LaunchListGet your online store up and running in Nova Scotia
Everything you need to register and launch a retail business in Nova Scotia, in order. Work through the steps at your own pace. Your progress is saved in this browser, or to your account if you sign in.
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- 1Choose your structure and business nameDecide how the business is set up and what it is called.0/4 tasks · 1–2 hours
- 2Register your sole proprietorship with the Registry of Joint Stock CompaniesReserve your business name, then register it, unless you trade under just your own name.0/5 tasks · 1–2 hours, then 1–2 weeks for the certificate
- 3Get your CRA Business NumberThe federal number that your tax accounts attach to.0/3 tasks · 20–30 minutes
- 4Register for HST (14%)Nova Scotia has one combined sales tax, collected for the CRA.0/5 tasks · 30 minutes
- 5Check your municipal permits and zoningIn Nova Scotia, home business rules are set by your municipality, and they vary a lot.0/5 tasks · 1–2 hours
- 6Get business insuranceProtects you personally if something goes wrong.0/5 tasks · 1–2 hours
- 7Open a business bank accountKeep business money separate from personal money.0/4 tasks · 1 hour
- 8Set up bookkeeping and income taxTrack sales, HST and expenses from day one.0/5 tasks · 2–3 hours
- 9Get approved by a payment processorDo this early. Processors review each business before approving it.0/5 tasks · Days to weeks
- 10Website legal pages and privacyPolicies and privacy law for your store.0/5 tasks · 3–5 hours
- 11Product labelling and complianceWhat to check before you list products for sale.0/5 tasks · 1–2 hours
- 12Open your reseller accountThe final step before you can order stock.0/6 tasks · 30 minutes