Business Structure

What is the reason for this name approval request?

There are different ways to form a business in BC, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.  A business can officially incorporate, or they can register as sole proprietorship (one individual) or a partnership (2 or more individuals).  A not-for-profit business can incorporate as a society.  If the business exists in another Canadian jurisdiction, you can register as an extraprovincial company which will allow you to operate in BC.

Anonymous users can submit name approval requests for any of these business structures.    Find out more about these types of business structures by selecting them below:

1. • Limited Company/Continuation In

   • Sole Proprietorship

   • Partnership

   • Society

   • Extraprovincial Company

   • Cooperative

   • Limited Liability Partnership

   • Unlimited Liability Company

If you are not sure which type of business structure is best for you, you should seek professional advice from an accountant and/or lawyer to ensure you make the right decision.  Staff at the BC Registry cannot provide you with this information, however you can learn more about business structures by viewing our information packages.  

Remember, having a name approved and reserved for a proprietorship or a partnership does not mean it will be approved for an incorporated company should you decide to incorporate after the business has been operating for awhile.

If you want to reserve a name for business that has a structure not listed above, please contact us directly.

BC Online users have the option selecting a wider variety of business structures.