Penticton is an entrepreneurial city, where big ideas can turn into big business. It's the hub of British Columbia’s Okanagan-Similkameen region, with more than 3,600 businesses serving 100,000 people throughout the region. The city is also facing strong growth and development, with recent major infrastructure projects including upgrades to Penticton Hospital, Penticton Airport and throughout the downtown core.
Getting around is easy, with access to major highways and the U.S. border. Penticton Airport offers direct flights to Vancouver and Calgary, also with easy access to Kelowna Airport for international flights.
Let's Build Your Business
Contact the City
Bring us your business and building plans so we can help you get started as quickly as possible. Come speak with us. Drop in to City Hall, phone 250-276-2165 or send us an email. We’ll connect you with any other departments required. Does your proposal involve renovations or construction? Our building department is standing by. It’s this hands-on approach that makes the difference.
Research your market
Our Economic Indicators webpage has everything you need to know to research your potential customers and competitors.
Get your business licence
Visit our Apply for a Business Licence page to read the three easy steps to getting your business licence.
Planning a new office? Or doing construction?
If your business requires permits or has special zoning requirements, book your pre-application meeting with our Building department.
Identify other licensing requirements
Not sure which permits and licences your business needs? Start by using BizPal online service, a free online service that helps you determine which permits and licences are required from all levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal). To contact the provincial ministry you can go to gov.bc.ca, phone 1-800-663-7867 or use this handy online list. For more information about federal licence requirements, visit canada.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.
Here are some other requirements that may be required for your business.
GST & PST: If you will be selling more than $10,000 a year in goods, you will have to collect and pay PST. Also, if your annual sales is more than $30,000, you may be required to collect and pay GST. These can be completed through OneStop Business Registry.
Payroll account: If you will be paying salary or wages to employees, you’ll need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency for a payroll deductions account.
Employers’ Insurance: If you have employees, you’ll need to register with WorkSafeBC.
BC Registry Services: Apply for your business name.
Penticton is the business hub of the Okanagan-Similkameen region. While we’re known for our world-class wineries and deep roots in agriculture, our sectors are diverse and imaginative. Our vibrant waterfront city is connected, entrepreneurial and innovative. So, if you’re looking for the good life, while still making a good living, we’re here – and we’ve got room to grow.
Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen offers hands-on workshops throughout the year. You can also start with reviewing their Business Plan Resources online. You can download a Business Plan Template from their Financing page. You’ll also find lots of useful resources on SmallBusinessBC.
Here are some options:
- Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen
This non-profit provides loans to support new business start-ups, business expansion or to provide stability. - Women’s Enterprise Centre: A valuable resource for female entrepreneurs, offering small business loans to businesses that can help you start or grow your B.C. business.
- Government of Canada Small Business Financing: In order to apply for a loan under this program, a borrower must present a business proposal directly to a financial institution.
- Innovate BC: This a one-stop service centre to connect innovators – large and small – with B.C. government funding, tools, resources and support.
- Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen
Are you interested in buying an existing business? Or perhaps you’re an owner looking to sell or lease your business? Here are a few options to get started.
BritishColumbia.ca Opportunities
Search this B.C. government website for businesses for sale. You’ll also find rental listings for office, retail and industrial space. If you’re selling your business, submit your listings so OpportunitiesBC can promote your opportunity worldwide.
Venture Connect
This organization provides guidance to business owners to plan for transition and business retention. List or browse businesses for sale on their website.
The Province of BC has created an online tool to help guide you through the steps for opening and maintaining a restaurant in B.C.
Bid & Business Opportunities
Bid opportunities and requests for proposals can be found on the following websites. Visit our Bid Opportunities page for more information about working with the City of Penticton.
- City of Penticton - Bonfire
- British Columbia Government – BC Bid
- Canadian & US Public Tenders – Merx
- Civic Info BC
- Government of Canada
Business Licensing
We can help you get your business up and running as quickly and effortlessly as possible. Here are some steps you can take to get started with the necessary licences and permits.
You’ll need a business licence to operate in Penticton. Visit our Apply for a Business Licence page for the full details.
Start by using BizPal online service, a free online service that helps you determine which permits and licences are required from all levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal). To contact the provincial ministry you can go to gov.bc.ca, phone 1-800-663-7867 or use this handy online list. For more information about federal licence requirements, visit canada.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.
Here are some other points to consider when starting a new business.
GST & PST: If you will be selling more than $10,000 a year in goods, you will have to collect and pay PST. Also, if your annual sales are more than $30,000, you may be required to collect and pay GST. You can apply for accounts through OneStop Business Registry.
Payroll account: If you will be paying salary or wages to employees, you’ll need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency for a payroll deductions account.
