Launch a Formal Wear and Costume Rental Business in Saint John
This page maps a practical path to starting a formal wear and costume rental business in Saint John (NAICS 532281). You’ll find an eight-step requirements checklist that covers the essentials—from business registration and licensing to inventory setup, pricing, and guest service. It’s designed to give you a confident, no-surprises roadmap with clear permits to secure, upfront costs to budget, and a realistic launch timeline.
You’ll learn what the eight requirements look like in practice: register your business name, choose a legal structure, obtain any municipal permits and licenses, register for GST/HST where required, line up a Saint John business license, arrange insurance, secure a suitable space or prep a mobile setup, and build your inventory and cleaning workflow. The page also outlines typical startup costs—from inventory and fittings to marketing—and a practical timeline to move from concept to grand opening.
Saint John’s events calendar, weddings, theatre productions, and tourism create steady demand for rentals. A well-planned shop can serve schools, nonprofits, and film projects while keeping costs manageable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a formal wear and costume rental business in Saint John, New Brunswick is the Business Licence. This license is legally required to run a business in the city, and you cannot operate a rental shop without it. It is non-negotiable, so secure the licence before you open doors or start renting costumes.
Beyond licensing, you’ll want to focus on mandatory operational health and safety steps. New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage is required to protect your employees and ensure you follow workplace safety rules. You may also encounter other health, safety, and permit considerations specific to your space and activities (for example, storage, showroom, or event preparation areas). Establish clear safety practices, train staff, and keep documentation up to date to stay compliant.
For registration and taxes, you’ll handle several key items. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) Registration for federal tax accounts, and New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) to operate under your chosen name. Depending on your business structure, you may pursue Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration. If your sales meet thresholds, GST/HST Registration applies, and Payroll Deductions Registration is required for employees.
Next steps: reach out to Saint John licensing or Service NB to apply for your licence, set up your BN with the CRA, and register your business name in NB. Decide whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation, and arrange GST/HST and payroll deductions if needed. With these essentials in place, you’ll be positioned to operate legally, smoothly, and confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a formal wear and costume rental 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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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%)
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