In celebration of Small Business Month, The City of Duncan is joining 113 other B.C. municipalities in making it easier to start and run a business, thanks to BizPaL.

BizPaL is a free online service that can save entrepreneurs time and money. The service, launched in 2005, reduces the time spent identifying the regulations required for various types of business. How? By providing business owners with online, simplified access to information about the business permits and licences they may require to start and run their businesses in a specific location.

BizPaL is the result of a unique partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, cutting through the paperwork burden and red tape that small business owners encounter, helping them focus on business growth and job creation.

Quotes:

Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) (Agriculture) -

“British Columbia entrepreneurs have a strong reputation for their innovative talents, and our government is committed to helping them to succeed as they create jobs and growth in Canada. That is why BizPaL will help entrepreneurs in Duncan to spend more time building their businesses and less time on dealing with the burden of red tape.”

Naomi Yamamoto, B.C.’s Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

“Creating a business-friendly environment is a key part of the BC Jobs Plan’. BizPaL does just that. It’s an important partnership between our government, the federal government and municipalities across B.C., making it easier for people to start businesses.”

Mayor Phil Kent, City of Duncan -

“BizPaL is an important tool for Duncan’s economy as we encourage investment and small business growth. This site allows entrepreneurs to access from a single, central location all the municipal, provincial and federal permits and licenses they need to start or expand a business. The community’s success is dependent on the success of small businesses; as such we are pleased to welcome the BizPal program to help our local businesses succeed.”

Julie Scurr, president, Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce -

“Any resource that increases efficiencies and reduces administration time for small businesses is welcome. BizPal not only helps business owners navigate regulatory requirements, it clarifies what those requirements are. Owners can feel certain they’ve got it right the first time. We’re always in favour of tools that give entrepreneurs more time to focus on growing their business.”

Learn More:

Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access the service by visiting:

• the provincial website at: www.bcbizpal.ca
• the Government of Canada website at: http://www.bizpal.ca/
• City of Duncan website at: http://duncan.ca/duncan_city_hall/bizpal.htm
  

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 387-2799

Industry Canada
Media Relations
613 943-2502
Media-relations@ic.gc.ca