British Columbia’s tech scene is booming. Whether you’re building SaaS, innovating in clean tech, or launching a game-changing platform, there’s never been a better time to get started. But before you dive in, you need more than a great idea — you need to build your business on solid ground. Starting a tech company is hard – make sure you’re going in strong.

That’s where our new Technology Company Playbook comes in (see download link below).

We’ve worked with dozens of early-stage founders across BC and Canada. What we’ve learned is that the most successful startups all have one thing in common: they get their financial, legal, and tax foundations right, from day one.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the 7 critical steps every BC tech founder should take when launching a company — and how our free guide can help.

1. Pick the Right Business Structure

Sole proprietorship? Partnership? Corporation?
Your choice will impact:

  • Tax efficiency

  • Access to funding

  • IP ownership

  • Liability protection

Our playbook walks you through each structure and when it makes sense — in plain language (no legalese).

2. Incorporate the Smart Way: Federal or Provincial?

If you’re planning to expand across Canada or globally, federal incorporation might be your best bet. But if you’re staying local or want simpler admin, provincial might be better.

We break down:

  • Step-by-step incorporation checklists

  • BC vs federal registration differences

  • Tips on shareholder agreements and articles of incorporation

3. Understand Your Tax Obligations (and Opportunities)

Corporate tax in Canada is more startup-friendly than many realize — especially if you qualify for the Small Business Deduction (SBD) or the SR&ED tax credit.

We cover:

  • Corporate income tax filing and deadlines

  • GST/HST rules for SaaS and digital services

  • Common startup tax deductions

  • How to claim thousands in SR&ED refunds

4. Set Up Your Recordkeeping & Accounting Stack

Cloud accounting isn’t optional anymore — especially if you’re applying for grants or preparing for investors.

In the playbook, we share:

  • The best software stack for BC tech startups (Xero, Hubdoc, Wagepoint)

  • Why clean books = better funding outcomes

  • A sample Chart of Accounts tailored to tech companies

5. Know What Grants & Credits You’re Eligible For

Many founders leave money on the table. If you’re doing R&D, you could qualify for:

  • SR&ED: up to 35% of eligible R&D refunded

  • IRAP: up to 80% of salaries for innovation projects

  • Mitacs & ICE Fund: subsidized hiring and clean tech initiatives

We break down how to qualify — and how to stack these programs without risking clawbacks.

6. Protect Your IP from Day One

Don’t let contract oversights cost you your code. The playbook includes practical IP guidance on:

  • Copyright for code and UI/UX assets

  • Trademarks and brand protection

  • Open-source licensing risks

  • Contracts for developers and contractors

7. Stay Compliant and Avoid Fines

From CASL (email marketing laws) to PIPA/PIPEDA (data privacy) and WorkSafeBC registration, regulatory blind spots can get expensive fast.

We give you:

  • A crash course in BC’s compliance landscape

  • Guidance on employment classification (contractor vs employee)

  • Links to key provincial and federal portals

Starting a tech company is hard (wait did I say that already). But this crash course can help make it a little easier.

Download the Full Playbook — Free

This blog only scratches the surface.

Download the “Starting a Technology Company in British Columbia” Playbook here to get:

  • Detailed checklists

  • CRA reference links

  • SR&ED and grant claim tips

  • Cloud tool recommendations

  • Year-end accounting templates

  • And more

It’s the perfect resource whether you’re just incorporating or scaling to your first million.

Need Expert Help with Tech Startup Accounting?

At Virtual Heights Accounting, we specialize in supporting founders through:

  • Incorporation and structuring

  • SR&ED claims and CRA audits

  • Cloud accounting and payroll

  • Year-end tax planning and filings

Let’s build something great — book a free discovery call to learn how we can support your tech journey. We also offer SR&ED Consulting! If you looking for a SR&ED specific call, please use this booking link.