Launch Your Quebec City Convention and Visitors Bureau Today
This page shows you how to start a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in Quebec City, aligned with NAICS 561591. You’ll find a practical, step-by-step overview of the eight requirements, plus what you’ll need to register, obtain permits, and plan your budget. It’s designed to be friendly and action-oriented, so you can move from idea to an organized plan without getting overwhelmed.
You’ll learn the eight key requirements in clear terms, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, typical startup and ongoing costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to launch. The content covers a requirements overview, essential permits, cost ranges, and a practical timeline, plus tips to avoid common delays and budget smartly as you build partnerships with Quebec City venues and services.
Quebec City’s vibrant tourism scene—with historic sites, festivals, and a strong hotel and venue network—provides a solid foundation for a CVB. Launching here means easier access to partners, event organizers, and visitors, helping you grow a sustainable organization that enhances experiences for locals and travelers alike.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Quebec City is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally run a convention and visitors bureau without it. It’s non-negotiable. Along with the BN, you’ll also need to secure your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and complete the Quebec Business Registration (REQ) with Registraire des entreprises so your business is officially recognized in Quebec. Your exact registrations will depend on your business structure (partnership or corporation), but starting with BN, NEQ, and REQ is essential.
For health, safety, and day-to-day operations, plan for mandatory registrations that apply to employees. If you hire staff, you must register for CNESST Employer Registration (workers’ compensation) to cover workplace injuries, and you’ll also handle Payroll Deductions Registration to remit employee withholdings. These items are required by law whenever you have employees and help keep your business and your team protected and compliant.
On the business registration and tax side, NEQ and REQ are foundational in Quebec, with the exact path depending on whether you’re a partnership or corporation. In addition, GST/HST Registration may be needed if you sell taxable goods or services in Canada and meet the revenue thresholds, or if you want to reclaim input taxes. Align these registrations with your business structure so you don’t hit delays later.
Ready to move forward? Start with BN, then connect NEQ and REQ, and add the tax and payroll registrations as your team grows. Use official government portals, set a simple action plan, and consider consulting an accountant or an Ontario-based or Quebec-based advisor to keep you on track. With a clear checklist and steady steps, you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your convention and visitors bureau in Quebec City.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Quebec City:
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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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Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration 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.
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Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll 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).
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired 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.
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Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired 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).
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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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Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired 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 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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