Launch Your Footwear and Leather Repair Business in Victoria
This page provides a practical roadmap to starting a footwear and leather goods repair shop in Victoria. If you’re turning a hobby into a business or expanding an existing service, you’ll find clear, actionable guidance designed to move you from idea to open doors without overwhelm.
Six startup requirements stand between concept and a customer line. You’ll get a straightforward permits overview for Victoria, plus costs and timelines so you can budget with confidence. The steps include: 1) choose a business structure and register; 2) obtain a City of Victoria business license (and any zoning or signage permits); 3) register for GST/HST; 4) secure general liability insurance (and payroll insurance if you hire); 5) meet safety, ventilation and waste disposal rules; 6) map your budget and launch timeline. This page keeps the focus on practical, doable actions you can take this week.
Victoria’s downtown energy, tourist foot traffic, and strong artisan community make it a great fit for a repair shop. With NAICS 811430 alignment, you can tap local demand for shoe and leather care, build loyal customers, and grow in a city that values craftsmanship and community.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear and leather goods repair business in Victoria is the City of Victoria Business Licence. This municipal licence is legally required to run any business in the City, and you cannot legally operate without it. It covers where you can run the shop, when you can operate, and what you can display or advertise, and you’ll need to renew it as required by the City.
Next, focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep you in good standing and safe. Your shop should meet health and safety expectations, which includes obtaining and maintaining WorkSafeBC coverage if you have employees or contractors and following their safety rules. Maintain a safe workspace, use proper storage for any chemicals or glues, have a small first-aid kit, and follow fire-safety and waste disposal guidelines. These protections are essential for you, your workers (if any), and your customers.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll want to handle several key items. A Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the umbrella account you’ll use for taxes, GST/HST, and payroll activities if you hire staff. If you plan to operate under a name other than your legal name, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership; if you use your legal name, registration may not be required. GST/HST registration is necessary if your revenue exceeds the threshold (or if you choose to register voluntarily). If you have employees, you’ll also need to set up Payroll Deductions with CRA.
You’re taking the right step by getting familiar with these requirements. Next, reach out to the City of Victoria for the business licence, and connect with CRA and WorkSafeBC to set up your BN, GST/HST, payroll, and any wage-reporting needs. With a clear plan and these registrations in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch and grow your footwear and leather goods repair business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear and leather goods repair in Victoria:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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