Launch a Linen Supply Business in Saint John
This page is your practical, friendly guide to starting a linen supply business in Saint John (NAICS 812331). It lays out an eight-key requirement path to get you from idea to launch—covering registration, permits, equipment, insurance, and client acquisition. You'll find an overview of what you need, the permits and licenses that apply, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to help you move forward with confidence.
What you'll learn: the eight requirements in practical terms. You'll see how to handle permits and municipal licenses, set up the right insurance and workers’ compensation, open essential tax accounts, source laundry equipment and uniforms, arrange waste and water disposal compliance, and organize delivery vehicles and routes. We'll also outline typical costs—equipment, leases, and working capital—and provide a straightforward timeline so you can plan your first 90 days.
Why Saint John is a great fit: a port-city setting, growing service needs, and affordable startup costs make it a smart place to launch a linen supply business. The city’s business support resources and proximity to Atlantic markets can speed your path from paperwork to paying clients.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a linen supply business in Saint John is the Business Licence. This is a legal prerequisite you cannot bypass—without a current licence you won’t be allowed to operate in the city. To get started, apply with the City of Saint John, pay the fees, and keep the licence renewed on schedule. Having this licence in place is the foundation you need before you handle customers, hire staff, or order equipment.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety and permits are the next priority. Ensure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage so your employees are protected and you meet provincial obligations. Implement basic safety practices in your laundry and delivery operations—training, PPE, safe chemical handling, and clear incident reporting. Also check any location-specific permits or inspections that may apply to a linen facility and fleet operations.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to sort out registration and tax numbers. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN), registering your New Brunswick business name (SNB), and deciding if you’ll use Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration to handle sales tax and employee withholdings. These registrations ensure you’re compliant with federal and provincial authorities.
Encouragement: Ready to move forward? Start by choosing your business structure, then tackle registrations in a practical order. Use Service NB and the NB Registry as guides, and set a realistic timeline for licence, safety coverage, and tax numbers. With a step-by-step plan, you’ll build a solid foundation for a successful linen supply in Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a linen supply 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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