Start a Business

people sitting outside at a cafe, summer time

Wanting to start a business in White Rock? Find information, tools and resources that can help you get your business up and running as soon as possible. 

Business Resource Guide

Review our information about business licences, forms and permits to
find out what documents you need to get started.

Download our Business Resource Guide (PDF) produced by the City of White Rock, White Rock BIA and the White Rock & South Surrey Chamber of Commerce.

How to Get Started

Contact the White Rock Business Improvement Association (BIA) or South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce (SSWR Chamber of Commerce)

If you seek information about starting or expanding your business, contact the White Rock BIA or SSWR Chamber of Commerce. They can provide help and advice related to setting up your business, accessing information and statistics, and other business and investment questions. 


Research Your Market

Visit our Economic Profile page to learn about our community and your potential customers. Also visit our Business Resource page, to see how to get your business up-and-running fast.

Get Your Business Licence

Visit our Business Licences page to read about the steps to take to obtain a business licence.

Planning a New Office? Or Doing Construction?

Prior to submitting any development application(s), please review the City of White Rock's Planning Procedures Bylaw (PDF) to determine if a formal pre-application submission and payment of fees will be required. We highly recommend that you contact the Planning & Development Services Department at 604-541-2277 or planning@whiterockcity.ca to arrange a pre-application meeting to discuss your proposal.

Identify other Licensing Requirements

Not sure which permits and licences your business needs? Start by BizPal online service, a free online service that helps you determine which permits and licences are required from all levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal). To contact the provincial ministry you can go to gov.bc.ca, phone 1-800-663-7867 or use this handy online list. For more information about federal licence requirements, visit canada.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.