Start or Grow Your Business

The City of St. John's is a great place to do business. Whether you are an established company or just starting out with your first business we can help.

Business Information Centre

At the Business Information Centre, we can assist you in navigating the regulatory process. Our team works directly with our colleagues across City departments to allow for a more streamlined experience. The Centre also provides connections to business and financing resources, economic data, and customized demographic profiles. Talk to us first, to get the information you need to launch your venture.

Conveniently located at 348 Water Street, the Business Information Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also reach us at 709-576-8107 or business@stjohns.ca to book an appointment or to arrange a video call. Get in touch. We’re here to help.

Learn more about the advantages of doing business in St. John's

Business Guides

• Our Starting a Business in St. John’s guide provides a brief overview of the regulations and permits about starting a business. 
• Our Guide to Municipal Regulations for Business provides a detailed overview of the regulations, permits, development and planning processes, and taxes as they apply to businesses in the City of St. John’s.

Other Regulations

You should also be aware that depending upon the type of business you are operating, other regulations at the federal and provincial government level may apply.

• Many of the licenses, permits, or approvals required by small businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador are issued through Service NL. For instance, they issue food establishment and tobacco licenses. 
• The Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation issues liquor licenses to applicants who have met all requirements.
• All corporations operating in Newfoundland and Labrador must be registered with the Registry of Companies. Sole proprietors and partnerships are not required to register.
• For information regarding Government of Canada taxation policy and business regulation, contact the Canada Revenue Agency or Department of Finance Canada.

Business Planning Tools

A business plan is an essential part of creating any business. Business plans contribute to the future success of your business in many ways. They are necessary when applying for loans; they help you to assess your progress; and they provide a road map to assist you in figuring out where you’re going and how you’ll get there. The plan can be produced with the assistance of outside advisers, but it must reflect your ideas and become part of your management routine.  

For information on creating a business plan that is well structured view the following resources and templates:

• Canada Business
• Futurpreneur Canada
• ACOA - Planning for Success : Your Guide to Preparing a Business and Marketing Plan
• Business Development Bank of Canada
• CBDC

Helpful links

• Accommodation tax
• Business licenses
• Business tax
• By-laws and regulations
• Development application and checklists
• Development regulations
• Economic data
• Permits
• Re-zoning and Appealing Development Decisions