Start Your Reupholstery and Furniture Repair Business in Burnaby
This page is your practical, friendly guide to launching a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Burnaby (NAICS 811420). It breaks down the five key requirements, and walks you through permits, start-up costs, and realistic timelines so you can build the business with confidence.
What you’ll learn: how to pick a business structure and register properly; which Burnaby permits you’ll need (City business license, home-based occupation permit if you work from home, and signage if you open a shop); typical costs to budget for (equipment, workspace, insurance, licenses, and GST/HST). You’ll also get a practical 2–8 week timeline to be licensed and start taking repairs, plus tips for pricing, marketing, and dependable client service.
Why Burnaby works: a growing demand for furniture care, plus a supportive small-business scene, easy access to suppliers, and a convenient location near Vancouver. It’s a practical, friendly place to start and grow your reupholstery and repair business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must before you begin taking orders or hiring staff. Without a BN, you can’t properly interact with federal agencies or set up essential accounts like GST/HST or payroll. This is non-negotiable—you cannot legally operate without it, so prioritize getting your BN in place from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and general compliance come next. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and you should follow BC workplace safety guidelines to keep your shop safe for everyone. In addition, ensure you’re aware of and meet any permits or local licenses Burnaby may require for operating a repair and upholstery workshop. Keeping safety training, proper handling procedures, and up-to-date registrations helps protect both you and your team.
Business Registration & Tax: With the BN in place, you’ll also need to register your BC business name for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. From there, set up your tax accounts: GST/HST registration and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These numbers are how you legally collect taxes, file returns, and manage payroll costs, so they belong high on the to-do list once your BN is active.
Encouragement: Take the next steps with a practical plan—confirm your BN, register your BC business name, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as needed. Then line up WorkSafeBC coverage and any Burnaby licenses. If you tackle these one by one, you’ll establish a solid, compliant foundation that lets you focus on delivering great reupholstery work and furniture repairs. You’ve got this—start today.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a reupholstery and furniture repair 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 reupholstery and furniture repair:
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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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