Launch Your Regina Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retailers Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step roadmap for starting a Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retail business in Regina (NAICS 444240). You’ll find the eight key requirements, plus quick rundowns on permits, licensing, site rules, and the upfront costs. We outline the typical timeline so you can map out your launch with confidence.
By reading this page, you’ll learn exactly what’s needed to get open: how to handle zoning and retail space rules, registrations and permits, supplier accounts for seeds, tools, and agricultural product lines, insurance and workers' compensation, signage, and point-of-sale setup. We break down costs—startup investments, licenses, and ongoing fees—and provide a realistic 6–12 month timeline to hit milestones.
Regina is a vibrant hub for gardening, farming and home improvement, with strong local demand and supportive small-business programs. The city’s mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural customers makes a Regina location a strong foundation for a thriving nursery and garden center.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nursery, garden center, and farm supply retailer in Regina is a Business Licence. This licence is a legal must to run a business in Regina, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable, so secure your licence first and keep it current as you open and grow your operation.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and how you’re set up legally. If you hire staff, you’ll need Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration so workers are protected in case of injuries, and you should implement safe handling and storage practices for gardening products, plus basic safety training for your team. Also decide your business structure—partnership or corporation—and complete the appropriate registrations (Partnership Registration or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration) so you’re compliant from day one.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also register your business name with Saskatchewan ISC (Business Name Registration) and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government to manage taxes, payroll, and other programs. Depending on your activities, you may need GST/HST Registration, and if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. Keeping these numbers aligned under your BN helps you file taxes, collect GST/HST where required, and remit payroll contributions smoothly.
Encouragement: Starting a nursery and farm-supply business is a practical, step-by-step process. Gather your documents, choose a clear business name and structure, then apply for the licence, ISC name registration, and BN. If needed, add GST/HST and payroll registrations later. If you’re unsure, reach out to a local business advisor or Regina/Saskatchewan offices for guidance—you’ve got this and you’re taking the right first steps.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nursery, garden center, and farm supply retailers in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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