Launch a Regina Business and Secretarial School Today
This page is your practical guide to starting a Regina-based Business and Secretarial School under NAICS 611410. It lays out what you need to do to open your doors, including an eight-item requirements checklist, a clear overview of permits and licenses, upfront costs, and the timeline to launch. You’ll find actionable steps, simple checklists, and local resources to help you move from idea to first classes. Whether you’re new to education entrepreneurship or expanding a training lineup, Regina offers a welcoming market for professional skills programs.
You'll learn a clear requirements overview, the permits and licensing you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a practical timeline from registration to opening day. We’ll walk you through selecting a site, registering your business, aligning with education standards, and planning your first cohort.
Regina's growing business community and affordable spaces make this a smart fit for a focused school in business and secretarial studies. With local employers and students eager for hands-on training, you can launch confidently knowing you’re serving a real need.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Regina is the Business Licence. This is legally required and you cannot legally operate a secretarial school or any other business in Regina without it. The licence is issued by the city and confirms you’re allowed to run your operation from your chosen location, so it should be your first step before you enroll students or advertise your services.
Once you’re set up, there are mandatory operational considerations to keep in mind. Health and safety come first, especially in a learning environment. If you hire staff, you’ll need Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration to cover workplace injuries and you’ll want solid safety policies for students and employees. Depending on the building and program, you may also need routine permits or inspections. These items ensure you run a safe, compliant school and protect everyone who uses your facility.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to register your business name with Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. Your legal structure may require Partnership Registration or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration. You’ll also consider GST/HST Registration if your revenue meets the threshold or if you want to handle input taxes, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These steps keep your finances orderly and compliant from day one.
Next steps: decide your business structure, complete the registrations, secure the licence, and set up tax and payroll accounts. Start with the Business Licence and ISC name registration, then apply for a BN and GST/HST if needed. If you’d like, I can help map out a simple checklist and timeline to keep you on track and avoid delays.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a business and secretarial schools in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 City of Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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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