Launch a Moncton Convention and Visitors Bureau Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in Moncton, NB. Aligned with NAICS 561591, it breaks down the eight essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a clear timeline. Use this plan to move from idea to action with confidence. It also highlights permit timetables, cost ranges, and the typical launch timeline.
What you’ll learn: a concise overview of the eight requirements, where to apply for registrations and permits, and typical costs to launch a CVB in Moncton. You’ll also pick up practical budgeting tips and guidance on funding options, plus how to build early partnerships with hotels, attractions, and event organizers to attract more visitors.
Why Moncton works: the city’s growing tourism scene, strong hospitality network, and supportive business community make it an ideal place to launch a CVB. The eight-step plan helps you spotlight local venues, festivals, and experiences while building a sustainable, community-focused organization.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Moncton is Business Licence. This license is mandatory to legally run a convention and visitors bureau in the city, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable and must be in place before you start any business activities, including hiring staff or booking events.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the licence, you’ll need to cover health, safety and related permits. New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage is required if you have employees, providing protection in case of workplace injuries. If you hire staff, you’ll also handle payroll deductions registrations to withhold and remit taxes for your employees. Grouped together, these items keep your day-to-day operations compliant and safe for both your team and your visitors.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) for doing business in NB. Decide on your structure—Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration—and complete the appropriate registrations. Depending on your revenue, you may also need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration to manage taxes and employee withholdings.
Encouragement: A practical path is to start with securing your Business Licence, then methodically tackle the registrations in sequence. Gather the necessary documents (ownership details, identification, business plan) and reach out to the right agencies—City of Moncton for the licence, Service NB for SNB and structure choices, and the federal/provincial tax bodies for BN, GST/HST, and payroll registrations. With focused steps and a clear plan, you’ll move from startup to compliant operation more confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Moncton:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton 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 convention and visitors bureaus:
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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.
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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 …
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