Launch a Saint John Elementary and Secondary School—Step-by-Step Guide
This page offers a practical, friendly roadmap to opening an elementary and secondary school in Saint John (NAICS 611110). You'll get a straightforward overview of the eight requirements you'll need to meet, plus what permits are typically involved, expected startup costs, and a realistic timeline from concept to opening day. It’s designed to be actionable, with clear next steps, sample checklists, and links to the right local resources to keep you on track.
What you'll learn: a step-by-step path through the eight milestones—licensing and accreditation, site and building compliance, zoning and permits, health and safety, curriculum alignment, staff qualifications, budget and funding plans, and stakeholder engagement. We'll explain what each step requires, average timelines, and practical checklists to keep logistics manageable. This section helps you map responsibilities, estimate a budget, and set a practical schedule.
Why Saint John? This city hosts a growing, engaged community and strong connections to education and industry. With available talent, supportive local authorities, and nearby higher-education partners, Saint John is a solid base for launching a K-12 school.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a school in Saint John is Business Licence. This license, issued by the City of Saint John, is legally required to run any business in the city, including an elementary and secondary school. You cannot legally open or continue operating without it, so securing and maintaining your business licence is non-negotiable.
Second, you’ll need to cover mandatory operational health and safety requirements. As an employer, you must carry New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect staff and students and to meet provincial workplace safety rules. In addition, plan for general compliance with permits and ongoing regulatory duties that accompany running a school—this helps ensure a safe, well-managed environment for learners and staff from day one.
Third, focus on Business Registration and Tax basics. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and you may also need New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re operating under a name other than your legal entity. Decide your business structure (Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration) and ensure GST/HST Registration if you exceed the threshold. Payroll D deductions Registration will also be important once you have employees, so you can properly withhold and remit employees’ taxes.
If you’re ready to move forward, start by securing the Licence from the City, then set up your BN with the CRA and register your business name with the province. Choose your business structure, arrange SNB if needed, and enroll in WorkSafeNB. Next, connect with an accountant or advisor to help handle GST/HST and payroll registrations. You’ve got this—take it step by step, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your school.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a elementary and secondary schools in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John 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 elementary and secondary schools:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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