The Town of Branch is the 100th municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador to join the BizPaL program, a federal-provincial-territorial online information service which helps local entrepreneurs save time and money by simplifying the process of obtaining permits and licences.
BizPaL clients use an online portal to answer a list of questions about their business venture. Their responses are used to generate a customized list of all permits and other regulatory approvals needed to operate a specific type of business. Links to government sites where you can learn more and, in some cases, apply online are also provided.
A 2015 evaluation of the service showed that businesses can save up to 20 hours when they use BizPaL, instead of visiting individual websites or offices to search for information and apply for permits and licences.
The provincial BizPaL website is accessed thousands of times each month by local businesses and potential business operators from outside the province. To date, Service NL has added an average of 10 municipalities within Newfoundland and Labrador per year. The program is free for entrepreneurs to use and for municipalities to join.
Quotes
“I wish to congratulate the Town of Branch on becoming the 100th municipality to partner in the BizpaL program. BizPaL saves entrepreneurs time and money by guiding them through the requirements for setting up their businesses. This is an excellent example of our government’s actions to enhance service delivery across the province and promote economic development.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL
“For a small, vibrant community like Branch, BizPaL is an innovative service that provides the right conditions for entrepreneurs to start a business in our community. We welcome the opportunity to work with both the federal and provincial governments in helping people cut through red tape and save time and resources.”
Kelly Power
Mayor, Town of Branch
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Learn More
Provincial BizpaL Site – bizpal.gov.nl.ca
National BizpaL Site – bizpal.ca
Evaluation of BizPaL Service – www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ae-ve.nsf/vwapj/BizPal_Final_Report-eng.pdf/$FILE/BizPal_Final_Report-eng.pdf
The Way Forward – thewayforward.gov.nl.ca/
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ServiceNL_
Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Service NL
709-729-4748, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Mayor Kelly Power
Town of Branch
709-338-2920