Launch a Burnaby Window Treatment Retailer with Confidence
Starting a window treatment retailer in Burnaby (NAICS 449122) is achievable with a simple, practical plan. This page walks you through what you need to launch—licensing, showroom setup, online sales, and customer service. You’ll get a clear requirements overview, a rundown of permits, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
Five key requirements you’ll tackle here: 1) register your Burnaby business and obtain a City of Burnaby business license; 2) confirm zoning and secure any storefront or signage permits; 3) line up suppliers and inventory for window coverings and build a small showroom; 4) set up tax and compliance (GST/HST registration, PST considerations, invoicing); 5) estimate startup costs (roughly CAD 20k–60k) and map a practical launch timeline (about 4–8 weeks to open).
Burnaby’s location in Metro Vancouver gives you a strong market near homeowners upgrading their spaces, plus easy access to suppliers and transit for customers. A focused window treatments shop here can tap growing demand for modern blinds, shutters, and drapery—without downtown clutter—and you’ll benefit from local business support and a friendly licensing process.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must, and you cannot legally run your window treatment shop without a BN. The BN identifies your company to the federal government and lets you handle taxes, payroll, and other government programs. Having a BN also makes it possible to take care of essential registrations (like GST/HST and payroll) in a smooth, compliant way.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits matter. If you hire staff or bring on installers, you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and customers. In practice, establish safe work practices, provide basic training, and keep records to stay compliant. Even if you start solo, plan for these obligations so you’re ready to scale cleanly when you add team members.
Business Registration & Tax: In British Columbia, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you operate under a name other than your own (sole proprietorship or partnership). With your BN in hand, you’ll determine whether GST/HST registration applies (or is beneficial) for your sales. You’ll also set up Payroll Deductions Registration for any employees you hire. These registrations are all connected to your BN and help keep your business compliant from day one.
Encouragement: Next steps are straightforward: apply for your BN, then check whether you need BC Business Name Registration for your chosen name. Decide on GST/HST registration timing based on your sales, and set up payroll deductions as soon as you plan to hire. Finally, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage before bringing on staff. By tackling these steps, you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your Burnaby window treatment business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a window treatment retailers in Burnaby:
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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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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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