Business Guide New Brunswick - Small Business Hub

The New Brunswick
Small Business Guide:

An All-Inclusive Reference from Establishing
to Building Your Business in New Brunswick

Welcome to your essential business guide for New Brunswick; here, you can find the most important information regarding all stages of your business’s lifecycle. Right from the initial phase, which entails establishing and operating, to expanding and growing your small business in the region. The CanadianSME Small Business Hub team strives to equip you with all the necessary tools and resources along with vital insights incumbent to navigate your entrepreneurial journey. Every piece of information in our New Brunswick Small Business Guide has been thoroughly researched and meticulously curated just for you. It also offers all the support and advice you need to ensure your business thrives in this vibrant province.

New Brunswick: A Fertile Ground for Entrepreneurs

In 2022, New Brunswick’s GDP hit a whopping $32.3 billion, an over increase of 1.3% in the past five years. This is a clear sign of the province’s robust economy and nurturing entrepreneurial environment, which offers a unique combination of resources, market access, and government support. This Atlantic province is an ideal location for startups and small businesses seeking to leverage the opportunities provided by its diverse sectors.

Advanced Economic Landscape

New Brunswick’s economy includes agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting, retail commerce and manufacturing, healthcare, and seafood, giving many business options. Its Atlantic coast location and strong port facilities contribute to its economic success. New Brunswick is also getting attention for its sophisticated industry, which could lead to a prosperous future—advanced manufacturing, agritech, cybersecurity, digital health, energy innovation and information & communications technology.

Strategic Market Accessibility

As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick offers access to both the English and French markets within Canada. While its strategic position on the Atlantic coast provides an advantageous connection to European and American markets, making it a key gateway to international market exposure for Canada’s small and medium businesses.

Diverse Skilled Workforce

New Brunswick is home to an exceptionally talented and skilled workforce which also happens to be bilingual – an attractive trait for businesses seeking diverse talent. The province’s commitment to quality education and welcoming immigration policies further enrich its labour pool.

Pre-emptive Government Support

The government of New Brunswick actively and pre-emptively fosters a business-friendly environment using a number of measures and means to encourage business activity. Through various tax incentives, grants, and funding programs aimed at businesses of all sizes, the provincial government effectively works to promise business growth and innovation. The province also supports a dynamic technology and innovation ecosystem, with various accelerators, incubators, and co-working spaces available.

Secure Quality of Life

Apart from its attributes conducive to business, the residents of New Brunswick enjoy a superior quality of life. This stems from a strong sense of community and, essentially, the warmth and friendly locals. In fact, New Brunswick is rated as the safest among all provinces because of its relatively lower crime rates. Besides these, the province’s natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and an array of recreational activities make it a pretty pleasant place to live and do business.

Explore the Best Available Resources for

SMBs and StartUps in New Brunswick

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, we are building a stronger economy.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

At BDC, we know business owners. We’ve been working with them for more than 75 years. We know their challenges and we understand their needs. And we want them to grow and succeed.

Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for over two decades. We are the only national, non-proﬁt organization that provides ﬁnancing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,600 volunteer mentors.

Planet Hatch

Planet Hatch opened its doors in the fall of 2013 with the mission of supporting startup entrepreneurs through integrated program service delivery and creative physical infrastructure. Since then, we've supported over 200 new companies that have created 400 local jobs. Approximately 80% of our 'graduates' are still in business and growing today.

New Brunswick Business Council (NBBC)

The New Brunswick Business Council (NBBC) consists of leaders and CEOs who are committed to ensuring New Brunswick meets its full potential. Everyone on the Council has a deep, personal stake in this province and its future.

Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB)

Opportunities NB (ONB) works with businesses of all sizes in every region of New Brunswick — helping them to invest, grow, scale, and tap new markets for their products and services. If you are a business operating in the province, or a potential investor interested in pursuing business in New Brunswick, ONB is there for you every step of the way.

The New Brunswick
Small Business Guide:

An All-Inclusive Reference from Establishing
to Building Your Business in New Brunswick