Commercial Tenant Assistance Program

The information provided is intended to be a helpful service for business operators. It is not to be relied on for legal or other professional advice.

We recommend that you seek appropriate advice as the need arises.

On this page you'll find:

Resource guides, 资源指南, 資源指南, ਸਰੋਤ ਗਾਈਡਾ, Hướng dẫn tài nguyên
Additional resources
Webinars, courses, and training

The Commercial Tenant Assistance Program (CTAP) offers support for relocation planning and decision making for a variety of tenants, but especially those impacted by redevelopment in the City of Vancouver. CTAP ensures that all commercial tenants have equal access to reliable and consistent relocation planning and information.

CTAP is for all commercial tenants having to relocate for any reason. It takes an equitable approach to uplift marginalized businesses, with a focus on:

Small independent businesses, including heritage and family-run businesses
Businesses owned or operated by IBPOC, non-English speaking, ethnic, newcomer, or other equity-denied communities
Non-profit organizations, social enterprises, arts and culture, and food assets

CTAP offers “resource guides” that are intended as a first step for commercial tenants to plan their relocation and where to find support.

All information is available in English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Punjabi, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Resource guides

Commercial tenant basics (596 KB)

Learn about:

Commercial tenancy
Legal and regulatory protections

Other languages:

Lease negotiation (1.7 MB)

Learn about:

Overview of commercial leases
Common clauses and terms explained

Other languages:

Relocation (458 KB)

Learn about:

Relocation options, timing, and steps
Finding a space: How to make sure it is a good fit
Change of use and other regulatory requirements
Renovating new space and permits

Other languages:

Redevelopment (1 MB)

Learn about:

Redevelopment and zoning
The development review process and timeline (an overview)

Other languages:

City processes (506 KB)

Learn about:

Business licences
Permits and inspections for a new space
Renovating a new space

Other languages:

Resources (587 KB)

Learn about:

Commercial tenant supports and resources
The glossary

Other languages:

Additional resources

Other City resources

Small business Commercial Renovation Centre

We have established a small business Commercial Renovation Centre (CRC) to assist small business owners with navigating regulations, permitting, and procedures for moving, setting-up, or renovating a business.

Business licence office

To apply for, change, or renew your business licence.

Business Communication and Support Office (BCSO)

Single point of contact for Vancouver’s local business owners to get information about re-opening protocols, business support programs, and learn about City initiatives and services to support businesses.

Starting or expanding a small business

We have provided entrepreneurs with a set of useful articles, checklists, and templates to start or expand a business in Vancouver. It also includes information about which permits you may need and information on how to obtain them.
External resources
Business Improvement Associations (BIAs)

As a commercial tenant, you may receive support from a non-profit Business Improvement Association (BIA). BIAs are specially funded business districts supported by levies paid by all commercial property owners in a BIA’s designated area. The City of Vancouver helps local business groups form BIAs.

Once a BIA is formed, it is managed by a volunteer board elected by commercial landlords and tenants within its boundary. If you are located within a BIA, they should be your first contact for resources and support.

Small Business BC

Small Business BC helps British Columbia’s entrepreneurs to start their own business, grow successful and sustainable businesses through expert business advisors, educational services, easy-to-use free resources, and engaging community events.

BizPal

A tool for searching business permit and licence information for a business based on business type. This tool lists all the possible types of permits or licences required by various governments and municipalities across Canada.

BizMap

A collaboration between Small Business BC, the City of Vancouver, and Vancouver BIAs, BizMap provided easy access to market data tailored to customized business districts.

While a review of the future of Bizmap is underway, we’ve retained many helpful links and resources on this page.

The Government of British Columbia

Disputes between landlords and tenants may be resolved by the courts or by arbitration according to contract law, and the Commercial Tenancy Act. Unlike residential tenancy, there is no support agency for commercial tenants. The Province also has programs to support local businesses.

Learn more about Provincial supports

BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)

The agency responsible for the supervision and regulation of the financial service sector, including real estate professionals and mortgage brokers. The website includes many useful resources, such as the Disclosure of Representation form .

The Government of Canada

The federal government provides financial support programs targeting certain sectors, businesses of certain sizes, and historically marginalized groups such as Indigenous, Black, and People Of Colour (IBPOC) businesses.

Learn more about their services for small businesses

BOMA

BOMA is a business association for the real estate industry that, among many other things, maintains a suite of floor measurement standards for a variety of property types.

List of other associations, business interest, and support groups

Many business organizations and associations provide advocacy and support for local business, such as:
Your industry or sector may have specific local or national associations that also provide advocacy and support.

Webinars, courses, and training

Information sessions
Summary of Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) information session with Development, Building, and Licensing staff

November 1, 2022: we held an in-person question and answer information session in cooperation with the BIAs related to permitting and licensing for small businesses.

Key staff included:
- Andrea Law, general manager of Development, Building, and Licensing
- Corrie Okell, director of Permitting Services
- Sarah Hicks, chief license inspector of Development, Building, and Licensing
Read the information session summary (218 KB)

Contact us

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Commercial Tenant Assistance Program

Resource guides

Additional resources

Other City resources

External resources

Webinars, courses, and training

Information sessions

Contact us

Provide feedback and report errors or broken links

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