Start Your All Other Support Services in Halifax Today
This page shows you how to start an All Other Support Services business (NAICS 561990) in Halifax. You’ll find a practical, step‑by‑step path from idea to launch, including the 7 key requirements you’ll need to meet, an overview of permits, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline. Use the checklists, resource links, and tips to get compliant quickly, attract your first client, and grow with confidence.
You’ll learn what each of the 7 requirements covers, from business registration and naming to insurance and safety basics. We'll outline the permits or registrations you may need at municipal and provincial levels, plus estimated startup costs and typical timelines. We break licensing, GST/HST registration, municipal permits, WCB/employee coverage, data protection, and ongoing compliance into simple steps so you can plan with clarity and avoid surprises.
Halifax offers a thriving network of small‑business resources, affordable spaces, and easy access to clients across the Atlantic region. The city’s supportive ecosystem, combined with provincial programs in Nova Scotia, helps new service providers for 561990 navigate permits, costs, and timelines faster, so you can start earning revenue sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Halifax is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal identifier is used by the Canada Revenue Agency to manage taxes, payroll, and program accounts. You cannot legally operate, hire staff, or file payments without a BN—for these tasks you must have it. In short, the BN is non-negotiable and essential to get your business off the ground.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to registration, you must cover health, safety, and worker protections. If you have employees, you’ll need to register for Payroll Deductions and ensure you have Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board coverage. Also maintain basic workplace safety practices and secure any industry-specific permits that apply to your services. These steps protect workers and keep your business compliant.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll register your business name with Nova Scotia RJSC unless you operate under your own legal name. If you’re forming a corporation, complete Nova Scotia Corporation registration; for partnerships, complete Partnership Registration. You’ll also handle tax registrations such as GST/HST registration if you meet the threshold or choose to register. And if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration will be necessary to withhold and remit taxes.
Encouragement: Getting these pieces in place may seem like a lot, but you can tackle them step by step. Start with the BN, then align your structure (corporation, partnership, or name registration), follow up with GST/HST and payroll-related registrations, and finally arrange WCB coverage and safety measures. If you want, I can outline a simple 4-week action plan tailored to your service and team size.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other support services in Halifax:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) RequiredBusinesses in Nova Scotia must register their business name with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies if operating under a name other than the owner's personal name. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and obtaining licenses. Registration can be completed online or in person. Business registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in Nova Scotia: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($53.09 Atlantic or $66.30 Federal) 2. Complete business name registration through RJSC Connect 3. Pay registration fee ($68.55 sole prop, $93.40 LLP) 4. Receive certificate of registration 5. Renew annually before expiry 6. Report any changes within required timeframes
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Nova Scotia Corporation ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Nova Scotia. Incorporation under NS law. Apply to Province of Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Corporation: 1. Contact relevant Province of Nova Scotia department for requirements 2. Complete application form 3. Submit required documentation 4. Pay applicable fees 5. Await approval Check Province of Nova Scotia government website for current requirements and processing times.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Nova Scotia Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Nova Scotia government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Nova Scotia. Employers in Nova Scotia must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage if they employ workers. WCB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers with one or more workers are required to register, with some industry exemptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of hiring the first worker. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification and assessable payroll. To register with WCB Nova Scotia: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register within 10 days of hiring third worker 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($2.65/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Optional: Special Protection for proprietors/partners
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other support services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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