qprev_HBB Manual 2.qxd - Small Business BC

Appendix MRegistering a Company Name for Usein British ColumbiaIf your business has a name other than your own,even if you’ve just added “and daughter” or “andassociates” to your name, you need to file a namedeclaration. This ensures that those who dobusiness with a sole proprietorship can find outthe name of the person they’re actually dealingwith.When registering a business, you must first havea name approved by the Registrar of Companies.This is done using a name approval form whichcan be submitted to the Registrar of Companies,Government Agents’ office, Canada/BC BusinessService Centre, or OneStop Business RegistrationOffice. The name must meet the criteriaexplained on the form and not be in conflict witha B.C. incorporated company. The fee forsubmitting the form is $30.00. Once the namehas been approved, it is reserved for 56 days, thesecond step must be completed within these 56days.The second step for Sole Proprietorship/GeneralPartnership is:Submit a declaration for Registration of Generalpartnership or Sole Proprietorship form. Thisform can be submitted at the same places as theName Approval, or filled out using a One-StopBusiness Registration Computer. The fee fordeclaration of proprietorship/partnership is$30.00.The second step for setting up aCorporation is:Submit completed incorporation documentsdirectly to the Registrar of Companies inVictoria. These documents can either be drawnup by a lawyer or purchased in a standardized kit.Fees for incorproating a company are $300.00with an optional$25.00 fee for a certified copy of memorandumand articles.To find the OneStop Business RegistrationService location nearest you, see page xx.You may also mail a list of three or more names.in order of preference, to the Registrar ofCompanies along with $30.00 for each3 names you want searched. You will thenreceive written notice that a name has beenpreviously used or is available. At that point youpay $30.00 to register the business name. Youcan apply in writing for name searches to:Registrar of Companieshttp//www.fin.gov.bc.ca/registries/corppg/default.htmYou can also go to any government agent officein BC or to the Canada/British ColumbiaBusiness Service Centre to havethe information sent to Victoria for you. Chequesare payable to the Minister of Finance andCorporate Relations.Name approval can also be done at:Keyinfo BCwww.keyinfobc.com( private company )solutions for small business home-based business 131