Employers’ Insurance: If you have employees, you’ll need to register with WorkSafeBC.
BC Registry Services: Apply for your business name at bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca.
For more resources, visit our Business Resources page.
Zoning
Are you looking to subdivide your property into two or more lots? Build a multi-family development? Add a carriage house or secondary suite to your property? Change the zoning on your property? All of these developments involve the Planning Department. Visit our Building pages for more.
A pre-application meeting is the first step in your process. It helps us have a shared understanding of your development proposal. We can also provide you with preliminary guidance involving specific requirements. Contact the Planning Department at 250-490-2501 or development@penticton.ca. We’re here to help!
The Official Community Plan (OCP) is a detailed, collective vision for development in the City of Penticton.
This document informs the Planning Department’s decisions and keeps us focused on our long-term goals. The plan emerged from an extensive community consultation process, outlining Council’s policy direction for land use, servicing and the form and character of development within specific areas of the City. Each property has an OCP future land use designation which informs future development on that land.
Zoning regulations place limits on land use to help the City develop strategically and to protect the character of our neighbourhoods.
One of the requirements for a successful business licence application is operating in the right zone. Depending on the zoning of your location, your business idea may or may not be a good fit for the area – or you might need special permits. Visit our Planning pages for more.
Zoning determines what land uses are permitted on a given property at the moment, while the OCP determines what land uses will be permitted in the future. For some properties, the Zoning and OCP will be the same.
In others, they could be different (for example, single-family residential properties in the downtown core could transition into commercial/residential mixed-use properties over time). This information is important for business owners because it can limit or create opportunities for business growth.
Have questions? Contact the Planning Department or visit our Community Planning pages.
Each property and project is different, and some regulations are specific to a certain lot. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact the Planning Department. We’re happy to work through the details with you.
Permits
Are you planning to renovate your commercial property before opening your business? Depending on the extent of your upgrades, a building permit may be required (including plumbing and mechanical, electrical, signage, etc.). Some buildings will also require an inspection from the Fire Department.
Book your appointment! Before you get started, please contact our Building and Planning department to arrange a pre-application meeting. We’ll take a look at your concept plans and guide you toward which steps may be required. This also helps expedite the permit application process.
Business permits are an opportunity to expand your commercial opportunities. Visit our Business Licences and Permits section for more.
Utilities
Both the electric and water utilities are owned and operated by the City of Penticton. Our customer base includes residential, commercial and industrial users.
Visit our Electric and Water Accounts page for details about how to set up your account and regarding payment options.
The City of Penticton bills utilities on a monthly schedule. The bills are made up of two types of charges – a fixed charge for your electric and water service and variable charges based on the amount of power or water you have consumed. Currently electric consumption is read and billed every month, but water consumption is only read and billed twice a year (usually June and October).
Visit our Electric & Water Accounts page for further information.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are collected to pay for many of our essential community services such as hospitals, libraries, schools, parks, sidewalks, policing, fire protection and emergency rescue. Visit our Property Taxes page for full details.
Your property taxes are determined by the value and class of your property, as well as the tax rate (all three discussed below). In its simplest form, the equation used to calculate your property tax is:
(property value / 1000) x the class property tax rate
You can also use our online property tax estimator if you have your last two property assessment notices on hand. At this time, the estimator is only available for residential properties.
Property Value
In British Columbia, property values are reviewed annually by BC Assessment. Your property assessment notice is mailed out on Dec. 31 every year. Visit our BC Assessment page for more details.
Organizations that can Help You Succeed
Accelerate Okanagan
Accelerate Okanagan helps develop and support creative entrepreneurs in the technology community. Based in Kelowna, they are a hub of like-minded, ambitious individuals who seek collaboration through coaching, connections, info sessions and a shared workspace.
Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen
Community Futures offers assistance and a variety of services and tools to help entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals, including business support services, business planning advice, loans and self-employment assistance.
Interior Health
Interior Health is responsible for regulating and monitoring many public facilities and those aspects of the environment that have a direct impact on public health. If you're looking to open a business that serves food or drink, cares for children or the elderly, or is involved with personal care such as tanning, tattooing, or hair, you will need to speak with someone at Interior Health.
Naramata Bench Winery Association
The NBWA represents more than twenty award-winning wineries overlooking Lake Okanagan. Member wineries share marketing costs and benefit from being associated with a positive, established brand that lends their business an immediate level of consumer confidence and recognition.
Okanagan Falls Winery Association
The OFW Association offers the same benefits as the NBWA to another group of premiere wineries just south of Penticton.
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
The Penticton Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit, member-based association. Members benefit from networking as well as subsidized products and services (insurance, software, office supplies, gas, advertisements, etc.).
