Launch a Burnaby Narrow Fabric Mills & Schiffli Machine Embroidery Business
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a 313220 Narrow Fabric Mills and Schiffli Machine Embroidery business in Burnaby. It distills eight essential requirements into an actionable roadmap—from choosing a business structure and registering the company to securing a local license and setting up your workspace. You’ll also get a straightforward overview of permits, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to production.
What you’ll learn includes the eight milestones you’ll navigate: business registration, Burnaby business license, zoning confirmation for a light-manufacturing facility, safety and equipment compliance for Schiffli embroidery machines, electrical and fire-safety permits, waste and environmental considerations, GST/HST registration, and workers’ compensation and insurance. We’ll outline rough costs and a practical timeline for permits, fit-out, and first production runs.
Burnaby’s industrial ecosystem and access to suppliers, talent, and distribution networks make it a smart fit for small-to-mid‑sized textile operations. With nearby Vancouver markets and logistics support, you’ll find it easier to launch, grow, and serve customers across the Lower Mainland.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a narrow fabric mills and schiffli machine embroidery business in Burnaby is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This means you must follow BC rules on minimum wage, overtime pay, vacation pay, and other employee rights. It is a legal requirement for any employer in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate without meeting these standards. Treat it as non-negotiable from day one.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and product compliance. Ensure your workplace has WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers. You also must follow textile labeling requirements so customers know fiber content, country of origin, and care instructions. In addition, meet textile flammability standards for the fabrics you produce or sell to reduce risk and stay compliant with safety laws.
Business Registration & Tax: To operate legally you need a BC Business Number (BN) and, if you’re using a name other than your own, BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. You will also handle GST/HST registration if required by revenue levels, and Payroll Deductions Registration for employer withholdings. These numbers keep your taxes and payroll on track and ensure you’re set up to meet ongoing reporting obligations.
Encouragement and next steps: Start with the government’s small business resources or a local advisor (like Small Business BC) to confirm exact steps for Burnaby. Gather documents, decide your business structure, register your name and BN, set up WorkSafeBC coverage, and plan labeling and safety compliance now. With a clear, practical plan, you can smoothly start and grow your textile operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a narrow fabric mills and schiffli machine embroidery in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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.
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Textile Labeling Requirements ConditionalRequired for textile operations. Textile manufacturers must comply with labeling requirements including fiber content, country of origin, care instructions, and dealer identification. Federal Textile Labelling Act (TLA) governs. Fibre content mandatory (generic names). Care instructions (CAN/CGSB-86.1). Bilingual labeling. Country of origin for imports. Dealer name and address. No provincial license. Competition Bureau enforces. Contact Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358.
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Textile Flammability Standards ConditionalRequired for textile operations. Textile manufacturers must ensure fabrics meet flammability standards for clothing, bedding, and upholstery to prevent fire hazards. Federal Textile Flammability Regulations under CCPSA. Children's sleepwear strict standards (SOR/2016-169). Fabric testing requirements. Retailers sell compliant products only. No provincial license. Manufacturers: testing and certification. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your narrow fabric mills and schiffli machine embroidery:
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A non-refundable 10% corporate income tax credit on eligible capital investments made by PEI corporations involved in manufacturing and processing. Claimed via T2 Schedule 321 filed with the corporation's T2 return. An additional Enriched Investment Tax Credit (up to 25%) is available through Innovation PEI for strategic-sector manufacturers requiring pre-approval …
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