Start Your Regina Convention and Visitors Bureau Now
This page gives you a practical, no-nonsense roadmap to launching a Regina-based Convention and Visitors Bureau (NAICS 561591). Use the eight-step requirements checklist to turn your idea into an active CVB, complete with the permits, costs, and timeline you’ll need. It’s designed to be approachable, so you can move from planning to an official organization with confidence.
Across the eight requirements you’ll learn how to choose a legal structure (non‑profit or society) and register with the Saskatchewan Corporate Registry, obtain a Canada Revenue Agency business number, and decide on GST/HST obligations. You’ll also secure a Regina municipal business license, set up banking and simple accounting, draft bylaws and board governance, and build your brand and online presence. The page also covers anticipated costs and a practical 4‑ to 12‑week timeline.
Regina’s thriving hospitality scene and central Saskatchewan location make it a smart fit for a CVB focused on attracting conferences, events, and regional tourism. Strong partnerships with hotels, venues, and attractions help you grow quickly and create value for local businesses.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Regina is Business Licence. This is a legal must from the City of Regina to run a business within city limits, and you cannot operate without it. It confirms you’ve met local rules on where you can operate, hours, and general compliance, and it sets the foundation for all other registrations and permits your bureau will need.
For health, safety, and practical operation, you’ll handle a few grouped requirements as you grow. If you plan to hire staff, you must register with the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) to provide workplace injury coverage. If you have employees, you’ll also set up Payroll Deductions so you can withhold and remit taxes, Canada Pension Plan contributions, and Employment Insurance to the Canada Revenue Agency. These steps are mandatory once you employ people and help protect your team and your business.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll want to secure the official business identity and number you’ll use across government programs. Register your Saskatchewan Business Name with ISC (or, if you choose to operate as a corporation, complete Saskatchewan Corporation Registration; or Partnership Registration if you’re forming a partnership). You’ll also obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle GST/HST, payroll deductions, and other tax matters. GST/HST registration is required if your taxable supplies meet the threshold or if you want to collect tax on sales.
Next steps are practical and doable: map out your business structure, complete the Regina licence application, and begin the provincial and federal registrations online. Gather the basics (ID, address, proposed name, structure details) and set a realistic timeline. If you’d like, I can provide a simple 6-week checklist to move from licence to BN and GST/HST registration, keeping you focused and on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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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