Launch a Business and Secretarial School in Longueuil Today
This page guides aspiring entrepreneurs through starting a Business and Secretarial School in Longueuil (NAICS 611410). It offers a practical, step-by-step view of what it takes to get from idea to first class, including a clear 9-item requirements overview, the permits you’ll likely need, projected startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to opening.
What you’ll learn here: how to meet Quebec’s educational service requirements, secure the necessary permits, and set up compliant classrooms, staffing, and policies. You’ll understand the 9 essential steps, plus budgeting tips and a 3–6 month roadmap to launch. We cover program design, admissions policies, marketing basics, and ongoing compliance to keep things on track.
Why Longueuil works: the city offers affordable spaces, a growing demand for practical business and secretarial training, and strong connections to local employers. A Longueuil base gives you access to talent, networking opportunities, and a welcoming environment to build a career-focused school.
Requirements Overview
In Longueuil, the starting point for a secretarial school is to get the right government IDs. The federal Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency is required to handle taxes, payroll, and other filings, and you cannot operate without it. You’ll also need a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and to complete the Quebec Business Registration with the Registraire des entreprises. Together, these registrations establish your business in both Canada and Quebec.
Operational permits and worker-related requirements come next. You’ll need a City of Longueuil business licence to legally run a school from a local location. If you plan to hire staff, you must register for CNESST for workers’ compensation and set up payroll deductions with the appropriate tax authority. If you form your business as a partnership or as a corporation, you’ll also need to complete the corresponding Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration.
Business registration and tax registrations go hand in hand. Many businesses must register for GST/HST (the federal sales tax) if revenue meets the threshold, and you’ll charge and remit taxes accordingly. In Quebec, the NEQ/REQ registrations cover your provincial presence, while the BN covers federal filings. If your structure is a corporation or partnership, ensure the specific registrations tied to that structure are in place and kept up to date.
Next steps: decide your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), complete the Registraire des entreprises registrations (NEQ/REQ), apply for the BN with the CRA, and obtain the city business licence. Then set up CNESST for workers and any required payroll deductions or GST/HST registrations. Take it one step at a time—with these basics in place, you’ll be ready to open your doors in Longueuil.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a business and secretarial schools in Longueuil:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Longueuil. Apply to Ville de Longueuil 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 Longueuil Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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