Get a business licence

You need a licence

The Northwest Territories says that anyone operating a business must have a valid business licence. Most communities, including Yellowknife, issue their own. The territory issues licences only in communities that don't, and outside community boundaries.

In Yellowknife

The City says a licence is required no matter the type of business. A retail business licence is $200. A home-based business uses a combined licence and development permit form, and costs $200 plus the development permit fee. You send the form by email or bring it to City Hall.

Outside Yellowknife

Check with your community office first. Where the territory issues the licence, the fee is $218, and licences expire on March 31 each year.

Be upfront about what you sell

The home-based form asks about customer visits, stored goods and vehicles. Tell the City exactly what you will sell and how you will ship it, so you know about any zoning limits before you start.

Keep the licence

Save it. Banks and suppliers sometimes ask to see it.