Launch a Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers Business in Fredericton
This page provides practical, step-by-step guidance for launching a wholesale trade agents and brokers business in Fredericton (NAICS 425120). You’ll get an overview of the 8 essential startup requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to your first sale. Expect clear, actionable steps you can take this week to move from idea to revenue.
You’ll learn the concrete actions that make it happen: choose your business structure and name, get a CRA Business Number with a GST/HST account, register with provincial or municipal authorities as needed, arrange essential insurance and contracts, set up your accounting and banking, and establish supplier relationships. The guide also covers timelines and what can affect approval speed, so you can plan around permits and filings.
Fredericton is a smart base for wholesale brokers, with a growing supplier network, supportive local resources, and competitive operating costs that help you scale across Atlantic Canada. This city-and-industry pairing makes it easier to build momentum and land your first customers faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a wholesale trade agents and brokers business in Fredericton is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a non-negotiable, federally issued ID you need to legally interact with government programs, file taxes, and manage payroll. You cannot start or run the business without a BN, so securing it should be your first step.
For mandatory operational needs, focus on health, safety, and permits. Make sure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers and stay compliant with workplace safety rules. Also obtain the local business licence required to legally operate in Fredericton. Depending on your specific activities, there may be additional permits or city requirements to address, so it’s worth checking with the municipal office to confirm.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll likely move beyond the BN to register your exact business structure. If you’re using a name other than your own, you’ll need New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB). Decide whether you’ll operate as a partnership (Partnership Registration) or as an incorporated NB Corporation (NB Corporation Registration). For taxes, plan for GST/HST Registration and, if you employ people, Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA.
You’ve got this—take the next steps with a clear plan. Start with confirming your BN, then verify Fredericton’s licensing requirements, choose your business structure, and register SNB if needed. Set up GST/HST and payroll processes as soon as you hire staff. If you’d like, I can tailor a practical, step-by-step checklist for your exact situation and help you pace the tasks so you’re not overwhelmed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a wholesale trade agents and brokers in Fredericton:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton 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 Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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