"... Many of us here have had experience with what it's like to fill out application forms and apply for licences," he said.
The process can feel like a never-ending maze, Warawa said. The program is a collaboration between all levels of government, and funding for it has been extended to 2011, Warawa said. He believes the costs, about $3 million, will pay for themselves as more new businesses are created and entrepreneurs spend less time on red tape.
BizPal was also welcomed by Township Mayor Kurt Alberts, who said opening a business with his wife gave him personal experience of working through the numerous needed forms.
The program is available at all levels of government via their websites, noted Lara Delo, a project and policy analyst from the provincial Ministry of Small Business. If someone starts by looking at federal, provincial or municipal websites, they can find a link to BizPal and run through its question and answer section quickly.
Both Langley Township and City are members of the program, as well as neighbouring communities like Surrey, White Rock and Abbotsford. It's hoped that 157 municipal governments in B.C. will have signed up by 2010, said Delo.Adding more communities across the country means that entrepreneurs can compare the permits and fees in different towns, and start application processes for new branches or enterprises without leaving home.
BizPal can be found on the Township of Langley's website at www.tol.bc.ca, under the "Business" menu on the main page.