Start Your Apprenticeship Training Business in Montreal Today

This page helps you launch an Apprenticeship Training business in Montreal under NAICS 611513. It offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap—from turning your idea into a registered business to securing the permits you need. You’ll see a concise overview of the nine requirements, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline to move from planning to operation.

What you’ll learn: a clear breakdown of the nine requirements you must meet, how to complete registrations, build your facility to meet safety and training standards, and obtain the necessary permits. We’ll cover typical startup costs, funding options, and a practical timeline so you know when you can begin training apprentices.

Why Montreal works: a strong trades ecosystem, bilingual talent, and local programs that support apprenticeship training can speed approvals and connect you with employers and learners, helping you build a sustainable, impact-driven business in a vibrant, multi-cultural city with opportunity and growth for everyone.

Business Type
Apprenticeship Training
Location
Montreal

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the Business Licence. This license is issued by the city and you cannot legally run an apprenticeship training operation without it. It’s a non-negotiable foundation—without it you risk fines, orders to halt operations, or closure, so secure the licence before you start offering programs or enrolling learners.

Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, and permits. You’ll need to handle workplace safety and protections for your staff, which includes registering with the Quebec CNESST (Worker’s Compensation) if you hire employees and following safety rules and postings. Plan for essential permits and site requirements from the city (such as occupancy or fire safety compliance) to ensure your training space is compliant. Also set up payroll deductions registrations so you can properly withhold and remit employee taxes and benefits.

Business Registration & Tax: you’ll want to align your legal structure and tax numbers. Register for a Business Number (BN) with the federal authorities, which ties together your GST/HST, payroll, and other dealings. In Quebec, obtain the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) through the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) and decide on your business structure—whether Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. You’ll likely also handle GST/HST registration (and, in Quebec, related provincial QST considerations) as your revenue grows.

Encouragement and next steps: start by confirming the city licence requirements for an apprenticeship training site in Montreal, then set up your BN with the Canada Revenue Agency and your NEQ with the REQ. Decide on your business structure (partnership or corporation) and complete the corresponding registrations. Finally, arrange CNESST enrollment, payroll setup, and a basic safety plan. If you take these steps now, you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation and move confidently toward launching your program.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a apprenticeship training in Montreal:

  • Business Licence Required
    General business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Montreal. Apply to Ville de Montréal for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact Ville de Montréal Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 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).
  • Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration Required
    Registration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
  • Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) Required
    All businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
  • Partnership Registration Conditional
    Required if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
  • Quebec Corporation Registration Conditional
    Required if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
  • GST/HST Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) Conditional
    Required if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.

Funding & Grants

Available funding programs that may apply to your apprenticeship training:

  • Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
  • CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
  • UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.

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