Launch Fredericton's Commercial Machinery Repair and Maintenance Business
This Fredericton guide walks you through starting a Commercial Machinery Repair and Maintenance business (NAICS 811310). It’s designed to be practical and encouraging—breaking down registrations, insurance, shop setup, and client-ready processes so you can move from idea to launch with confidence. You’ll get a clear overview of the eight (8) requirements, along with a realistic view of permits, costs, and the timeline you’ll follow.
Inside, you’ll learn exactly what to prepare before you open your doors. We cover the eight (8) requirements you must meet to operate in Fredericton, the permits and licenses you may need, and how to estimate startup costs for tools, workspace, insurance, and safety compliance. We also map out a practical timeline from registration to first service call, with milestones to help you stay on track.
Fredericton is a growing hub for industrial services, with access to skilled trades, local suppliers, and a supportive business climate. That combination makes it a solid place to launch an 811310 repair and maintenance business and build a steady client base.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance business in Fredericton is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the federal government and you cannot legally operate without it. It is the official ID your business uses for taxes, licensing, and dealings with government agencies, and you’ll need it to open a bank account, invoice customers, and file returns. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Beyond the BN, you must meet health, safety, and licensing requirements to keep people safe and stay compliant. You will typically need a valid City of Fredericton Business Licence to operate in the municipality. If you have employees, you must arrange New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage and put a safety program in place. If you operate under a name other than your legal name, plan for New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB). Depending on your business structure, you may also need Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration.
Business Registration & Tax are the next essential steps tied to your BN. If you use a trade name, you’ll likely need SNB; if you form a partnership or NB corporation, you’ll complete the corresponding Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration. For ongoing taxes, register for GST/HST (through the CRA) if you meet the thresholds, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration for employee withholdings. These registrations ensure you’re handling taxes correctly and staying compliant as you grow.
Ready for next steps? Start with applying for your BN, then check with Fredericton city hall about the business licence and any name registration needs. Map out your legal structure (sole proprietor with SNB, partnership, or NB corporation) and arrange WorkSafeNB coverage. As soon as you’re set, tackle GST/HST and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, practical checklist to your exact setup.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance in Fredericton:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton 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 Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick 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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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