Updated guides have been posted online to assist small business owners throughout the province with their business ventures, announced Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto.

The following guides are available:

• Starting a Small Business Guide - Information and resources useful to anyone interested in starting a small business in British Columbia
• BC Import / Export Guide - Information and resources available to help navigate the world of international trade

By making these guides readily available online, government is making it easier for small businesses in B.C. to access the information they need to help their businesses succeed.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

“As part of the key principles of the Small Business Accord, it’s our goal to make British Columbia the most small business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada. Providing simplified guides and publications on various topics is crucial in helping small businesses succeed in our province.”

“As small businesses continue to be a key economic driver in B.C., it’s important that government provide the information they need to help businesses sustain long-term growth.”

George Hunter, CEO, Small Business BC -

“Having access to the proper information, resources and programs is integral to a small business owner’s success. Small Business BC is pleased with the development of these guides to ensure that entrepreneurs know how they are supported throughout the difficult process of starting and growing a business.”

“We thank Minister Yamamoto for creating such an important resource and hope to see many entrepreneurs visit Small Business BC as they build their ventures.”

Quick Facts:

• Small business makes up 98% of all business in the province and employs over one million people.
• Small business provides nearly 56% of all private-sector jobs in British Columbia, the highest rate in the country.
• British Columbia’s share of self-employed workers was the highest in the country, accounting for 18.5% of total employment.
• British Columbia’s small businesses exported approximately $12.2 billion worth of merchandise to international destinations in 2011.

Learn More:

To learn more and access the guides online, visit: http://www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/publications.html

To learn more about how to start a small business in B.C., visit:  http://www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/Start_SmlBusiness.pdf

To learn more about the import/export guide, visit: http://www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/ImptExptGuideEng.pdf

To learn more about small business resources, visit: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca  

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799