How to Start a Roofing Contractor Business in Saint John
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a roofing contractor business in Saint John under NAICS 238160. You’ll get a clear overview of the eight requirements, plus the permits, costs, and timeline you can expect as you move from idea to launch. It’s designed for new roofers who want to navigate local rules with confidence and avoid common startup pitfalls.
In this guide you’ll learn exactly what to prepare: an eight-item requirements overview, the permits you’ll need from Saint John and New Brunswick authorities, and realistic startup costs for licensing, insurance, equipment, and vehicles. You’ll also get a practical timeline from registration to your first job, plus tips on workers’ compensation, bonding, and setting up invoicing and supplier accounts so you can hit the ground running.
Saint John is a solid base for roofing contractors, with steady demand, a supportive small-business climate, and easy access to Atlantic Canada markets.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a roofing contracting business in Saint John, NB is the Business Licence. This license is legally required to do business in the city, and you cannot legally operate or start jobs without it. It’s non-negotiable and should be your first step before hiring staff or taking on customers, as without it you won’t be able to bill clients or legally bid work.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety and permits go hand in hand. Arrange New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage so your crew is protected and you meet workplace rules. Put in place a simple safety plan for roof work, train your crew on fall protection and ladder safety, and follow standard practices for weather-related risks. You’ll also want to confirm and secure any required permits or approvals for each project before you begin, and keep records of safety checks and inspections.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need the right business identifiers and tax numbers. Register for a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and register your business name in New Brunswick (SNB) if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership. If you form a partnership or NB corporation, complete the Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration. If your sales pass the GST/HST threshold, you must register for GST/HST; if you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations help you stay compliant with tax and payroll rules.
Encouragement: Start with these essentials and map out a simple compliance plan. Check with Saint John City Hall or the New Brunswick government for exact forms and deadlines, then line up BN, SNB, GST/HST, payroll, and WorkSafeNB coverage. With a clear, actionable plan, you’ll move from licenses to confident, compliant bids and projects. If you’d like, I can tailor a quick 2-week action list based on how many people you plan to employ.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a roofing contractors 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 roofing 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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