Obtaining a business licence for mobile businesses operating in more than one municipality just became easier.
The minister of state for small business Naomi Yamamoto announced on Nov. 8 that nine municipalities have agreed to implement a one-year, inter-municipal, business licence pilot, making it easier for businesses to operate in those communities.
The Mobile Business Licence (MBL), also referred to as an Inter-Municipal Business Licence, reduces red tape by allowing mobile businesses to operate in more than one municipality by purchasing one licence, rather than by obtaining non-resident permits in each municipality in which they operate.
The nine Fraser Valley municipalities, lead by the City of Langley, worked together with their chambers of commerce to agree to adopt a common by-law allowing businesses to purchase an Inter-Municipal Business Licence for specified trades.
The municipalities include the City of Langley, Township of Langley, Surrey, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Hope.
“Reducing red tape at all levels of government is key to making it easier for business to do business in B.C. That’s why the Mobile Business Licence is so important,” Yamamoto said.
“It allows mobile businesses to operate in several municipalities with only one licence so business owners can spend less time doing paperwork and more time on making their businesses a success.”
The MBL was successfully piloted in 2007 by 17 communities in the Okanagan-Similkameen, and since then, Sicamous and the Central Okanagan Regional District have joined that group.
Working with local governments to expand the MBL program is a key commitment in the BC Jobs Plan, and these communities implementing an inter-municipal licence reinforces that commitment.
“The City of Langley is delighted to have spearheaded the support from the participating communities in the Fraser Valley, leading to the successful implementation of an Inter-Municipal Mobile Business Licence for a one-year pilot project,” said City of Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender.
“This initiative will create a more business friendly environment in the region by reducing red tape for eligible small businesses operating in multiple municipal jurisdictions.
“We would also like to acknowledge the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce for presenting this initiative for Council’s consideration.”
For more information, visit www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/mobile.html.