Permits, Licenses, how to Incorporate and more to help you open a Coffee Business in Canada

A number of permits and licences may or may not be required to open and operate in Canada. Use the https://www.bizpal.ca/ website to streamline the process, learn what you may need to start or grow your business including permits and licences. Follow the links below for specific information related to each province and territory in Canada:

Northwest Territories: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/northwest-territories/

British Columbia: https://www.bcbizpal.ca/

Alberta: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/alberta/

Saskatchewan: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/saskatchewan/

Manitoba: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/manitoba/

Ontario: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/ontario/

Quebec: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/quebec/

New Brunswick: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/new-brunswick/

Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/newfoundland-and-labrador/

Nova Scotia: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/nova-scotia/

Prince Edward Island: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/prince-edward-island/

Yukon : https://www.bizpal.ca/en/partners/yukon/

Nunavut: https://www.gov.nu.ca/

It is important to understand that permits and licences — including construction permits, health inspection approvals, and your business licence — can take a significant amount of time to obtain. There is no fixed timeline, and the process varies considerably depending on your municipality. In some cases approvals may come through in as little as one week; in others, the process can take one month, several months, or even a year or more. Plan accordingly and begin the application process as early as possible to avoid delays in your opening date.

A few More Questions Beyond permits and licenses that you will need to consider:

• Will you need a commercial kitchen ?
• Do you need ventilation ?
• Grease trap or interceptor required by your municipality ?
• Menu ?
• What is your ideal capacity ?
• Outdoor or patio seating ? (separate permit may be required)
• On site parking ?
• Is the space properly zoned for food service retail ?
• Confirm zoning before signing any lease agreement
• Lease budget ?
• Purchase Budget?
• Build-out construction budget ?
• Accessibility compliance ? (AODA in Ontario; similar legislation applies in other provinces)
• Secure financing ?
• Permits and Licenses waiting time frame in your Municipality?
• Signage permit ? (size, placement, and illumination rules vary by municipality)
• Fire safety inspection and fire marshal approval ?
• Which neighbourhood are you most interested in?
• Business plan ?
• Design lookbook?
• Samples of materials for Contractor and Landlord review ?
• Advertising and Marketing plan ?
• Soft opening plan ?
• Grand opening plan ?
• Investment plan ?
• Staff hiring and training timeline ?
• Allow adequate time to hire, onboard, and train before your opening date
• Exit strategy ?
• Food safety plan developed ?
• Food Safe (Level 1 or 2) ?
• Liquor licence ?
• Serving It Right ?
• Music licensing ? (SOCAN, Re:Sound, and Entandem may all apply)
• Professionals Needed?
• Real Estate Lawyer
• Accountant
• Contractor
• Builders
• Inspectors
• Architects
• Designer
• Incorporated
• Corporate bank account
• GST / HST registration with the CRA ?
• WSIB / WCB registration before hiring staff ?
• Commercial insurance ? (general liability, contents, and business interruption)
• What Suppliers will you need ?
• accounts created now ?