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Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

Mobile Business Licence Program

What is a Mobile Business Licence?

A Mobile Business Licence (also referred to as an Inter-Community Business Licence or Inter-Municipal Business Licence) allows mobile businesses (e.g. contractors and caterers) to operate across participating local governments. 

Created in partnership with local governments, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, and the provincial government, the Mobile Business Licence streamlines and simplifies the licensing process, making it easier to do business in British Columbia.

How does the Mobile Business Licence work?

There is some variation among different Mobile Business Licence Agreements, but typically, a mobile business located within one participating local government may purchase a Mobile Business Licence from their local government, which allows them to operate in other participating communities, in addition to their basic Business Licence.
Under the Okanagan-Similkameen model, the cost of a Mobile Business Licence is $150, and allows the mobile business to work in all nineteen participating local governments. Local governments retain all revenue generated by the sale of Mobile Business Licences, and businesses remain responsible for complying with the bylaws of each local government in which they operate.

What are the benefits of a Mobile Business Licence?

The Government is committed to continuing work with local governments, to expand existing and introduce new Mobile Business Licence Agreements in British Columbia, as part of its effort to promote the success of the small business sector, and to reduce barriers to doing business in the Province.

There are many benefits of a Mobile Business Licence. 

  • For Local Governments:  increase licensing compliance, reduce administrative burden, reduce business licence application processing, improve information flow between local governments and increase ability to monitor compliance.
  • For Businesses:  save time and money by purchasing one Mobile Business Licence instead of multiple non-resident permits, reduce administrative burden, and allows businesses to operate where their services are needed.
  •  For Residents:  increase choice in service providers and increase consumer confidence in service providers.

Where can I get a Mobile Business Licence?

Currently, there are six Mobile Business Licence Agreements in the Province of British Columbia.

In the Okanagan-Similkameen area, there are nineteen participating local governments:

In the Greater Victoria area, there are thirteen participating local governments:

In the Trail area, there are five participating local governments:

In the Cowichan Lake area, there are four participating local governments:

In the North / West Vancouver area, there are three participating local governments:

In the Courtenay/Comox area, there are two participating local governments:

What is the Government doing to support Mobile Business Licences in the Province?

The Small Business Branch is working in partnership with local governments, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and key stakeholders, including the Small Business Roundtable, to expand existing and introduce new Mobile Business Licence Agreements in British Columbia. 

The Government is committed to providing technical support, and a shared database to any local governments who are interested in implementing a Mobile Business Licence Agreement. 

If I want further information, who can I contact?

The Government continues to work with other local governments on adopting Mobile Business Licence Agreements in various regions of the Province. 
For more information, please contact the Small Business Branch.