Launch a Narrow Fabric Mills & Schiffli Embroidery Business in Surrey
This page gives you a practical blueprint for starting a narrow fabric mills and Schiffli machine embroidery business in Surrey, BC. It lays out a clear, step-by-step path and the nine requirements you’ll need to meet to get up and running, including business registration, permits, zoning checks, and insurance. You’ll also find how NAICS code 313220 fits your plan, plus upfront cost considerations and typical timelines to avoid surprises.
We’ll walk you through the practical items you’ll need to prepare: permits and registrations, licensing, and zoning approvals; factory space and equipment requirements for Schiffli embroidery; workers’ compensation and other insured obligations; GST/HST considerations; ongoing costs like rent and utilities; and budgeting for maintenance and supplies. We also outline a realistic timeline from research to a fully productive shop, plus a rough startup cost range so you can plan your capital needs.
Why Surrey? It’s a growing hub for manufacturing with access to skilled workers, suppliers, and transport links that can shorten your path to customers. The city offers approachable commercial spaces and supportive business services that fit the needs of a fiber-focused operation like yours.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey, BC is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This means you must follow rules on minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, paid leave, and other employee protections. It is legally required and you cannot legally operate a shop that hires staff without it. For a narrow fabric mill and Schiffli embroidery operation, this also means keeping accurate payroll records, clear pay stubs, and compliant scheduling practices. This requirement is non-negotiable and non‑negotiable for anyone hiring and paying workers in BC.
Next, mandatory operational requirements focus on health, safety, and permits. You’ll want to ensure a safe workplace and proper coverage for your team, which involves WorkSafeBC registration and ongoing compliance for payroll safety measures. In addition, textile-specific compliance matters matter: Textile Labeling Requirements help customers know what they’re buying, while Textile Flammability Standards govern the safety of fabrics used and sold. Together, these items help you meet both general occupational safety rules and product safety rules that apply to textiles and embroidery work.
Business Registration & Tax comes next. You’ll typically need BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, a Business Number (BN) Registration for federal tax and payroll activities, and a Business Licence from Surrey to legally operate your shop. You’ll also likely handle GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency as you grow, plus any required deductions for employees. Getting these registered and in place ensures your operations stay compliant and can bill customers properly.
If you’re ready to take the next steps, start with a quick compliance check and map out a simple timeline. Gather documents for choosing a business structure, then register your business name, obtain your BN, apply for a Surrey business licence, a
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a narrow fabric mills and schiffli machine embroidery in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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