Start a Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractor Business in Burnaby
This Burnaby guide helps aspiring entrepreneurs start a poured concrete foundation and structure contracting business. It’s practical and action oriented, breaking down what you need to know to get up and running—from registration to landing your first project. You’ll find a clear requirements overview, insights on permits, practical cost ranges, and a realistic startup timeline—so you can plan with confidence.
Six essential requirements stand between you and your first build. 1) Burnaby business license; 2) contractor qualifications or trade accreditation; 3) building permits for foundations and structural work; 4) adequate insurance and WCB coverage; 5) GST/HST registration and payroll setup; 6) safety program and bonding or liability coverage. Permits, costs, and timelines vary, but you’ll typically budget for licenses, insurance, and bonding, plus basic equipment. Expect a startup phase of several weeks to a few months before your first project.
Burnaby’s growing construction scene and its proximity to Vancouver create steady demand for solid foundation work. This city-wide focus on quality and safety makes it a great place to launch a poured concrete foundation contractor business, with clear paths to permits and skilled subcontractors.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification. This credential is legally required for anyone doing restricted trades like poured concrete foundations and structural work, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable: without this certification, you cannot start or legally continue work in this field in Burnaby.
Next, focus on health, safety, and permits. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and build a strong safety program with proper training for crews. Stay compliant with site safety rules, maintain records, and secure any local permits or approvals needed for your concrete projects as they arise in Burnaby, and keep documentation ready for inspections.
On the business and tax side, set up the basics. You’ll need a federal Business Number (BN) for tax accounts, plus provincial business-name registration if you’ll operate under a name other than your own. If you plan to invoice clients for GST or HST, register for GST/HST; if you hire staff, set up payroll deductions and related payroll accounts. If you hire subcontractors, ensure they also have proper registrations and insurance.
Next steps: start by confirming your SkilledTradesBC certification, then line up your WorkSafeBC needs, and choose your business structure for BC registration. Gather the needed documents and register as soon as possible, then apply for your BN and GST/HST as appropriate. With these essentials in place, you’ll be well-positioned to move forward confidently—and you’ll know exactly what to tackle next. Consider working with a local business advisor or accountant to stay on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a poured concrete foundation and structure contractors 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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SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification RequiredMandatory certification for designated skilled trades in British Columbia through SkilledTradesBC Skilled Trades Certification required for designated compulsory trades. Workers must be registered apprentice, certified journeyperson, or designated Uncertified Experienced Worker. First 7 electrical/mechanical trades implemented Dec 1, 2023. Three automotive trades added 2024. Employers must maintain 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson ratio. Experience pathways: Level Challenger (1-4 years exp), Trade Qualifier (5+ years), or Uncertified Experienced Worker (5+ years, 5-year authorization). Contact SkilledTradesBC: 778-328-8700.
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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 poured concrete foundation and structure contractors:
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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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The Labour Mobility Deduction (LMD), enacted via Bill C-241, provides tradespeople and indentured apprentices in construction with a personal income tax deduction of up to $4,000 per year for eligible temporary relocation expenses. The worker must temporarily relocate more than 150 km from their ordinary residence within Canada for at …
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$50M two-year initiative (2024–2026) delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. Provides repayable contributions to businesses and non-repayable to non-profits and governments, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Projects from $200K to $5M. Applicants must have been in business at least 2 years.
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A $595 million program (Budget 2021) plus $90 million additional (Budget 2024, for housing trades). Since its launch in 2022, the program has funded 11,459 employers to create 17,208 apprenticeship placements. Provides $5,000 per first-year apprentice hired in one of 39 eligible Red Seal designated trades. An additional $5,000 is …
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