Start Your Regina Technical and Trade School in 9 Steps
Welcome to a practical guide for starting an Other Technical and Trade School (NAICS 611519) in Regina. This page outlines what it takes to launch a compliant, successful school—from the essential requirements to the permits, licenses, and costs you’ll face. Use the timeline and checklists to move confidently from concept to opening day.
What you’ll learn: the 9 requirements you must meet, plus practical details on permits, zoning, safety codes, insurance, and instructor qualifications. We break down typical startup costs—facility, equipment, staffing, and marketing—and map out a realistic timeline with milestones like planning, approvals, setup, and the launch date.
Why Regina works: a growing demand for skilled trades, strong apprenticeship connections, and a supportive local business climate make Regina an ideal place to start a technical and trade school. This city’s ecosystem can help you recruit instructors, partner with employers, and reach students quickly, turning your vision into a thriving program.
Requirements Overview
Starting a technical and trade school in Regina requires several registrations and licenses. The Province of Saskatchewan Private Career College Registration is the most critical requirement for a school, because it specifically authorizes private career colleges to operate in the province. This registration is legally required, and you cannot legally offer programs or enroll students without it. It serves as the foundation of your legitimacy. After you secure this, you’ll also need a general business licence and to register your business name to establish the basics of daily operations.
Operational and safety requirements: Ensure your facilities meet health and safety standards and local building and fire codes. You’ll need Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration to cover workplace injuries for instructors and staff, and if you hire employees, you’ll manage payroll deductions and proper tax withholdings. Plan for permits related to facilities, signage, and safety training to keep classrooms, labs, and common areas compliant and safe for students and staff.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) to officially register your trade name and a Business Number (BN) from the federal government to handle taxes and payroll. You may also need GST/HST Registration if you exceed thresholds, and, depending on your structure, Saskatchewan Corporation Registration or Partnership Registration to establish the appropriate legal form for your organization.
Next steps: Gather the documents, reach out to the Saskatchewan regulatory bodies, and consider working with a business advisor to map a clear path to a compliant, ready-to-serve school in Regina. Take one milestone at a time, and you’ll soon be on solid ground to launch a successful program.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other technical and trade schools 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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Province of Saskatchewan Private Career College Registration RequiredPrivate career colleges must register with Province of Saskatchewan and obtain program approval. Register with SK Ministry of Advanced Education: 1. Required under Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act 2. Apply to Ministry of Advanced Education 3. Submit: program curriculum, instructor credentials, facilities 4. Provide: financial security, liability insurance 5. Each program requires separate approval 6. Annual registration renewal 7. Subject to compliance reviews Contact SK Advanced Education for requirements
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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 technical and trade schools:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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