Launch Your Glass and Glazing Contractors Venture in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Glass and Glazing Contractors business (NAICS 238150) in Burnaby. It lays out a six-key requirements roadmap, plus essential details on permits, costs, and a realistic startup timeline so you can plan with confidence and hit the ground running.
You’ll learn exactly what you need to legally operate: six core requirements (business registration, trade qualifications or contractor credentials, Burnaby business license, workers’ compensation and liability insurance, required permits and building-code compliance, and a basic financial plan). We break down the glazing-specific permits you’ll typically need, outline average startup costs (licensing fees, insurance, tools, vehicle, bonding, and initial inventory), and map a practical 4–12 week timeline from setup to your first project.
Burnaby’s mix of residential and commercial glazing opportunities, plus easy access to Vancouver-area suppliers and skilled trades, makes it a strong fit for a Glass and Glazing Contractors business. Plus, local incentives for small businesses help you get started.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a glass and glazing contractor business in Burnaby, BC is SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification. This certification is legally required to practice this trade in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable and must be in place for anyone who will supervise glazing work or work with apprentices.
Beyond this critical certification, you must cover health and safety and any necessary permits. Specifically, maintain WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for workers’ compensation and workplace safety, provide appropriate safety training and equipment for your crew, and secure any required local permits from Burnaby or BC authorities before starting jobs. These operational basics protect workers, clients, and your business, and they ensure you can work on projects without interruptions.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need to handle the standard business registrations. Obtain a federal Business Number (BN) and register your BC business name (whether you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership). Plan for GST/HST registration if your sales meet the threshold or you expect to exceed it, and set up payroll deductions registration if you hire employees. These steps keep you compliant with tax and payroll rules.
Encouragement: Start with confirming your SkilledTradesBC certification, then move on to setting up your business numbers and name, and registering for GST/HST and payroll as needed. If you’re unsure, reach out to the regulatory bodies or a local advisor for step-by-step guidance. With these essentials in place, you’ll be well-positioned to grow your glazing business confidently and compliantly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a glass and glazing contractors in Burnaby:
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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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SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification RequiredMandatory certification for designated skilled trades in British Columbia through SkilledTradesBC Skilled Trades Certification required for designated compulsory trades. Workers must be registered apprentice, certified journeyperson, or designated Uncertified Experienced Worker. First 7 electrical/mechanical trades implemented Dec 1, 2023. Three automotive trades added 2024. Employers must maintain 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson ratio. Experience pathways: Level Challenger (1-4 years exp), Trade Qualifier (5+ years), or Uncertified Experienced Worker (5+ years, 5-year authorization). Contact SkilledTradesBC: 778-328-8700.
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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 glass and glazing contractors:
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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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The Labour Mobility Deduction (LMD), enacted via Bill C-241, provides tradespeople and indentured apprentices in construction with a personal income tax deduction of up to $4,000 per year for eligible temporary relocation expenses. The worker must temporarily relocate more than 150 km from their ordinary residence within Canada for at …
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$50M two-year initiative (2024–2026) delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. Provides repayable contributions to businesses and non-repayable to non-profits and governments, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Projects from $200K to $5M. Applicants must have been in business at least 2 years.
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A $595 million program (Budget 2021) plus $90 million additional (Budget 2024, for housing trades). Since its launch in 2022, the program has funded 11,459 employers to create 17,208 apprenticeship placements. Provides $5,000 per first-year apprentice hired in one of 39 eligible Red Seal designated trades. An additional $5,000 is …
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