Get Involved :: Start a Market

How To Start a Farmers' Market

Why start a Farmers' Market?

Organizing your start-up

1. Secure a location.
2. Set days and times of operation.
3. Register as a Non-Profit Society.
   • You can obtain a package from your local Access Centre
     Some items to be completed:
     A name search
     Registration of the society
   • Draw up your Constitution and Bylaws
   • You will receive a Certificate of Incorporation No.
   • An annual report must be filed after your AGM, including a financial statement.
4. Maintain a membership list.
5. Establish a bank account.
   • Should have 2 signatures.
   • An account as a Non-Profit Society may be eligible for no-fee banking. (Check with your local Credit Union.)
   • A chequing account - for current expenses
   • A savings or term account - for future expenditures and set-up monies for next year's market.
6. Business License as a Market
   All communities handle this differently. Most communities' markets pay for one license to cover all vendors.
7. Check into Insurance
   Membership with the association will give you the opportunity for an exceptional group insurance rate.
8. Find out about becoming a member of the BC Association of Farmers' Markets. Click here.
9. Following are other things to be considered:
   • Stall fees
   • BC Association of Farmers' Market membership fees
   • Market rules and regulations
   • Organizational design
   • Signage
   • Advertising and promotion
   • Market Manager - paid or unpaid
   • Regional Health Department

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