Launch a Footwear and Leather Goods Repair Business in Burnaby
This page guides you through starting a Footwear and Leather Goods Repair business in Burnaby, aligned with NAICS 811430. You’ll get a practical overview of the requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to go from idea to an open shop.
What you’ll learn: the exact steps to register your business, secure a Burnaby business license, and set up a shop with proper zoning. Budget for tools and equipment (shoe repair tools, leather sewing machine, lasts), insurance, and daily supplies. We lay out a rough cost range and a typical 6–12 week launch timeline.
Burnaby is a strong fit: its mix of vibrant retail areas, accessible transit, and small-business support helps make this a practical starting ground for repair shops. With reasonable rents and a friendly permitting path, you can build steady demand for footwear and leather goods repairs right in your neighborhood. It’s a practical, low-cost way to turn passion into a viable business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear repair business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal registration you need to interact with Canada’s tax programs and government services. You cannot legally operate, bill customers, or open accounts with vendors without a BN. Once you’ve got it, you can set up the other key accounts you’ll need to run the shop—GST/HST, payroll, and WorkSafeBC—and keep everything in good standing.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and day-to-day permits. In BC, if you have or hire staff, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and register for a workplace insurance account. Maintain a safe, clean workspace, follow basic safety practices for tools and equipment, and keep records proving you meet workplace safety standards. These steps protect your team, your customers, and your business.
Business registration and tax requirements: If you’ll trade under a name other than your legal name, register a BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. With your BN in hand, apply for GST/HST registration so you can charge and remit the appropriate tax. If you hire employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations keep you compliant and make tax time smoother.
Next steps: map out your business name and location, check Burnaby’s business licensing requirements, and set up your BN with the CRA. Talk to a tax or small-business advisor if you can, and tackle one milestone at a time—BN first, then the name registration, taxes, and the safety setup. You’ve got this—start small, stay compliant, and grow steadily.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear and leather goods repair in Burnaby:
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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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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your footwear and leather goods repair:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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