Mobile Business Licence Program
What is a Mobile Business Licence?
A Mobile Business Licence, also referred to as an Inter-Community Business Licence or Inter-Municipal Business Licence, allows mobile businesses (e.g. contractors and caterers) to operate across participating municipalities and regional districts. The Mobile Business Licence streamlines and simplifies the licensing process, reducing costs and making it easier to do business in British Columbia.
How does the Mobile Business Licence work?
There is some variation among the different Mobile Business Licence Agreements in the province, based on decisions made by participating local governments. Typically, at the time of purchasing a basic business licence from the local government in which a mobile business is based, the business also purchases a Mobile Business Licence which allows them to operate in municipalities and regional districts that are participants to the Mobile Business Licence Agreement. Under the Okanagan-Similkameen model, the cost of a Mobile Business Licence is $150. The licence allows the mobile business to work in all nineteen participating municipalities and regional districts. Local governments retain all revenue generated by the sale of Mobile Business Licences, and businesses remain responsible for complying with the bylaws of each municipality and regional district in which they operate.
What are the benefits of a Mobile Business Licence?
To promote the success of the small business sector and reduce barriers to doing business in the province, the provincial government and key stakeholders, including the Small Business Roundtable and BC Chamber of Commerce, fully support the expansion of existing, and the introduction of new, Mobile Business Licence Agreements in British Columbia.
There are many benefits to a Mobile Business Licence.
For Local Governments: increases licensing compliance, reduces business licence application processing, improves information flow among local governments and increases ability to monitor compliance.
For Businesses: saves time and money by purchasing one Mobile Business Licence instead of multiple non-resident permits, reduces administrative burden, and allows businesses to operate where their services are needed.
For Residents: increases choice in service providers.
Where can I get a Mobile Business Licence?
Currently, there are six Mobile Business Licence Agreements in the Province of British Columbia.
Okanagan-Similkameen area: Nineteen participating local governments - Armstrong, Central Okanagan, Coldstream, Enderby, Kelowna, Keremeos, Lake Country, Village of Lumby, Oliver, Osoyoos, Peachland, Penticton, Princeton, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Spallumcheen, Summerland, Vernon and West Kelowna.
Greater Victoria area: Thirteen participating local governments - Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria and View Royal.
Trail area: Five participating local governments - Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Montrose and Fruitvale.
Cowichan Lake area: Four participating local governments - Duncan, North Cowichan, Lake Cowichan and Ladysmith.
North/West Vancouver area: Three participating local governments – City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver.
Courtenay/Comox area: Two participating local governments - Courtenay and Comox.
What is the Government doing to support Mobile Business Licences in the Province?
The provincial government is committed to providing technical support and a shared database to any local governments who are interested in implementing a Mobile Business Licence Agreement.
If I want further information, who can I contact?
For more information, please contact:
Small Business Branch
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
PO Box 9822 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9NE
Phone: 250-356-7943 or 250-356-7532 Email: smallbusinessbranch@gov.bc.ca