it easier to conduct business in Delta and we are pleased to partner with our neighbouring municipalities on this exciting initiative."

City of New Westminster Mayor Wayne Wright -

"We're pleased to be partnering with our neighbours on the new Inter-municipal Business License program. Reducing obstacles for businesses and making it easier for them to thrive is a key objective for our city. This new pilot program is a great step towards accomplishing this goal."

City of Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie -

"This new business licensing initiative just makes sense by removing unnecessary obstacles to construction and trades businesses working across our region. Richmond is committed to continually working to reduce red tape and create a business-friendly environment and this is one more positive step in achieving those objectives."

City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts -

"The Mobile Business License Program stimulates economic activity within Surrey and the region. It supports small businesses that are the foundation and backbone of our economy. We want to continue creating a business environment where small businesses can succeed and thrive."

City of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson -

"Coming from an entrepreneurial background, I understand the need for cities to support small businesses by streamlining regulations and cutting red tape. The launch of this innovative new multi-city business license makes it easier do business in Vancouver's growing economy and throughout our region, and builds on our work to make Vancouver even more competitive for new investment and jobs."

Brighter Mechanical principal Steve Lux -

"At Brighter Mechanical, we provide re-piping services across the Lower Mainland. And if our customers don't recognize municipal boundaries, why does our business have to? Simple regulatory changes like Mobile Business Licences mean we're spending less time on paperwork and more time focussed on delivering exceptional service for our clients. We applaud the municipalities and the Province of B.C. for their efforts to help our business thrive."

Learn More:

To find out more information about the Mobile Business Licence program: www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/mobile.html

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799