Launch a Footwear Manufacturing Business in Fredericton Today
This guide provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap for starting a footwear manufacturing business (NAICS 316210) in Fredericton. You’ll get a clear overview of the nine requirements, the permits and licenses to secure, and a realistic timeline from setup to production. We break down costs you can expect and help you plan a smooth launch in New Brunswick.
In this page you’ll learn the specifics: a concise requirements overview, the exact permits and registrations you’ll need, estimates of startup costs (equipment, space, and operating expenses), and a realistic timeline to move from approvals to production. We spell out regulatory checkpoints, show you where to apply, and share practical tips to stay compliant and on track, so you avoid delays.
Fredericton is a welcoming hub for manufacturers, with supportive local programs, skilled trades, and affordable spaces that make it a strong fit for footwear production. This city-and-industry match gives you room to grow, easier supplier access, and a path to building a resilient, Made-in-Fredericton brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Fredericton is Business Number (BN) Registration. This federally issued identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency is what you’ll use to handle taxes, payroll, and other government accounts. You cannot legally start or run your business without a BN, so treat this as non-negotiable and get it set up first.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory operational requirements that you must follow. For health and safety, secure New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect your employees and implement any required workplace safety programs. You’ll also need to handle permits and product rules, such as obtaining a Municipal Business Licence from the City of Fredericton and complying with Leather and Fur Product Regulations if your footwear uses those materials. Depending on your business structure, you’ll also need to address registration specific to your setup, like Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration, to stay compliant with provincial rules.
For Business Registration and Tax, you’ll register your business name with Service New Brunswick (SNB) if you’re operating under a name other than your own, or set up NB Corporation Registration if you’re forming a corporation. You’ll also handle tax registrations: GST/HST Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations ensure you collect and remit the right taxes and properly manage payroll obligations as you grow.
If you’re ready, your next steps are practical: secure your BN right away, then visit Service New Brunswick to register your business name or form your corporation, apply for the Fredericton business licence, set up WorkSafeNB coverage, and align GST/HST and payroll registrations. You’ve got this—start with the fundamentals and build from there.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Fredericton:
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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 Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton 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 Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Leather and Fur Product Regulations ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Leather and fur product manufacturers must comply with labeling, species identification, and ethical sourcing requirements for animal products. Fur labeling and textile regulations. Competition Bureau requirements. Country of origin. Species identification. CITES for endangered species. Contact Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358.
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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 footwear manufacturing:
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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