People move to Gabriola for a wide variety of reasons. Some are seeking a slower pace of life, or have a love of the sea and the land close to it. Perhaps it is an attractive place to retire or maybe they are looking for a community based lifestyle. The island indeed welcomes all sorts of people and a surprising variety of businesses. Many of these businesses are operated from private homes. These are called cottage industries, or home based businesses. There are many reasons for doing business in this way. It is very economical to operate a business from your own home and it is certainly convenient. Whether you are doing this as a living or supplementing an income there is one thing in common. You choose the amount of time and energy you wish to put into it.

Before you begin to create your business there are several regulations to look into. Check into zoning, permits and licences. Once the preliminaries are cleared the hunt for a suitable location is on. Depending on your type of business or service the location may or may not be important. The type of building however, will matter a great deal. If, for example, you were creating a product with wood or metal a detached garage would be suitable. But if you planned to give piano lessons or do graphic arts you would probably prefer a room in your house, or an attached studio. Maybe you are an inventor. Making a better mousetrap would fit nicely in either location. Check on the size of the work and storage areas. Also decide if the business area will require a separate entrance.

This brings us to the actual house and property you require. As a home based business the idea is to share your home and property between the two. Despite the variety of combinations, some things should be in place. The driveway and parking areas should be adequate for your clients. Stairs and pathways must be safe (remember to check out insurance). Make a note as to if there is adequate out door lighting or if it could be added. Is the house going to be large enough for yourself or the family, and will it allow enough privacy when clients are present. Beyond this is the type of house. Naturally something charming would suggest an artistic business, but a 2 story west coast style may be just right for a busy household.

There are so many possibilities when considering the kind of home based business you decide on, and the house and location that best fits its needs. It's an exciting prospect to produce a product or service on Gabriola and find that you can supplement or make your living completely from it. When you have found the place that meets all your needs you can bring character to it and make it part of the fabric of the island. You're set up, and now you have the great pleasure of putting your sign on your property. Congratulations. You're in business!