This post will provide you with information on how to license your business in Edmonton. This is different than registering a business name] or [incorporating a business.][2
All businesses in Edmonton need a business license and a development permit. The business license shows the public that your business is permitted to operate in Edmonton. The development permit verifies that a specific business activity is allowed in a certain location. A business license and a development are applied for as part of the same process.
A business may require additional licenses and permits, depending on the activities of the business. For example, lounges and bars would need additional approvals from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, Alberta Health Services and Fire Rescue Services.
The best way to tell which permits and licenses you’ll need is to use BizPal. BizPal is an Industry Canada website that has partnered with local jurisdictions to centralize information on business licenses and permits. It will take you through an interview process where it asks you questions about your business and it will give you a list of licenses and permits you should apply for.
A development permit for a minor home based business (has less than one business visit per day) is $104.00 and for a major home based business (has more than one business visit per day) is $260.00. The average cost of a home based business license is $198.00.
The cost of a commercial business license varies depending on the type of business. To give you an indication of the cost, a business license for a general business is $198.00.
The cost of a commercial building and use application will vary depending on the type of business and the nature of its activities. A development permit approves the location, size and use of a building. You can check the zoning of your location online.
The City of Edmonton has a website where you can apply for a business license. Home based businesses have a slightly difference process where they can apply online for a home based business development permit.
The approval process will usually take only a few days. There can be considerable fines for not registering your business so make sure you get this done as part of your startup process.