Launch Your Surrey Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retailer
If you’re ready to open a NAICS 444240 Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retailers business in Surrey, this page is for you. It lays out a practical, six-step roadmap to get your shop up and running—from choosing your business structure and registering for a Canadian Business Number to securing a Surrey business license and the permits you’ll need. You’ll also see typical startup costs and a realistic timeline from concept to opening day.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the six core requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the key permits and licenses (business license, zoning/land-use, building and signage). We outline a sensible budget for inventory, store fit-out, and ongoing operations, and provide a clear timeline for approvals, construction, stocking, and your first day of sales.
Surrey’s growing communities and easy access to the Lower Mainland create strong demand for plants, soils, tools, and farm supplies. A well-planned Surrey launch lets you tap into year-round gardening interest, a robust supplier network, and a supportive local business climate.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nursery, garden center, and farm supply retailer in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the government identifier you need to open accounts, file taxes, and manage payroll and sales taxes with federal agencies. It is legally required, and you cannot legally start or run your business without it. This BN is non-negotiable and forms the backbone for all other registrations and filings.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, and permits. You’ll need to keep your workplace compliant with safety rules, which means obtaining and maintaining WorkSafeBC coverage for your employees and following employer safety obligations. In addition, you’ll likely need a Surrey Business Licence to operate at your location, which is the local permit to run a retail operation in the city. Grouped together, these items ensure you’re legally allowed to operate and that your staff work in a safe environment.
Business Registration & Tax: this includes registering your business name and tax numbers. If you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership under a specific name, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration. You’ll also want to plan for GST/HST Registration with the federal tax authority, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire staff. Your BN will be used for these registrations, and some businesses may need to register for GST/HST depending on annual taxable supplies.
Encouragement and next steps: take it step by step, starting with obtaining your BN and then applying for the Surrey Business Licence. Register your business name with BC Corporate Registry if you’re using a named entity, set up GST/HST and payroll accounts, and ensure WorkSafeBC coverage is in place. If you’re unsure, consider a quick consult with a local advisor to map out the filings for your specific shop. You’re on the right track—these steps will get you compliant and open to customers soon.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nursery, garden center, and farm supply retailers in Surrey:
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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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