Starting a Business in St. John’s Guide

Prior to the creation of the Business Guide, entrepreneurs seeking planning information, business start-up advice, contact information and multi-level government supports were located over several documents, web pages and websites.

This problem was addressed by the launching of this Business Guide in October 2021. A French version of the guide was also developed and launched in December 2021.

The goal of this publication was to:

• Create an easy to read, easy to follow process when starting a business in St. John’s.
• Ensure all information is accurate, up to date and located in one place.
• Introduce and prepare entrepreneurs to the application process making them more familiar with the process, fees, taxation, zoning requirements, and timelines prior to submitting their applications.
• Being more familiar with the City’s process mean a timelier processing minimizing  delays caused by missing information from the applicant.
• Initiate more interactions with City Economic Development staff prior entrepreneurs starting their business.

This Advantage St. John’s document was the first branded collateral to be dedicated to both entrepreneurs and the local businesses already established in the community looking to expand their operations. To increase sustainability and cut ecological waste, this document aims to be a digitally downloadable and readable document. It is located on the advantagestjohns.ca website in several easily accessible locations.

Every business and business idea is slightly different, but this document tries to cover the most pertinent and concise information that an entrepreneur will need when starting the process to get their business application under way.

Contact between the City’s Economic Development team and the entrepreneur is valued. Providing information that is specific to the business-person can assist them with a more complete business development application which can lead to smoother processing. An important part of this publication’s call to action is to connect directly with Economic Development staff. The physical location of the offices, including photo, is included along with telephone, email, website and social media information are all outlined encouraging entrepreneurs to connect with us.

Starting a business is an exciting opportunity, however, it can also be frustrating and difficult to do without support. This document is designed with the user in mind, logically presented in  an easy-to-read format in both official languages, that outlines the considerations for an entrepreneur. The Guide clarifies that starting a business can be achieved when following the information outlined within. This first hurdle for entrepreneurs involving perceived information gaps is overcome in St. John’s with this new guide.