Business licences

Start or manage your business licence

Whether you're starting a new business, applying for a licence or managing an existing one, we're here to help.

Bylaws for business

All businesses located or operating in Cochrane must hold a current business licence, as per the Business Licence Bylaw 22/2018. In addition, all business must comply with the following bylaws: 

Types of businesses

Type of businessExamplesLicence required
Home-based business (no client visits)
  • Home-based accounting or bookkeeping services
  • Online storefront operating from home (shipping products via courier)
  • Remote consulting businesses
Home-Based Business licence (Home Occupation Type 1)
Home-based business (client visits)
  • Hair stylist or esthetician seeing clients from home
  • Music teacher offering in home lessons
  • Small catering business preparing food from home
Home-Based Business licence (Home Occupation Type 2)
Short-term rentals
  • Airbnb
  • VRBO
Home-Based Business licence (Home Occupation Type 2)
Storefront
  • Coffee shop or restaurant
  • Boutique clothing store in a retail storefront
  • Mechanic shop or autobody shop
  • Light manufacturing or workshop operating in an industrial bay
Retail / Commercial / Industrial licence
Contracting company
  • General contractor or construction company working at job sites
  • Landscaping or lawn care business working across town
  • Cleaning  service providing services at client sites
Contractor licence
Mobile vendor or pop up
  • Food trucks
  • Mobile or pop-up retail vendors
Mobile vendor licence
Short-term event
  • Food truck or short-term retail booth operating at an event
Event licence