Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Comox Valley Home Based Business Association?

Membership is open to any individual or business that operates, or is interested in operating, a home based business. Associated Membership is open to any individual or business that has ever operated a home based business.

What are the advantages of membership in the CVHBBA?

The Comox Valley Home Based Business Association provides a place to meet like-minded individuals and to exchange essential strategies before and after each general meeting. The meeting provide valuable information for home based businesses that are designed to encourage and assist members in their professional growth. And, the CVHBBA helps to replace the social setting lost when an individual works from their home.

Do I have to attend a lot of meetings?

Members can attend as many or as few meetings as you want. Members are encouraged to participate in monthly meetings in order to promote their businesses, to learn from each other and to share business experiences. Members are also encouraged to participate in the many networking and social functions organized by the Home Based Business Association.

Where and when are your meetings held?

Meeting are held in the Silver Room at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community Club House on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. We don’t meet in December – instead we have one of our biggest social events of the year - our HBBA Christmas party.

What is a home based business?

A home based business is any lawful business or commercial activity that is conducted from residential property and that is clearly incidental and secondary to the main use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes.

Are there any tax advantages to operating a home based business?

There may be many tax advantages to operating your business from at home. They may include deducting a portion of your mortgage, a portion of your utility expenses, a percentage of your computer and computer related costs, a portion of your household cleaning costs and even some of your child/elder care costs. However, before you decide to deduct any expense related to a home based business it is important that you consult an accountant to discuss the possible ramifications of those deductions.

What government regulations should I be aware of?

Each level of government, provincial, regional and municipal has its own regulations and you must comply with the regulations in the area(s) where you conduct business. To name a few you must comply with required licensing, areas designated on your property for home based business, the amount of space allowed, parking, the number of deliver vehicles allowed per week, and the type and size of signage. Consult a specialist such as Invest Comox Valley.