Small business in Campbell River
The City of Campbell River describes itself as traditionally resource-based and diversifying. It puts the city at the centre of the global aquaculture industry on Canada's West Coast, calls forestry part of its industrial base, and lists tourism, technology and engineering work, health and wellness, and transportation and logistics as growing sectors. Its TECHatchery business hub adds aviation to that list.
Any business operating in Campbell River needs a City business licence unless provincial or federal law exempts it. Applications are emailed to the City, checked against zoning, then reviewed by building and fire inspectors before final approval. The licence year runs from February 28 to February 27, renewal notices go out in mid-January, and a late fee applies after March 30. Certified non-profit societies are licensed at no charge.
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce, based at the Enterprise Centre on Alder Street, offers memberships for sole proprietors, businesses and non-profits. The City also runs a CR Grant Assist Program that gives small businesses up to five hours of grant-writer support, and points owners to Community Futures for small business loans and counselling.
Working with us from Campbell River
Campbell River is the farthest north of the east-coast towns we serve. From Port Alberni the route is Highway 4 east to Highway 19 at Qualicum Beach, then north on the Inland Island Highway past the Comox Valley. We do not make that trip for client meetings; in-person work is for Port Alberni and the Alberni Valley only.
Instead, Campbell River clients share bank statements, receipts and payroll records through secure upload, and we work in QuickBooks Online, Xero or Sage, with AutoEntry for receipt capture. Payroll runs, T4s, ROEs, remittances and GST/HST returns are all handled online, and we talk by phone or video when a question needs more than an email.
We are based in Port Alberni. See bookkeeping in Port Alberni for more about us, or how our pricing works.
Useful local resources for Campbell River businesses
- City of Campbell River: business licences: Who needs a licence, how to apply by email, the approval steps and the February-to-February licence year.
- Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce: Membership, events, a business directory and advocacy for Campbell River businesses.
- City of Campbell River: business resources: The CR Grant Assist Program, commercial real estate listings and links to Community Futures and Venture Connect.
- TECHatchery: Invest in Campbell River: The City's economic development hub, with its overview of key industries.