Business Resources
The BBOT Business Resource section is a guide for growing businesses and professionals. Think of this as your introductory aid to researching, planning, and starting a new business in Burnaby.
Certificate of Origin
Shipping Documents Made Easy
Certificates of Origin (COOs) are legal documents declaring that goods exported in a shipment have been wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. COOs are required when exporting goods to certain countries and often need certification by a Board of Trade.
The Burnaby Board of Trade offers on-demand documentation services. We provide our stamp, seal, and signature to certify COOs, attesting the information contained in the documents is correct to the best of our knowledge. Before processing documents, businesses must set up a COO account with us.
Call us at 604.412.0100 or email admin@bbot.ca to learn more.
Export Navigator
Your Market Just Got Bigger
Export Navigator helps connect businesses to free, expert advice on exporting goods or services to other provinces or countries. Grow your business beyond B.C.
Export Navigator is a free government-funded program that helps B.C. businesses diversify and grow by guiding them through the export process. Businesses are paired with community-based advisors who provide support and ongoing guidance that is easy to understand and applicable to your business, free of charge. The program also offers resources for workshops, webinars, funding, tariffs and more.
Visit Export Navigator to explore the program and start collaborating with your advisor today!
FortisBC / GreenStep Solutions
Free Energy Advice
In collaboration with GreenStep Solutions, FortisBC is offering FREE customized energy advice to small and medium-sized businesses through the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program. Businesses will be able to connect with a Business Energy Advisor for a 15-to-30-minute consultation via phone call, video call or an in-person visit. During your consultation, a Business Energy Advisor will share energy advice on:
- Low cost/no cost tips to reduce energy use and operating costs
- Information about FortisBC rebates on high efficiency equipment
- Support in getting quotes from contractors and applying for rebates
- Applying for retroactive rebates on equipment installed in the last 365 days
Visit the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program to apply.
GreenStep Solutions has been contracted by FortisBC to deliver this program. Please contact energyadvisor@greenstep.ca with any questions or to request a consultation.
Building Your Social Purpose Business
Elevate Your Business
In today's competitive landscape, businesses recognize the value of social purpose – not only to align with consumer values but also to foster loyalty, attract top talent, drive innovation, enhance overall brand reputation, ensure long-term viability, and positively impact communities. Integrating a meaningful purpose into your operations allows your business to thrive while contributing to the greater good.
A Social Purpose business:
- Exists to create a better world.
- Produces profitable solutions from the problems of people and planet and does not profit from creating problems.
- Unlocks all its capabilities – including talent, resources, partnerships, and influence – in pursuit of its purpose.
Visit Building Your Social Purpose Business to unlock the power of social purpose with a complimentary 5-part virtual series for learning and action.
BC GOV Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Start, Manage and Grow
The Government of British Columbia provides resources and support to start, manage and grow your small business. Visit BC Gov Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs home page for an overview of all the resources, support and programs available to help you be successful. Below are some links to get you started.
Start your business. Information on business plans, name approvals, registrations
Get help to start your small business
15 Steps to starting your own business The basic steps most new small businesses need to take before they can begin operating in B.C.
Manage your business. Information on day-to-day operations, taxes, importing and exporting
Get help to manage your small business
BC Registries and Online Services Access to government information products, filings and registrations for private and public sector business customers.
Grow your business. Information on loans, grants and other resources
Get help to grow your small business
And download this handy Small Business Resources PDF that provides a coded list of online publications and resources.
GC Business Insights
Business Resources at Your Fingertips
The Government of Canada supports businesses with resources for funding, growth, insights and events. Visit GC Supports for Business home page for an overview of all funding and resources. There you will find:
- Loans, grants and tailored programs to help you start or grow your business or expand into new markets.
- Cutting-edge tools, R&D funding and networks to drive growth and help you compete in today's economy.
- Data-driven insights for smarter business decisions.
- Free webinars and online events to connect, learn, and grow.
Below are some notable links.
Business Benefits Finder Answer a few questions to discover funding and support programs tailored to your needs.
Canada Business App Download to get updates on funding, new programs and government resources on the go.
Canada Small Business Financing Program This program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
Pacific Economic Development Canada The dedicated federal economic development agency for British Columbians.
Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan
Benefits Built for Your Business
The Chambers Group Insurance Plan supports local businesses and business owners. More than 32,000 small businesses choose the Chambers Plan to protect their employees with comprehensive group benefits, including health and dental insurance, making it Canada’s #1 employee benefits plan for small business.
Simple: Quick set up, easy-to-use forms, and 48-claim processing mean you'll spend less time administering your plan.
Stable: The Plan keeps premiums manageable and predictable, providing stability year after year and protection from wild rate increases.
Smart: In today's competitive labour market, offer your employees and yourself attractive coverage, with a Plan that is a not-for-profit program. All surpluses stay in the Plan and help lower premiums for your business.
Questions or need more information on how the Chambers Plan can work for your business? Contact us at 604.412.0100 or email chris@bbot.ca.
