The Saint John Region is an ideal place to start a business. It is perfectly positioned on the Bay of Fundy and within driving distance of the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec, Ontario, and the United States border. With a major port, airport, rail, and highway system, we are a global gateway and intermodal transportation and logistics hub. You’ll enjoy quick and easy access to markets in the United States and Mexico. And our time zone advantage makes it easy to serve clients in Europe and both the North American Eastern and Pacific Seaboards in the same business day.
If you think you might like to open or operate your own business in the Saint John Region, you will be able to pursue that dream. You will find that entrepreneurs from far and wide are recognized and respected in communities across New Brunswick. This is a city that encourages entrepreneurial thinking, has distinct advantages, and offers programs and supports to help you.
Business support and programs
Opening a business can be complicated, with a lot of details to figure out. Luckily, you’re not alone. Here are some programs that can help you.
Envision Saint John
Envision Saint John is a regional agency that can help with small business consultancy, including loans. Envision staff are there to guide entrepreneurs through a market analysis and business plan process with helpful advice, tips, and contacts.
Connexionworks
Connexionworks is a community of new and existing businesses that support each other in the common goal of entrepreneurial and business excellence in the Saint John Region and beyond. In addition to programming, ConnexionWorks supports entrepreneurs through workshops and business essentials, meeting and event space hosting, connection opportunities, and much more.
Opportunities New Brunswick
Opportunities New Brunswick is a complete resource for the New Brunswick start-up business. On this site, the province’s economic development agency provides information about business costs and incentives, specialized services, and success stories.
Bizpal
New Brunswick offers Bizpal, an online, one-stop service for entrepreneurs. It simplifies the process of finding information on business permits and licences from all levels of government—federal, provincial, and municipal.
ACOA
ACOA Business Information Services has a team ready to answer your business questions. Their experts can guide you through the steps you need to take to make your ideas a reality. From funding to planning, and research to regulations, they can provide you with accurate and relevant information.
Tax credits
The Small Business Investor Tax Credit program provides an important source of capital. It increases access to equity financing for New Brunswick small businesses, and encourages investment by New Brunswick residents in local small businesses.
Operational support
Need information or help on how to properly and legally operate your Saint John business? The Canadian government can help. The business portion of canada.ca has helpful information on business taxes, permits and regulations, intellectual property, business support and how to sell to the government.
Commercial real estate
Some real estate agents in Canada specialize in commercial real estate. They may help you in finding a place to do business. They may also help you understand how to take over a business which is for sale. You can find more information about Canadian commercial real estate at realtor.ca and at the New Brunswick Real Estate Association.