Launch a Home and Garden Equipment Repair Business in Burnaby
This page guides you through starting a Home and Garden Equipment Repair and Maintenance business (NAICS 811411) in Burnaby. It offers a practical, step-by-step checklist that covers the five essential requirements: business registration, licensing, permits, insurance, and equipment setup. You’ll see what costs to budget for and the typical timeline to get your shop up and running.
In this guide you’ll learn the specifics you’ll need to order, apply for, or confirm: Burnaby business license and any home-based permits, whether you need a Home Occupation Permit, zoning considerations, insurance options, and basic tax steps like GST/PST registration. We’ll outline rough costs—for licenses, insurance, and tools—and provide a realistic startup timeline.
Burnaby’s mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and easy access to suppliers makes it a smart place to launch a repair and maintenance shop. The city’s support for small businesses, plus a steady stream of homeowners and local trades, helps your new venture grow with the right start.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a home and garden equipment repair business in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration. This is a legal must for running your business, handling taxes, issuing invoices, and working with federal programs. You cannot legally operate without a BN, so securing it early sets a solid, compliant foundation for everything you’ll do.
Mandatory operational requirements include health, safety, and employer-related registrations. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your workers and stay compliant. If you hire staff, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to withhold and remit income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, and Employment Insurance. Even as a solo operator, it’s smart to establish safe shop practices, good ventilation, proper storage of fuels and tools, and clear procedures to keep both your home and your customers safe.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. This protects the name you use for your business in BC. GST/HST Registration is required if your taxable sales hit the threshold, or you may choose to register voluntarily to reclaim GST/HST on purchases. These steps help ensure your business identity and taxes are handled correctly as you grow.
Encouragement: Ready to move forward? Start by confirming your BN with the Canada Revenue Agency, then register your BC business name if applicable, and assess whether GST/HST registration and payroll deductions apply to you. If you plan to hire, set up WorkSafeBC coverage early. Taking these steps now will make the launch smoother and keep you compliant as your Burnaby home-based repair business grows.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a home and garden equipment repair and maintenance 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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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 home and garden equipment repair and maintenance:
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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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