Start Your Footwear Manufacturing Business in Saint John
This page guides aspiring footwear manufacturers in Saint John through the essentials of starting a production business. You’ll get a practical, step-by-step overview of the 9 requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll likely need, and a realistic timeline from kickoff to your first production run. Plus, expect a straightforward look at typical startup costs and what to budget for as you scale.
What you’ll learn: a clear breakdown of each requirement, how to secure the right permits (local, provincial, health and safety), and a practical costs snapshot for equipment, facility, materials, and labor. We’ll map a realistic timeline from planning and approvals to setting up your shop and shipping products, with tips to keep things on track and within budget.
Why Saint John works for footwear manufacturing: a coastal city with access to ports, available industrial space, and a welcoming business climate for manufacturing. The NAICS 316210 framework helps you connect with local suppliers, talent, and customers, making it a solid foundation for a scalable footwear operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Saint John is the Business Licence. This licence is a legal requirement to run a business here, and you cannot legally operate manufacturing activities without it. It’s non-negotiable—get the licence first so you can proceed with hiring, production, and selling confidently.
Beyond the licence, you’ll need to address health, safety, and product-related permits. New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage is mandatory, meaning you must have coverage for your workers and follow workplace safety rules. If your products use leather or fur, you’ll also need to comply with Leather and Fur Product Regulations to meet labeling, safety, and regulatory standards.
In addition to licensing and safety, set up the core business registrations and tax numbers. Register your business name with New Brunswick's SNB if you’ll operate under a name other than your own. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and payroll. Decide your structure: Partnership Registration for a partnership, or NB Corporation Registration if you’re incorporating. Depending on your sales, GST/HST Registration may be required, and if you have employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration.
Next steps: start with the Business Licence application, then tackle the BN, SNB, and your chosen structure registrations. Reach out to Service NB or Saint John business resources to guide you through the forms and timelines. With these foundations in place, you’ll be ready to plan production, hire staff, and bring your footwear line to market with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing 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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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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