Start a Laval Business and Secretarial School Today
If you’re dreaming of opening a private business and secretarial school in Laval, this page is for you. It walks you through the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet to operate under NAICS 611410, from business registration to program approvals. Find a practical overview of permits, licensing, facility needs, and the typical start-up costs and timeline—from planning to first classroom.
You’ll learn exactly what to prepare: a requirements checklist, what provincial permits and accreditation may be required in Quebec, and cost ranges for space, equipment, insurance, and staff. The guide also breaks down the expected timeline (application, approvals, and setting up curricula) so you can plan a realistic launch and stay on track.
Laval is a strong fit for a training venture: a growing market for private career training, easy access to Montreal, affordable space, and a bilingual workforce. With the right setup, your school can attract local students and businesses looking for hands-on secretarial and business administration training.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Laval is Business Licence. This licence is issued by the City of Laval and you cannot legally operate a secretarial school without it. It establishes the basic permission to run your business from your chosen location, and without it you’re not in a compliant position. Depending on your space and services, you may need additional city approvals, but the licence itself is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Beyond the licence, there are important health, safety, and permitting steps to consider. If you hire staff, you must register for CNESST (the workers’ compensation system) and set up payroll deductions. You’ll also want to ensure your teaching space meets local safety and occupancy standards and obtain any relevant facility permits from the city. Grouped together, these items cover the essential ongoing obligations you’ll face as an employer and operator of a classroom setting.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need the formal business and tax registrations. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and completing Quebec registrations for the enterprise (NEQ with the Registraire des entreprises and REQ). If your activities involve taxable supplies, you’ll handle GST/HST registration as well, and you’ll manage payroll deductions for employees. These registrations streamline reporting, taxes, and payments to the right authorities.
Encouragement: You’ve got a clear path to getting up and running. Start with securing the Laval business licence, then set up your BN, NEQ, and REQ, followed by GST/HST and payroll systems. Consider a quick consultation with a local small-business advisor or accountant to confirm you’ve covered all required steps for your secretarial school. With a solid plan and these registrations in place, you’ll be on solid, compliant footing.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a business and secretarial schools in Laval:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Laval. Apply to Ville de Laval 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 Laval Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration 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.
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Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll 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).
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired 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.
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Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired 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).
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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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Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired 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 business and secretarial schools:
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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.
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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.
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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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