Penticton Industrial Development Association
PIDA represents the interests of industrial businesses in Penticton. They are a sounding board for business owners to address issues and concerns, and they advocate to the City of Penticton to improve the economic climate. To get involved contact Frank Conc of AC Motor Electric.
Small Business BC
Small Business BC is British Columbia’s premier resource centre for knowledge-based business development. They have been recognized by several national and international awards.
South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS)
SOICS is a one-stop-shop that works together with immigrants to help them get settled, find careers and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada—including business services and information about foreign direct investment.
Travel Penticton
Travel Penticton markets our city and operates the Visitor Centre, open to tourists and locals alike. They also promote your event, accommodation or experiential travel business, while attracting major sporting events.
Women’s Enterprise Centre
WEC helps women entrepreneurs to start, purchase or grow a small business. They provide training, business advice, resources and referrals to other services using a supportive, individual and practical approach.
WorkBC
WorkBC Employment Services Centres serve local businesses by providing key labour force information and recruitment services, including free job postings for employers. Our local WorkBC Centre is found at 50 Calgary Avenue, Penticton
Accelerate Okanagan
Accelerate Okanagan helps develop and support creative entrepreneurs in the technology community. Based in Kelowna, they are a hub of like-minded, ambitious individuals who seek collaboration through coaching, connections, info sessions and a shared workspace.
Naramata Bench Winery Association
The NBWA represents more than twenty award-winning wineries overlooking Lake Okanagan. Member wineries share marketing costs and benefit from being associated with a positive, established brand that lends their business an immediate level of consumer confidence and recognition.
Okanagan Falls Winery Association
The OFW Association offers the same benefits as the NBWA to another group of premiere wineries just south of Penticton.
Penticton Industrial Development Association
PIDA represents the interests of industrial businesses in Penticton. They are a sounding board for business owners to address issues and concerns, and they advocate to the City of Penticton to improve the economic climate. To get involved contact Frank Conci of AC Motor Electric.
Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC
Provides safety training and advisory services for manufacturers, food processors, wineries, breweries and distilleries.
Get Connected
- 100 Women Who Care, 100 Men Who Care & the Community Foundation: networking and charitable giving
- Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
- Two Rotary clubs: Penticton Okanagan Rotary and the Rotary Club of Penticton
- Penticton Women in Business
- Junior Chamber International for young professionals (JCI Penticton): Provides young businesspeople opportunities in leadership, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship.
- Accelerate Okanagan: mentorship and coaching for tech companies
- South Okanagan Tech Professionals
- Cowork Penticton: shared office space with informal Friday evening networking
- Penticton meetup groups
- Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen: supports entrepreneurs and businesses through loans, support and advisory services
Other Resources
- Trade & Invest British Columbia
- Export Development Canada
- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
- Canada Border Services Agency Export Guide
- Canadian Trade Commissioner
- Export.ca (Canada’s Export E-Business Portal)
- Canadian Commercial Corporation
- Government of Canada - Trade Data Online
- Small Business BC Import/Export Advisory Services
- Trade Commissioner Service
- TradeStart
Visit the following websites for information about subsidies and training opportunities that may be suitable for you.
- Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen
- Government of Canada – Support for Apprentices
- Province of British Columbia – Jobs & Career Training Resources
- Certified International Trade Professional Training
- Federal Government Grants and Contributions
- Service Canada
- Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP)
- Trades Training BC
- Training Tax Credit
- Work Sharing Program for Employers
- WorkBC
South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services
SOICS provides a range of free services to immigrants, temporary foreign workers, post-secondary international students and refugees, including job search and language training.
Entrepreneur Immigration (Provincial Nominee Program – PNP)
If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to invest and manage a business in B.C., you may be eligible for the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program. This involves pairing international entrepreneurs with community priorities. The City of Penticton is partnering with the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services Society to support the program.
Federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Hiring a foreign worker may help you meet short-term skill and labour needs when permanent residents are not available. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for further details.
Plan Your Event
Are you looking to host an upcoming business meeting or event? The City of Penticton can help you in your search for the ideal location. Our inventory of indoor and outdoor open-air venues, combined with local expertise in all areas of planning and production, will ensure your event shines. Visit our Events page for everything you need to know.
Have Questions?
Penticton City Hall, 171 Main Street, Penticton, B.C., V2A 5A9
Business hours: Monday – Friday, 9 - 4 p.m. excluding holidaysContact Phone # Email Economic Development 250-490-2400 economic.development@penticton.ca Business Licensing Clerk 250-490-2488 businesslicences@penticton.ca Planning & Development Services 250-490-2501 development@penticton.ca Utilities 250-490-2489 utilities@penticton.ca