Launch a Business and Secretarial School in Quebec City Today
This page shows you how to start a Business and Secretarial School in Quebec City under NAICS 611410. It offers a practical, step-by-step path from idea to opening day, including an overview of the eight essential requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits and registrations involved, upfront costs to plan for, and a realistic timeline to launch.
You’ll learn what to prepare and how to navigate rules at both provincial and municipal levels. The guide outlines the eight requirements in plain language, where to apply for permits and approvals, typical startup costs for a small-to-mid sized school, and a clear timeline from application to first class. Use this as a straightforward checklist to move fast with confidence.
Quebec City offers a supportive business community, accessible facilities, and steady demand for practical business and secretarial training. With solid planning, your school can serve local workers, students, and newcomers while building a sustainable, compliant operation in a welcoming market.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Quebec City is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the federal tax ID you need to open tax accounts, report income, hire staff, and manage invoicing. For a secretarial school, you cannot legally run operations or handle payroll and taxes without a BN. It is non-negotiable: without the BN you won’t be able to properly register for other essential accounts or stay compliant with government reporting.
Next, expect mandatory operational requirements that keep your school safe and compliant. In practice, you’ll need to address health and safety obligations and any necessary permits. If you hire teachers or staff, you must set up payroll obligations and ensure proper payroll deductions. A key part of safety is the Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (workers’ compensation), so your employees are protected. Depending on your location and facility, there may also be municipal permits or approvals required to run a private school.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll register with Registraire des entreprises to obtain your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ). You’ll choose your business structure (Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration) and complete the relevant registration with the provincial authority. Your BN will link to these registrations, and you’ll handle tax accounts under the appropriate framework. Don’t forget GST/HST Registration if your revenues require it, so you can collect and remit the correct taxes as your secretarial school grows.
If you’re just getting started, take it step by step: confirm your legal structure, register with REQ for the NEQ, obtain your BN, and set up CNESST and payroll processes. With clear planning and the right registrations in place, you’ll move from learning the rules to running your quality secretarial school confidently in Quebec City. You’ve got this—taking these steps now sets you up for smooth, compliant operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a business and secretarial schools in Quebec City:
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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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