Launch Your 811490 Repair and Maintenance Business in Burnaby
This page lays out a practical path to start your 811490 (Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance) business in Burnaby. You’ll find a clear requirements overview, plus real-world steps to get licensed, registered, and ready to serve customers. Learn which permits and licenses you’ll need from the City of Burnaby and BC authorities, typical startup costs for tools and insurance, and a realistic timeline from planning to opening.
Five essential requirements guide the launch. 1) choose your BC business structure and register; 2) obtain a Burnaby business license; 3) get a provincial business number and GST/HST if you meet the threshold; 4) arrange basic insurance and safety standards for your tools and workspace; 5) estimate startup costs for equipment, space, permits, and marketing. We’ll outline costs and a practical timeline so you know what to budget and when to expect approvals.
Burnaby is a strong base for repair and maintenance services. A steady local market, access to trades, and a straightforward licensing process make it easy to start small—from a home workshop or modest shop—and grow as you build trust with customers near Vancouver.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal necessity in Canada, and you cannot legally operate or invoice clients without a BN. Getting a BN unlocks your ability to register for taxes, GST/HST, payroll, and other government programs, and it is non-negotiable if you want to run an honest, compliant operation.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. Health and safety come first, especially if you hire employees or contractors. You must register for and maintain WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and comply with provincial rules. In addition, establish basic safety practices in your shop or at client sites—protective gear, proper tool handling, clean workspaces, and waste disposal procedures. Depending on your activities, you may also need permits or licences for certain work or business locations.
Business Registration & Tax: With your BN, you’ll handle critical business and tax registrations. If you operate under a name other than your legal name, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). You may also need GST/HST Registration if you collect GST/HST on services or goods, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees or contractors to withhold and remit payroll taxes. These registrations are interconnected, so plan how your BN will be used across registrations.
Encouragement: Next steps are straightforward—start with applying for your BN, then decide if you’ll register a trade name with BC, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as needed. If you have employees, set up WorkSafeBC coverage and a simple safety plan. You’re on the right track—take the first step now, and I can tailor a practical, step-by-step timeline to your exact business setup in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal and household goods repair and maintenance in Burnaby:
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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your other personal and household goods repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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