Launch a Halifax Caterers Business: Start Your Dream Food Service
This page gives you a clear, practical roadmap for starting a Halifax caterers business under NAICS 722320. You'll find a concise overview of the seven requirements to operate, from registering your business and choosing a name to securing the right licenses and health approvals. We also outline typical setup costs and a realistic timeline, plus the permits and inspections you’ll encounter along the way.
Learn exactly what the seven requirements cover, including business registration and tax IDs, food-safety certification, insurance, and choosing a suitable commercial kitchen or facility. We break down the permits and licenses you’ll need (business license, health authority approvals, and any local zoning checks), plus typical costs and how long the process usually takes—from filing to first service.
Halifax is a lively market for caterers, with weddings, corporate events, universities, and seafood-driven menus that fit local tastes. A growing events scene, supportive small-business networks, and access to fresh regional ingredients help you build a thriving catering business right from the start.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a caterer in Halifax is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the official identifier you get from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you need it before you can legally run your business, charge customers, file taxes, or hire staff. This is non-negotiable—you cannot legally operate without a BN, so get this step done early to avoid delays.
On the operational side, you’ll want solid health and safety practices. If you have employees, you must be covered by the Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), which provides workplace injury coverage. In addition, depending on your setup (home kitchen, commercial kitchen, or mobile catering), you may need appropriate food-safety practices and local permits or inspections from Halifax Regional Municipality. Plan for these early so your cooking and service areas meet required standards.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll handle name and legal-form registrations along with tax registrations. If you operate under a name other than your own, register the Nova Scotia Business Name (RJSC). Decide your structure—Nova Scotia Corporation if you’re incorporating, or a Partnership if that’s your choice—and complete the corresponding registration. You’ll also need GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire employees. The BN you obtained will be used for GST/HST and payroll purposes, so align all these registrations for smooth administration.
You’re taking solid, practical steps toward launching. Next, outline your chosen business structure, complete the RJSC or incorporation/partnership filings, apply for GST/HST and payroll registrations as needed, and set up your BN with the CRA. If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out to Halifax small-business support or a local accountant to guide you through the exact forms and timelines. You’re on the right track—steady progress will turn your catering plan into
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a caterers in Halifax:
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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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Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) RequiredBusinesses in Nova Scotia must register their business name with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies if operating under a name other than the owner's personal name. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and obtaining licenses. Registration can be completed online or in person. Business registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in Nova Scotia: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($53.09 Atlantic or $66.30 Federal) 2. Complete business name registration through RJSC Connect 3. Pay registration fee ($68.55 sole prop, $93.40 LLP) 4. Receive certificate of registration 5. Renew annually before expiry 6. Report any changes within required timeframes
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Nova Scotia Corporation ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Nova Scotia. Incorporation under NS law. Apply to Province of Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Corporation: 1. Contact relevant Province of Nova Scotia department for requirements 2. Complete application form 3. Submit required documentation 4. Pay applicable fees 5. Await approval Check Province of Nova Scotia government website for current requirements and processing times.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Nova Scotia Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Nova Scotia government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Nova Scotia. Employers in Nova Scotia must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage if they employ workers. WCB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers with one or more workers are required to register, with some industry exemptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of hiring the first worker. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification and assessable payroll. To register with WCB Nova Scotia: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register within 10 days of hiring third worker 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($2.65/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Optional: Special Protection for proprietors/partners
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your caterers:
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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