Once submitted, our team will review your application and will confirm any required approvals or inspections. Processing usually takes 5-7 business days, depending on completeness of applications and required inspections.
Step 5: Receive your business licence
Once approved, you'll receive your business licence certificate to be displayed at your operating location or to carry with you while operating.
What could delay my application?
Some common reasons for delay are listed here. This list is not exhaustive.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. If you operate a business in Cochrane, provide services in Cochrane, or sell products to customers in Cochrane, you need a Town of Cochrane business licence. This includes home-based businesses, commercial businesses, contractors, medical practices, non-profit organizations, temporary businesses, and businesses based outside of Cochrane that work within Town limits.
Yes. If your business is located outside of Cochrane but you will be providing services or doing business within the Town, you are required to have a Town of Cochrane business licence.
In this situation, you would apply for a Non-Resident Contractor business licence. This licence allows businesses based outside of Cochrane to legally operate within the Town.
Most businesses operating from a commercial, industrial, or retail location require a fire inspection before a business licence can be issued.
If you are taking over an existing business location, a new inspection may not be required if a fire inspection has been completed within the last 12 months. Town staff will review your application and let you know if an inspection is needed.
Most home-based businesses do not require an inspection. However, short-term rentals require an inspection before a licence can be issued.
No. You must wait until your business licence has been approved and issued before beginning business operations in Cochrane.
Don't worry. If you're unsure which business licence type to choose, submit your application using the option that seems most appropriate. Our licensing team will review your application and make any necessary adjustments.
Possibly. Depending on your business activities, you may need additional municipal, provincial, or federal permits, licences, or approvals. For example, businesses involved in food services, childcare, construction, health services, or alcohol sales often have additional requirements.
Use BizPaL to identify permits and licences that may apply to your business.
Food trucks and mobile vendors attending temporary events in Cochrane should apply for an Event Licence. This licence is for short-term operations. While the licence is valid, you can attend multiple events and do not need a separate licence for each one. You must also meet any other requirements that apply to your business, such as Alberta Health Services approvals, fire inspections, or other applicable permits.
Once you submit your application, Town staff will review it to ensure all required information has been provided. If additional information, inspections, or approvals are needed, we will contact you.
After your application has been reviewed, an invoice will be sent to you by email. Payment can be made online. Once all required documentation has been received and payment has been received, your business licence will be issued and emailed to you.
You can contact us if:
Your business doesn't fit the examples provided on our website
You're unsure if your business can operate from a proposed location
Your application is stuck and you don't know why
Unsure of what applies to your business? We're here to help!
