This page is under construction, more to come.
By georgep
Discover
By georgep
Looking for information on how to purchase an existing business? You can check out what’s currently for sale, or you can come visit and talk to local business owners. Perhaps your future business isn’t listed, but the current owner might be open to selling.
Here are some helpful tips to consider before signing on the dotted line:
http://www.bcbusiness.ca/five-important-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-business
Here are some useful links to see what’s available:
http://saltspringexchange.com/list-category/business-sale/
https://canada.businessforsale.com/search/business-for-sale-salt-spring-island
And info on what’s already here:
http://www.saltspringisland.org/business-listings.htm
https://saltspringmarket.com/salt-spring-island-business-directory/
By georgep
Why relocate to Salt Spring?
The island is a draw for artists, writers, unique intellectuals, cultural creatives, digital types, diverse and community minded folks and eco-sustainability activists.
Start a Business
Many home-based businesses start up and thrive on the island with an array of business sectors here from food + beverage, green services to craft + lifestyle products.
Business Registry/ Licenses
Home-based businesses do not require a license here.
Another free resource to improve your business planning is BizPal:
Business insurance
Some helpful links for purchasing business insurance.
https://www.islandsavings.ca/Business/InsureBus/
https://www.seafirstinsurance.com/business/business-property-and-liability
Business Zoning
Salt Spring Island falls within the Islands Trust "preserve and protect mandate" in order to protect the Trust Area's ecosystems. Therefore specific requirements are in place for land use planning, please check this link before making your business plan.
http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/islands/land-use-planning/application-guides-forms/
Land Use By-Laws
In order to start any business you need to follow land use by-laws as follows:
Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 355: Suggested link: Part 3 3:13 Home Based Businesses:
http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/media/329646/ss-bl-ocp-434-volume-2-consolidated-version-july-2015.pdf
MLS Listings
http://www.rew.ca/properties/areas/salt-spring-bc
Or visit the island to get a feel for the people who live here already.
Business and Professional Organizations
Probus Club of Salt Spring Island: http://probus-ssi.ca/
Rotary Club of Salt Spring Island: http://www.saltspringislandrotary.org/
Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce: http://www.saltspringchamber.com/
Salt Spring Island Lions Club: http://sslions.com/
Salt Spring Toastmasters Club: http://614459.toastmastersclubs.org/
The Canadian Federation of University Women: http://cfuwssi.ca/
News Media
Gulf Islands Driftwood is the community weekly paper available for purchase at retailers and by subscription. Both online and in print:
http://gulfislandsdriftwood.com/
Salt Spring Exchange provides online news, events, accommodations, classifieds, listings, and visitor info:
http://saltspringexchange.com/
The Fishbowl Magazine is the island’s arts, entertainment, and culture magazine:
http://www.fishbowlmagazine.com/
Gulf Islands Community Radio Society provides community radio run by locals:
https://islandsradio.ca/
The Islands Marketplace is Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands buy & sell, events, entertainment guide:
http://islandsmarketplace.com
