Start a Video Tape and Disc Rental Business in Saint John
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Video Tape and Disc Rental business in Saint John (NAICS 532282). You’ll get an eight-item requirements roadmap, plus what permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to storefront. Written in friendly, actionable language, it’s designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
This section breaks down the eight essential requirements you’ll tackle. You’ll cover business structure decisions, registering a name, securing a local business license and any zoning or signage permits, plus insurance, bookkeeping and tax registrations. Plan for inventory and equipment costs, source reliable players and discs, set up rental software and security, and map a practical go-live timeline that fits your finances.
Why Saint John? The city offers a welcoming small-business climate, affordable storefront options, and a community that values local entertainment—perfect for launching a video rental shop and building steady demand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a video tape and disc rental business in Saint John is Business Licence. This local permit must be in place before you open, and you cannot legally operate without it. Obtaining the licence confirms you’re allowed to run a business in the city and helps you avoid fines or a forced closure. Make securing the licence your first step so you can tackle the rest with confidence.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, and permits. If you have employees, you’ll need New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers and stay compliant. You’ll also manage payroll deductions if you hire staff and ensure appropriate tax withholdings. Even without employees, follow basic health and safety practices and keep proper records as part of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the licence, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency for tax accounts and payroll, plus the New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you trade under a name other than your own. Depending on your structure, you may register a Partnership or NB Corporation. You’ll also handle GST/HST Registration if your sales meet the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees.
Encouragement: Starting a rental business can be straightforward if you tackle registrations systematically. Gather the documents, map out your business structure, and line up the necessary registrations in the order above. If you’re unsure, consider a quick chat with Service NB or a local business advisor to keep you on track and confident about compliance.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a video tape and disc rental 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%)
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