New tools and information are now available for businesses to help them with the steps they need to take when the Provincial Sales Tax replaces the Harmonized Sales Tax next spring.

Services available to businesses with questions include one-on-one consultations with a tax specialist by submitting a request online, calling a toll-free number with questions about the new PST (1 877 388-4440), or emailing CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca.

A new provincial sales tax notice has now been issued. The transition rules describe how and when PST applies to transactions that straddle April 1.

Over the coming weeks and months, businesses will be able to participate in online webinars and in-person seminars.

Contact the chambers of commerce for dates. Registration for PST will start on Jan. 2.

ENVISION OPENS NEW LOCATION

Envision Fitness announced today it will be opening its doors to new members on Nov. 3.

The brand new facility is run by Steve Di Tomaso and Kari Negraiff. Both are certified strength and conditioning specialists with degrees in human kinetics.

Join Envision Fitness at its grand opening, Nov. 3, at 20468 Lougheed Highway. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature free seminars on fat loss and how to prevent a running injury, functional movement screening, free massages from Maple Ridge Massage Therapy, as well as valuable incentives for new members.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS APP

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto and Junior Achievement of British Columbia secondary school students launched a new smartphone application, Boss Yourself.

Boss Yourself is designed to encourage young people to consider business ownership as a career choice. The free app helps youth explore some of the skills needed to start a business and become a successful and savvy boss in B.C.

Some of the app's features include an inspirational video to get youth started, challenges that quiz knowledge and sharpen business sense, information on the basics of starting and running a business, and links to business resources.

A lesson plan has also been developed for Boss Yourself, by which the app can be used in classrooms to teach students about entrepreneurship.

The app is available for iPhone, Android and web browsers.

Check out the web version of the Boss Yourself app at: www.bossyourselfbc.ca.

Send any local tidbits on business to: smclaren@mrtimes.com