How to Launch a Montreal Computer Training Business

This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Computer Training business in Montreal (NAICS 611420). You’ll get a clear overview of the nine startup requirements, upfront costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to your first class. Whether you’re fresh to entrepreneurship or expanding an existing tech line, you’ll find a straightforward path to launch.

What you’ll learn: practical steps to get your doors open fast. Pick a training niche, decide your business structure, and complete the nine startup requirements, including permits and licenses, registrations, insurance, and safe work practices. We’ll map out costs and the typical timeline, from registration and setup to your first classes and ongoing compliance.

Why Montreal works: this city’s growing tech scene and bilingual market create solid demand for high-quality computer training. With practical guidelines tailored to Montreal’s regulations, you’ll move from idea to income faster—without guesswork. The nine requirements cover everything you need to stay compliant, budget smartly, and build a trusted program that attracts students and corporate clients.

Business Type
Computer Training
Location
Montreal

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is Business Licence. This license is legally required to run a computer training business in Quebec, and you cannot legally operate without it. Securing this licence first sets the foundation for everything else and signals that you’re ready to handle the other registrations and tax steps in a compliant, straightforward way.

Beyond the licence, there are essential operational steps to keep you compliant and running smoothly. If you hire staff, you’ll need to register for CNESST Employer Registration to cover workers’ compensation, and you’ll also set up Payroll Deductions so you properly withhold and remit the right amounts. Your business structure will also drive what registrations you need next—for example, whether you register as a partnership or as a Quebec corporation with the Registraire des entreprises. These health, safety, and payroll-related registrations are about protecting your team and keeping your operation above board.

For the business registration and tax side, you’ll typically handle the formal registration numbers that every Quebec business needs. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) for federal/provincial tax purposes, securing a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and completing the Registraire des entreprises registration for your entity type. You’ll also consider GST/HST registration if you’re collecting sales taxes from clients. Getting these numbers right ensures you can bill, collect taxes, and file correctly.

You’re taking important first steps toward a successful launch. Next, decide your business structure, apply for the licence, and register for BN, NEQ, and the Registraire des entreprises as required. If you plan to hire, add CNESST and payroll registrations and set up tax registrations (GST/HST). If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, step-by-step timeline and checklist to your exact plan, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a computer training in Montreal:

  • Business Licence Required
    General business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Montreal. Apply to Ville de Montréal 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 Ville de Montréal Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 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).
  • Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration Required
    Registration 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.
  • Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) Required
    All 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).
  • Partnership Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec Corporation Registration Conditional
    Required 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).
  • GST/HST Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) Conditional
    Required 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 computer training:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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