How to Start a Winnipeg Convention and Visitors Bureau
This page guides aspiring entrepreneurs through starting a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in Winnipeg (NAICS 561591). It delivers a practical, step-by-step overview: the seven requirements you must meet, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from inception to launch. Expect clear actions, downloadable checklists, and expert tips to keep you moving forward with confidence.
Learn the essential steps to structure your CVB, register with provincial and municipal authorities, and align with tourism boards. We'll cover startup costs (office, marketing, insurance), permit pathways, and the approximate timeline for approvals. You’ll discover how the seven requirements break down into practical tasks, plus tips to avoid delays and partner with Winnipeg’s tourism ecosystem for faster traction.
Winnipeg is a strong fit for CVBs with a growing events calendar, central location, and supportive business climate. A local CVB can help attract conferences, tours, and conventions, boosting hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. This page connects your ambition to Winnipeg’s opportunities in a practical, doable plan.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a convention and visitors bureau in Winnipeg is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a government-issued identifier you obtain from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally run your business without it. The BN ties your tax accounts, payroll, and reporting to the government, and you should secure it before taking on employees, filing taxes, or opening bank accounts. It’s non-negotiable and foundational to compliance.
For day-to-day operations, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and permits, and group related requirements where possible. Employee-related compliance is essential: register for Manitoba WCB Employer Registration to cover workplace injuries, and set up payroll deductions for your staff. If your activities involve public events or use of city venues, check for permits or licenses required by the City of Winnipeg or provincial authorities, and secure them before your events.
Business Registration & Tax basics: in addition to the BN, you’ll likely need Manitoba Business Name Registration (Companies Office) if you’re not operating under a corporation name; Partnership Registration if you’re forming a partnership; Manitoba Corporation Registration if you’re incorporating; and GST/HST Registration for collecting tax on taxable goods and services. These registrations connect your legal name and structure to tax accounts and reporting so you can operate smoothly.
Ready to get started? Decide your business structure (partnership or corporation), register the name if needed, obtain your BN, and plan for GST/HST as your revenue grows. Then set up WCB coverage and payroll deductions if you hire staff, and secure any event permits. If you’d like, I can map out a simple 30-day Winnipeg-specific checklist to keep you moving forward.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Winnipeg:
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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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Manitoba Business Name Registration (Companies Office) RequiredBusinesses in Manitoba operating under a name other than the owner's personal name must register with the Companies Office of Manitoba. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is necessary for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online or in person. Sole proprietorship and partnership registrations must be renewed annually. Corporate names are registered through the incorporation process. Register business name with Manitoba Companies Office: 1. File Request for Name Reservation ($45) - check availability 2. Name reserved for 90 days if approved 3. File Business Name Registration form ($60) 4. Submit online or by paper 5. Registration valid for 5 years 6. Renew before expiry ($60)
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register partnership with Companies Office: 1. Complete partnership registration 2. Submit through registry 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual filing 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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Manitoba Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Manitoba. Incorporation under Manitoba law. Incorporate through Manitoba Companies Office: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit application 4. Pay incorporation fee ($350) Annual return required ($50). Registered office in Manitoba required.
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Manitoba WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Manitoba. Employers in Manitoba must register with the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) and maintain coverage if they employ workers. WCB provides no-fault insurance for workplace injuries and diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some industry-specific exemptions. Registration should occur before or upon hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba: 1. Determine if coverage is mandatory for your industry 2. Register online at wcb.mb.ca 3. Provide business and payroll information 4. Receive industry classification (175 categories) 5. Pay premiums based on rate x payroll 6. Average rate: $0.95 per $100 payroll (lowest in Canada) 7. Report annually and pay premiums
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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