Launch Your Saint John Reupholstery and Furniture Repair Business
This page offers a practical, step-by-step path to starting a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Saint John, aligned with NAICS 811420. It lays out the eight essential requirements, from choosing a business structure and registering a name to the permits and licenses you’ll need to operate legally. You’ll also get a realistic sense of upfront costs and a typical setup timeline.
You’ll learn what these eight requirements look like in Saint John: deciding your business structure, registering a name, obtaining a city business license and any home-based permits, handling GST/HST registration if you qualify, lining up appropriate insurance, meeting safety and waste disposal rules for fabrics and solvents, and setting up simple bookkeeping. Expect cost ranges for tools, insurance, and permits, plus a practical timeline from start to first client.
Saint John’s vibrant small-business scene, close-knit supplier network, and affordable startup costs make this combo a smart fit for a hands-on shop. With flexible space options and a supportive local business climate, you can turn your upholstery passion into a thriving Saint John business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Saint John is a Business Licence. You must obtain this local licence to legally run a workshop, serve customers, and advertise your services in the city. Without it, you are not allowed to operate, and doing so can lead to fines or forced closure. This requirement is non-negotiable and should be your first action before doing anything else.
Beyond licensing, you’ll want to focus on mandatory operational needs that protect people and comply with rules. If you hire staff, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage and follow workplace safety standards, training, and record-keeping. This is essential for protecting workers and keeping your business compliant. You may also need other basic permits or space-related approvals from your local authorities, depending on your shop setup and signage.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll typically need to obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and register your New Brunswick business name (SNB). Your next decision is your business structure—Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration, depending on whether you’re running the business alone or with others. GST/HST registration is required if your sales meet the threshold or if you want to claim input credits, and Payroll D deductions Registration is needed if you have employees.
Next steps are practical and doable: confirm your Saint John business licence, set up your BN with the CRA, register your NB business name, choose your legal structure, and arrange GST/HST and payroll and WorkSafeNB registrations as needed. If you’re unsure, a quick chat with a local business advisor or accountant can tailor these steps to your situation. You’ve got this—start with the licence and build your compliance plan step by step.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a reupholstery and furniture repair in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John 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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