Grande Prairie has consistently been recognized as a place that embraces entrepreneurship, innovation and new ideas. There are several local resources to assist you in getting your business off the ground. Community Futures and ATB Entrepreneur Centre are two organizations that can assist in supporting the success of your start-up.
The below information along with the Support Resources page are additional resources for starting a business in Grande Prairie.
Economic Development
Seven Steps to Opening Your Own Business
1. Research & Plan
Research your business venture on our website, at the local library and the internet to prepare yourself to draw up a business plan. Check out our Business Supports page for resources for starting a business, such as opportunities for training, business loans, and grants.
2. Determine the Ownership Structure
Businesses can be solely-owned proprietorship, partnerships, corporations, etc.; which type of business structure works for you will depend on the size and type of business you start. Learn more about business ownership structures here.
3. Obtain Development Approval
Once you have selected the site for your business, ensure that the site is zoned for the use that you are proposing. You can find zoning information in the City Land Use Bylaw. If you want to change the zoning of your property or build a new building, you will need to apply for a permit with the Planning and Development Department.
4. Business Licensing
Depending on the type of business you want to start, and also on where your business will be located, you may need licenses and/or permits from the federal, provincial or municipal government. Visit BizPaL to obtain information and begin the application process.
5. Register Business Name
Go to one of these authorized locations to register your business name:
The Licence Centre Ltd.
101-9917 116 AVE, Grande Prairie
Phone: 780-532-4033
Fax: 780-539-0488
A-1 Licence & Registry
106-8716 108 ST, Grande Prairie
Phone: 780-539-5009
Fax: 780-539-5033
6. Business Number
Register a business number with the Canadian Revenue Agency in order to pay GST and payroll tax.
7. Welcome Your Customers!
Are you planning to operate your businesses out of your home? If so, please review the following information:
A Home Office is defined as “the secondary use of a principal building by only the permanent resident/residents of the dwelling to conduct a business activity that does not require client visits to the residence and may involve limited delivery or storage of goods or supplies.”
A Home Business is defined as “the secondary use of a principal dwelling, or combination of a principal dwelling and an accessory building, in a residential neighbourhood to conduct a business activity by at least one (1) permanent resident of the dwelling.”
| Standard | Home Office | Home Business |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Area | 25% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, including the area of the basement, up to a maximum of 20m2 | 30% of the total combined gross floor area of the principal dwelling and accessory buildings. The total area used cannot exceed 50m2 |
| Structural Alterations | Must comply with local bylaws and the Alberta Building Code. | Must comply with local bylaws and the Alberta Building Code. |
| Exterior Impact | Shall not create any nuisance and shall preserve the privacy and the enjoyment of adjacent residences and the neighbourhood. | Shall not create any nuisance and shall preserve the privacy and the enjoyment of adjacent residences and the neighbourhood. |
| Equipment and/or Material Storage | No exterior storage of supplies associated with the Home Office | No exterior storage of equipment or materials associated with the business. Any equipment must be stored off-site and proof of storage agreement must be provided to the Development Authority. Only one (1) utility trailer used in conjunction with the home business not exceeding 2,000 kg maximum gross vehicle weight, 4.0m in length and 2.0m in height can be parked in the garage or in the back yard. In addition, the utility trailer may be parked on the driveway in the front yard or side yards provided it does not occupy or obstruct access to any required off-street parking, it is located no closer than 1.52m from the interior edge of the sidewalk or where no sidewalk exists from the curb, and it is not parked within any corner visibility triangle. |
| Customer Traffic Generation | No Home Office related vehicle trips. | A maximum of six (6) home business related vehicle round trips per day, commercial deliveries allowed only during restricted hours (vehicle shall not exceed 5,000kg (GVW)) |
| Parking Spaces | No additional parking required. | An additional on-site paved parking space on top of those required under Table 72-5 - Parking Requirements for Residential Developments is required if there are customers or if there is an employee or a utility trailer associated with the Home Business. |
| Employees | Only those who reside within the residence | May employ a maximum of one non-resident employee. Additional non-resident employees may be employed off-site, but not visit the residence for business reasons. |
| Business - Related Vehicles | One (1) commercially licensed vehicle up to 5,000kg (GVW) | One (1) commercially licensed vehicle up to 5,000kg (GVW) |
| Signage | No signs permitted other than signs on the vehicle | One (1) non-illuminated identification sign, no larger than 0.3m2 |
Home Businesses shall not have more than one (1) customer at the dwelling at any time.
All Home Business customer vehicle trips shall be restricted to:
A Home Businesses may be considered in single detached dwellings and all other residential dwelling units except for secondary suites, boarding houses and single detached dwellings which contain a secondary suite.
For the purpose of a Home Business or Home Office, the location of a business is the address at which the operations of the business are managed.
A maximum of one (1) Home Business and one (1) Home Office is allowed per dwelling. The area occupied by the Home Business and the Home Office cannot exceed 30% of the gross cumulative area of the principal dwelling and accessory buildings. The total area used cannot exceed 60m2
Both a Home Business Development Permit and a Business License are required for a Home Business.
Both an approved Home Office Consent form and a Business License are required for a Home Office.
Please contact Enforcement Services at 780-830-5790 or email es_contact@cityofgp.com for information about Business Licenses.
Home Business…………………………………$300.00
Where an applicant wishes to cancel a Home Business application, there will be no refund of the fees paid.
City Services Center
9505 – 112 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 6H8
Office Hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM, Monday to Friday
Development Permitting permit applications can be submitted electronically by emailing all required documentation to: devpermits@cityofgp.com
Development Permitting Questions: 780-538-0325
Click here for a brochure about Home Businesses.
Uses that are not permitted as Home Businesses or Home Offices include, but are not limited to:
Please contact a Development Officer at 780-538-0325 for further information.
A Home Business Development permit is not transferable. If the permit holder moves, a new application approval is required.
A Home Business shall not be approved if, in the opinion of the Development Authority, it would be more appropriately located in a commercial or industrial district regarding, among other matters, potential traffic generation and potential interference with the residential character of the area.
This is a general guide and has no legal status. It cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws and policies currently in effect. The City of Grande Prairie accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information.
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