Launch a Burnaby Janitorial Services Business in 7 Steps
Thinking about starting a janitorial services business in Burnaby? This page gives you a clear, practical roadmap for launching a compliant NAICS 561720 operation. You’ll find a concise overview of the five essential requirements, the permits you’ll need from City of Burnaby, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to land your first client.
By reading this page, you’ll learn the five concrete requirements to get started: register your business name or set up as a sole proprietor, obtain a Burnaby business license, secure WorkSafeBC coverage for your team, arrange basic liability insurance or bonding, and handle GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the threshold. We'll also cover typical costs—from license fees and insurance to equipment—and a practical setup timeline.
Burnaby’s business climate and proximity to Vancouver create steady demand for clean facilities—from offices to schools. Starting a janitorial service here with NAICS 561720 not only meets local needs but also positions you to scale with contracts and recurring work. If you’re ready to build reliability, this city gives you a solid base.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a janitorial services business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This CRA-issued identifier is required to handle taxes, payroll, and other government programs, and you cannot legally operate without it. Without a BN, you can’t properly invoice clients, open a business bank account, or hire staff, so this is non-negotiable.
Beyond that essential step, you’ll need to align with health and safety requirements to run a responsible operation. WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are mandatory for employers in British Columbia; you must maintain coverage for all employees and provide basic safety training and appropriate protective equipment. It’s wise to establish simple safety procedures for janitorial work and keep records of training and incidents. Depending on Burnaby’s rules, you may also need a local business license or city permits to operate, so check municipal requirements early to avoid delays.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, register the BC Business Name if you’ll operate under a name other than your own. GST/HST registration is required if your taxable supplies exceed the $30,000 annual threshold (you can also register voluntarily to claim input tax credits). If you hire staff, you’ll need Payroll Deductions registration and to handle regular remittances. These registrations connect to your BN and keep you compliant as your business grows.
Next steps: start with the BN application, then verify WorkSafeBC coverage, BC name registration (if applicable), and the GST/HST and payroll registrations with the appropriate agencies. Gather your business details, decide on a name, and set up your accounts. With these essentials in place, you’ll be ready to launch your Burnaby janitorial service with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a janitorial services 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 janitorial services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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