Launch Your Regina Copy Shop and Business Service Center
This page helps you start an Other Business Service Center (NAICS 561439) in Regina. It delivers a practical, step-by-step overview tailored to copy shops and related service centers, including an eight-item requirements roadmap, the permits you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to go from idea to opening.
You’ll learn the eight practical steps you’ll need to take: register your business name, obtain tax numbers, secure municipal licenses, arrange basic insurance, confirm zoning and signage requirements, set up bookkeeping, and plan your budget. We outline the permits, summarize likely costs, and map a timeline so you can budget, apply, and launch with confidence.
Regina is a welcoming market for service centers, with strong small-business support, affordable space options, and a growing client base for printing, copying, and administrative services. If you’re ready to start a copy shop or service center here, this page gives you a clear, friendly path to launch quickly and grow locally.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Regina is Business Licence. This city license is legally required, and you cannot legally open or run a copy shop or service center without it. It is non-negotiable—obtain the licence before you start trading and keep it current to avoid fines or a shutdown.
Beyond licensing, plan for health, safety and basic permits. If you hire employees, you must register for Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration to provide workers’ compensation coverage, and you’ll handle payroll deductions for income tax and benefits (Payroll Deductions Registration). If your business structure is a partnership, you’ll deal with Partnership Registration; if you incorporate, Saskatchewan Corporation Registration applies. Also, GST/HST Registration may be required once your revenue crosses the threshold.
On business registration and tax numbers: register your business name with Saskatchewan ISC, and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and program accounts. Your chosen structure drives the next steps: if you form a corporation, complete Saskatchewan Corporation Registration; if you operate as a partnership, ensure Partnership Registration is in place. The BN ties together your tax accounts, payroll, and other program registrations.
Next steps: check Regina’s licensing portal and start your applications with the clear sequence—Business Licence first, then ISC name registration, BN setup, and the appropriate structure registrations. Gather the necessary documents (ID, lease, business plan) and consider talking to a local accountant or business advisor to tailor registrations to your exact setup. You’re on the right track—take it step by step and you’ll get to opening smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other business service centers (including copy shops) 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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your other business service centers (including copy shops):
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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