Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content

Starting Your Business

Resources to help you start a business in importing/exporting.

Starting Your Business

Useful Website Description

Find business plans, financing, industry, competitive, and customer information for starting an import/export business.

Useful Website Description

Find the best websites and books to help you start your own business including how to write a business plan, financing, and market research.

Useful Website Description

Canadian Border Service Agency's step-by-step guide to starting an importing business. Includes how to obtain a business number and a handy online guide.

Useful Website Description

Canadian Border Service Agency outlines how to export goods from Canada.

Useful Website Description

Contains links to checklists for starting an import and export business in B.C.

Useful Website Description

A private, non-profit organization, servicing Canada’s trade community and providing customs and trade policy information for Canadian importers and exporters.

Useful Website Description

One-stop shop for Canadian businesses. Provides a customized list of government permits and licenses to operate your business according to federal, provincial, and municipal regulation

Useful Website Description

Provides advice for small and medium-sized enterprises in B.C. looking to enter international markets.

Recommended Books

Remote Media URL
Cover Image for  Start your Own Import/export Business Your Step-by-step Guide to Success
Remote Media URL
Cover Image for  Start your Own Import/export Business Your Step-by-step Guide to Success

Need More Help?

Need help starting a small business? Looking for information on how to improve your business? Have questions but don't know where to find the answers? We can help!

Ask us a question through the online form on our Small Business Help portal. A VPL librarian will recommend reputable information resources to help answer your questions. Due to a high volume of reference forms received, expect to receive a response in 5-7 business days.

For more details about this service, please contact us at info@vpl.ca or 604-331-3603.

Digital Library Resources

Image
Business and Careers Subject Icon

This resource offers unprecedented access to full-text magazines and resources – from historical info to current trends in business.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
Image
General Reference Subject Icon

CBCA is a Canadian-focused database that offers access to newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals and reference sources. *Also suitable for research at the elementary, high school and undergraduate levels.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
Image
Business and Careers Subject Icon

Trial update: O’Reilly will continue to be offered on a trial basis through December 2025.


Contains a vast collection of technology and business ebooks, audiobooks, videos, courses, and more. A great resource for professional development.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents