Launch Your Footwear Manufacturing Business in Victoria Today
Welcome to your practical guide for starting a footwear manufacturing business in Victoria, BC. This page covers an eight-item requirements overview for NAICS 316210, plus the permits, startup costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to production. Learn what to register, which licenses matter, and how to locate a compliant workspace so you can hit the ground running.
Eight essential requirements you'll meet include: 1) business registration and a federal business number; 2) GST/HST registration; 3) Victoria municipal business license; 4) zoning and occupancy clearance for manufacturing; 5) WorkSafeBC coverage; 6) fire and safety compliance; 7) environmental or waste-permit considerations; and 8) appropriate insurance and supplier contracts. Startup costs vary with your gear, facility size, and scale.
Why Victoria? The city offers a growing footwear and maker community, easy access to skilled trades, and proximity to suppliers and distribution routes. Clear local guidelines and support for small manufacturers help you grow in the NAICS 316210 space while keeping startup timelines realistic.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a footwear manufacturing business in Victoria, BC is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legally required, non-negotiable standard — you cannot operate without meeting wage, hour, and leave rules, and you must keep proper records. Getting this right from day one protects workers and your business from penalties and audits.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety and permits. If you employ people, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to provide a safe workplace and manage injury claims. You’ll also need to align with product-related rules if you use leather or fur (Leather and Fur Product Regulations). Depending on your location, a local Business Licence is typically required to legally operate, and you may need specific permits for manufacturing activities. These steps help protect workers, avoid fines, and keep your production running smoothly.
Business Registration & Tax: Register your business name in BC (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) and obtain a Business Number (BN). Your BN lets you handle taxes, payroll, and other government filings. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration (GST is the main federal tax in BC) and Payroll Deductions Registration to properly withhold and remit taxes for your staff.
Encouragement: Getting these pieces in place early will save you headaches later. Start with the three foundations: confirm BC Employment Standards Act compliance, complete BC Business Name Registration and BN, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can outline a simple 6-week action plan and checklist tailored to your Victoria location. Taking action now gives you time to source the right licenses and set up systems.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a footwear manufacturing in Victoria:
-
BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 manufacturing:
-
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 …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: