Launch Your Moncton Reupholstery and Furniture Repair Business Today
This page is your practical starter kit for launching a Moncton-based reupholstery and furniture repair shop (NAICS 811420). You’ll find a clear overview of the eight essential requirements, plus guidance on permits, registrations, initial equipment, and roughly what it costs to get up and running. We map a realistic timeline from idea to first client.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the eight requirements you’ll need to meet to operate legally in Moncton, the permits you may need, typical upfront and ongoing costs (tools, supplies, insurance, space), and a straightforward timeline to open. You’ll also get tips on workspace setup, equipment lists, pricing strategies, and marketing to attract your first customers.
Moncton is a welcoming market for small, skilled trades like furniture repair. The city’s affordable rents, growing housing market, and supportive small-business community help you start lean and grow. With the right plan, you can launch efficiently and start serving local homeowners, designers, and thrift shops in just a few weeks.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Moncton is obtaining a Business Licence. This is a legal prerequisite you cannot operate without. The licence is issued by the City of Moncton to authorize your shop’s location and hours, and it must be current. Start with the local licensing office, have your business details ready, and complete the application to ensure you’re allowed to run your business from day one.
Mandatory operational requirements include health and safety and basic permits. If you have employees, you’ll need New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect your team; even if you’re a sole proprietor, it’s wise to align with safe working practices and local fire and safety guidelines. Plan for a safe, well-ventilated workspace, proper tool handling, and general compliance with workplace safety norms. Some businesses also require routine inspections or permits, depending on your exact shop setup and location.
For Business Registration and Tax, you’ll want to secure a New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) unless you operate under your legal name, and decide whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or NB corporation (Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration as applicable). You’ll also need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for taxes, and if you hire employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. GST/HST Registration may be required if your revenue meets the threshold or you choose to register voluntarily to collect GST/HST.
You’re not alone in this—think of it as a practical roadmap. Next steps: confirm your business structure, register the NB business name, obtain your BN, arrange WorkSafeNB coverage, and handle GST/HST and payroll accounts as needed. With these essentials in place, you’ll be set to open confidently and start serving customers in Moncton.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a reupholstery and furniture repair in Moncton:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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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