Less than nine months after launching its Mobile Business License Program, the Fraser Valley program has issued more than 1000 licenses.

Implemented in January 2013, the program streamlines the application process and use of business licenses in the construction industry. Contractors apply for licenses in their home municipality and are able to use it to work in any of the six partner municipalities. Municipalities included in the Fraser Valley program include Surrey, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, City of Langley, Township of Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, and Pitt Meadows.

The program benefits both contractors and consumers: contractors save time and money in not having to apply for multiple licenses, and residents have more choice in contractors for hire.

“The Mobile Business License Program stimulates economic activity within Surrey and the region,” says City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. “It supports small businesses who are the foundation and backbone of our economy. We want to continue creating a business environment where small businesses can succeed and thrive.”

“One thousand business licenses issued in less than nine months demonstrates that contractors have embraced this initiative,” says Councillor Linda Hepner, Chair of the Mayor’s Red Tape Reduction Committee. “It is part of our ongoing commitment to reducing red tape in ways that are beneficial for both our residents and our business community.”

The current tally for issued licenses is 1002: Abbotsford, 242; Chilliwack, 135; Hope, 2; Langley City, 32; Langley Township, 217; Maple Ridge, 53; Mission, 66; Pitt Meadows, 13; Surrey, 242.

Surrey will also be a partner municipality in the Metro-West program which launches October 1, 2013, and includes the City of Burnaby, the Corporation of Delta, the City of New Westminster, the City of Richmond, and the City of Vancouver.