Start Your Space Research and Technology Venture in Saint John
This page helps you plan and launch a Space Research and Technology business in Saint John (NAICS 927110). It covers the 10 essential requirements, the permits and licenses you'll need from federal and provincial authorities, typical startup costs like facility fit-outs and insurance, and a practical 6–12 month timeline from incorporation to first operation.
You'll learn how to navigate the 10 requirements, what permits apply at federal, provincial, and municipal levels, and ballpark costs for registration, insurance, lab equipment, and facilities. We also map out a realistic 6–12 month timeline with milestones for incorporation, securing a space, safety approvals, and launching your first project.
Saint John’s affordable space, supportive business environment, access to ports and research networks, and a growing tech ecosystem make it a smart place to launch space tech. With local partners, academic collaboration, and access to regional grant programs, you can test concepts, pursue early funding, and build momentum faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a space research and technology business in Saint John is Business Licence. This is a legal permission you must obtain from the city to run a business there; you cannot legally operate without it. This licence is non-negotiable and lays the foundation for everything else you’ll do. Once you’re licensed, you can proceed with the other essential steps such as registering your business name and getting the necessary tax IDs.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: For health, safety, and lawful operation, you’ll need to plan for worker safety and regulatory compliance. New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ensures your workplace is covered in case of injuries. Security Clearance and Screening may be required for personnel involved in sensitive space-related work, and you should confirm any obligations under the Canadian Space Agency Act that apply to your programs. These items keep your team safe and your activities compliant with broader regulatory expectations.
Business Registration & Tax: To keep your business in good standing, you’ll handle several registrations and tax numbers. This includes New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you operate under a name other than your legal entity, NB Corporation Registration if you form a corporation, and a federal Business Number (BN). You’ll also need GST/HST Registration for sales tax, Payroll Deductions Registration for your employees, and Partnership Registration if you choose a partnership structure. The exact registrations depend on your business form and services.
Encouragement: Start with the licence, then map out your entity type and the required registrations. Reach out to Service NB and the federal and provincial tax authorities early to gather the right forms and timelines. With clear steps and the right registrations in place, you’ll be well on your way to launching your space research and technology work in Saint John. You’ve got this—take the first step
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a space research and technology 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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Security Clearance and Screening ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government personnel in security-sensitive positions must undergo security clearance, background checks, and maintain confidentiality protocols. Federal security clearance and screening. CSIS background checks. Reliability status, Secret, Top Secret levels. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Canadian Space Agency Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Space research and technology organizations must comply with CSA regulations, international space treaties, and obtain appropriate authorizations. Canadian Space Agency Act compliance. Remote sensing licensing. Space activities authorization. Contact CSA: 450-926-4800.
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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%)
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