Launch Your Fredericton Convention and Visitors Bureau Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in Fredericton under NAICS 561591. You'll find a clear overview of the eight requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, the initial setup costs, and a realistic timeline to get your CVB off the ground. It also covers registration, governance, and ongoing compliance needs.
You’ll walk away with an actionable 8-step plan, exactly which permits and licenses to secure, realistic cost ranges for startup and ongoing operations, and a practical timeline from launch to first events. Plus, you’ll get tips for coordinating with local partners and government agencies to meet the eight requirements smoothly. You'll also see typical external costs, including marketing, memberships, and insurance, and a rough month-by-month timeline.
Fredericton is a welcoming, easily navigable city with a growing events calendar and strong tourism partners—from venues to universities—making it a fertile ground for a CVB. The compact size keeps collaboration simple, while the vibrant cultural scene creates natural demand for visitor services. With Fredericton's strong festival calendar and hospitality network, a CVB here can quickly attract events and visitors.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Fredericton, New Brunswick is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must-have—you cannot legally operate your convention and visitors bureau without a BN, and you’ll need it to register for taxes, payroll, licences, and other obligations. This requirement is non-negotiable and should be your first step in getting started.
Mandatory Operational Requirements. Health and safety and permits come next. Ensure NB WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage for all staff, which is required to protect workers. Secure a valid Business Licence to operate in Fredericton, with local rules from your city. If you’ll operate under a specific name, you’ll need New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB). Depending on your business structure, you may also need Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration.
Business Registration & Tax. Beyond the BN and SNB, there are other essential registrations and numbers. If applicable, register your partnership or NB corporation. You’ll need GST/HST Registration if your taxable sales meet the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration to handle employee withholding and remittances. All of these work with your BN to keep you compliant at both provincial and federal levels.
Encouragement. Ready to start? Begin by securing your BN, then obtain your Business Licence, SNB, and any structure-specific registrations. Check with Service NB and the City of Fredericton for exact forms and fees, and consider a quick consult with a small-business advisor to map your steps. With these foundations in place, you’ll be well on your way to launching a compliant convention and visitors bureau.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Fredericton:
-
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).
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 convention and visitors bureaus:
-
Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
-
Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: