Start a Saint John Industrial Machinery Repair and Maintenance Business
This Saint John page helps you start a Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance business (NAICS 811310). It lays out the eight startup requirements, costs, and a practical timeline, so you can move from idea to operations with confidence.
You’ll learn the eight practical startup requirements you’ll tackle in Saint John, from business registration and a CRA business number to GST/HST setup, and securing a municipal license with proper zoning clearance. We walk through the safety and workers’ compensation setup, essential insurance, and environmental compliance, plus the permits or inspections you may need for your workspace and equipment. The guide also covers typical startup costs and a realistic timeline to become fully operational.
Saint John’s industrial base, port access, and growing manufacturing clusters create steady demand for reliable repair and maintenance of large equipment, helping your business gain traction quickly. The city’s resources and skilled workforce can support your growth as you build local relationships and win customers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a commercial and industrial machinery repair business in Saint John is the Business Licence. This license is legally required to run a shop in the city, and you cannot legally operate without it. The licence ensures your business is registered with the municipality and meets local rules for safety, zoning, and consumer protections. It’s non-negotiable.
Mandatory operational requirements include health and safety and permits. For health and safety, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage if you hire staff, and you should maintain safe working practices, training, and protective equipment to keep workers safe on site. In terms of permits, use the business licence as your primary permit, and ensure your site complies with local zoning and workplace safety standards.
Business registration and tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government to handle taxes and payroll. You’ll also register your New Brunswick business name (SNB) if you operate under a trade name. This SNB covers Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration if you form a partnership or a corporation. In addition, apply for GST/HST if your business makes taxable supplies, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees.
Next steps: Start with the City of Saint John to secure your Business Licence, then decide your business structure and register the SNB name. Obtain a BN, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as needed. Finally, arrange WorkSafeNB coverage and establish basic safety programs. If you plan ahead and tackle registrations in order, you’ll be ready to start with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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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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