Ashcroft and Taylor are the latest municipalities to sign onto BizPaL, an online service that makes it easier for owners of small businesses to start and run a business.

BizPaL is a free online service that can save entrepreneurs time and potentially money. The service launched in 2005, reduces the time business owners spend determining which regulations apply to them by providing a single access point for information about the business permits and licences they may require to start and run their businesses in their own community. BizPaL is now available in 117 municipalities throughout B.C.

BizPaL is the result of a unique partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments that cuts through the paperwork burden and red tape that small business owners encounter.

Quotes:

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

“Small businesses strengthen our economy and create jobs in British Columbia, and the federal government wants to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed. We help entrepreneurs through our support for Futurpreneur Canada, and we are making financing more accessible through the Canada Small Business Financing Program. BizPaL is yet another innovative service that reduces the red tape entrepreneurs face when accessing important information so that they can spend more time building their business.”

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

“BizPaL is a useful tool for entrepreneurs in Ashcroft and Taylor because it allows them to find information about permits and licenses from a single source - saving them time and money. It’s another way we’re streamlining services to support small business owners and encourage entrepreneurship in British Columbia.”

Pat Pimm, MLA Peace River North -

“Small businesses are the backbone of our provincial economy and BizPal will serve as a practical and efficient means for local entrepreneurs in Taylor to start and run a business.”

Jackie Tegart, MLA Fraser-Nicola -

“The introduction of BizPaL is a huge asset for new and existing businesses in Ashcroft. It reduces the time spent on permitting and licensing, which allows them to concentrate on running their operations.”

Jack Jeyes, mayor for the Village of Ashcroft -

“Ashcroft is excited to be partnering with BizPaL to provide a one-stop source for all business related licenses and permits. This will make navigating regulations that much easier for local entrepreneurs and will pay dividends to the local economy.”

Rob Fraser, mayor for the District of Taylor -

“BizpaL is an easy way for new or existing business owners to identify the permits and licences required for their businesses. The site is simple to access and requires only basic information to obtain the results.”

Learn More:

Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access the service by selecting “BizPaL” from the Business menu on the Village of Ashcroft website at http://ashcroftbc.ca/index.php?page=20 and Taylor at http://www.districtoftaylor.com/business/bizpal-online-business-permits-and-licenses/ or the provincial website at: www.bcbizpal.ca or, the Government of Canada website at: http://www.bizpal.ca/

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