Business Experience Improvement Program

The Business Approvals file managers are a one-stop shop for people interested in opening a small business. The program began by helping people through the approvals process for the following small business types:

• Restaurants and Breweries
• Food production businesses
• Outdoor cafes/patios

With the success of the program, we expanded to provide support to all business licence types. The Business Approvals file managers are assigned to your Business Licence file and act as the main point of contact to help you through the business licencing process. They guide you through each step of the application and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Every applicant who applies for a business licence is assigned a Business Approvals file mananger. They will review the initial application, make sure the appropriate permits are applied for and ensure that all parts of the application are submitted, creating faster and more predictable outcomes.

Things to consider before starting your business: what permits are required, how to apply for a business licence, why you need city inspections and some of the most common inspection issues identified during the process. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about starting a business in Calgary for you.  

If you’re interested in opening a restaurant or brewery we’ve put together some resources to help you through the process.

Interested in opening a small business? We have several home and small business webinars available that answer many of the questions that you may have about opening a small business in Calgary. We recommend that you watch any webinars that we have available for the type of business you want to open before you submit your application.

Throughout the year we host new webinars and post them online afterwards. Keep an eye on Calgary.ca/webinars for upcoming topics that we’ll be covering or to watch pre-recorded webinars.

Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your licence in person at the Planning Service Centre, or online at apply.calgary.ca.

After submitting your business licence application, you will get a confirmation email summarizing your application. The confirmation email will include your Business Identification number (BID) and next steps. If you do not receive this email, please contact the Planning Services Centre.

Once we’ve reviewed your application, a file manager from out Business Experience Improvement Program team will be in touch to verify the information provided. This includes ownership, location and activity, and will advise you on next steps.