Start a Business

Before you begin operation of your business, contact Development and Build Approvals (403-268-5311) to:

1. Confirm your type of business activity is permitted in that location (Use approval)
2. Determine if a business licence is required
3. Understand what other inspections and / or approvals will be required

If your business is identified as requiring a business licence, the licence will NOT be issued until all required approvals have been obtained.  If you are found operating your business before the licence is issued, you could be subject to charges. Therefore, it is important to take steps to ensure you have obtained all required approvals and received your business licence before opening your business.

For information on registering a corporation or trade name, applying for a GST number, or any other Alberta Government service, visit the Alberta Government Services  website or phone 310-0000 and then dial toll-free 780-427-7013.

There is also a lot of very useful information under Getting your business started on the Business Link  website.  This site includes links to several pages on the Alberta Government Services Web site.  You can also phone them at 403-221-7800.

Licence approvals, inspections and timelines

When contacting Development and Building Approvals, you will be asked to provide an overview of your intended business activities and the exact premise address you will be operating from.  This information is required to determine the specific licence, approvals, and inspections required for your business.

• All businesses occupying a premises require Use approval by Development & Building Approvals under the Land Use Bylaw; inspections by the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Fire Department; and possibly inspections by the Calgary Health Region.
• Many types of licences require the owners of the business (and in some cases, the directors of a corporation), to submit to a Calgary Police Services background check, while others may need provincial approval from such agencies as the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, and the Alberta Government Services - Consumer Services Division.
• For certain occupations (exotic entertainer, massage practitioner, escort, and alarm agent) the employees, as well as the business owner, are required to get a licence.  Also, if you are licensed and employed by an exotic entertainment agency, an escort agency, or an alarm agency, you must notify the Licence Division of any change in your employer.

The time required to process a business licence application and all required approvals can vary from one day to several of weeks, depending on the details of your situation (i.e. nature of your business activities, location, etc). 

Please note:

• Home-based businesses are not subject to a fire inspection, but need approval from Development & Building Approvals 403-268-5311.
• All businesses that occupy commercial premises are assessed and levied a business tax. If the business owns real property, property taxes will be levied against the property.  Information regarding business or property taxes can be obtained by contacting our Customer Service Centre at 3-1-1.
• If you require a sign for your new business, contact Development & Building Approvals at 403-268-5311.