Starting out in Fredericton, the capital
New Brunswick’s capital has a real habit of helping founders. Here’s what people start here, who can help you locally, and how to be online from day one.
Fredericton’s entrepreneurial scene
Fredericton is a government and university city, and that shapes what gets started. With UNB and St. Thomas University in town, many first businesses begin as a student or graduate project: tutoring, graphic design, photography, IT services, software, research spin-offs and online shops.
The steady public-sector economy also leaves room for side businesses. Lots of people keep their day job and build something on evenings and weekends: baking for the Saturday market, wedding photography, bookkeeping, fitness coaching or small renovation jobs.
The Saint John River valley around the city adds another layer: market gardens, maple and local food, trail and river tourism in summer, and the trades every growing capital needs, from landscaping in July to snow clearing in January. Newcomers settling in the capital region start businesses here too, often in food, cleaning, child care or professional services.
Local help for new entrepreneurs
Fredericton is one of the easiest places in Atlantic Canada to find free help. Start here:
- Planet Hatch — Fredericton’s entrepreneurship hub, incubator and co-working space.
- Ignite — The economic development agency for New Brunswick’s capital region; it runs Planet Hatch and offers mentoring and skills programs.
- Entrepreneurship @ UNB — The University of New Brunswick’s entrepreneurship programs for students and graduates.
- Fredericton Chamber of Commerce — Networking, events and a voice for local business owners in the capital.
- Opportunities NB — The province’s business development agency, with advice and programs for starting and growing a business in New Brunswick.
- Futurpreneur — Start-up financing paired with a volunteer business mentor, for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
- Women in Business New Brunswick — Advice, training and support for women starting or growing a business in New Brunswick.
- BDC — The Business Development Bank of Canada: financing, plus free guides and templates for people starting out.
Your first step online
In a city full of students, public servants and researchers, people look a business up before they call. A simple website with your services, prices and hours, and an email at your own name, makes a one-person business look as dependable as an established one. It also gives Google something to show when someone nearby searches for what you do.
WebNewBee was built for exactly this first step. You pick one of 30 designs, answer a few questions about your business, and your site is written and built in about a minute. Then you change whatever you like and publish.
One simple price
CA$6.99/month · plus applicable taxes
- Website with up to 6 pages, written by our AI from your facts
- Up to 3 email addresses on your own domain
- Your own domain from CA$24.99/year, or a free yourname.webnewbee.page address
- Secure (https), fast, mobile-friendly
- English, French or both
- Cancel anytime — no contract
Tips for getting started in Fredericton
- Create a free Google Business Profile with your address or service area, and add your website link to it.
- Name the parts of the region you serve, like the north side, the south side, New Maryland or Oromocto, so people nearby recognise you.
- Selling at a market or pop-up? Put your web address on your table sign and cards so customers can find you all week.
- Students: start on a free yourname.webnewbee.page address and move to your own domain when the business takes off.
A design to start from
Every design is a starting point. Our AI writes the words from your answers, and you can change everything.
- Résumé — Students & job seekersresume.webnewbee.page
- North Star — Coaches & consultantscoach.webnewbee.page
- Shutter — Photographersphotographer.webnewbee.page
Questions
Do I need to register my business before I make a website?
No, you can build and publish your site first. Registering your business name is a separate step; Opportunities NB or the Fredericton Chamber can point you in the right direction.
I have a day job. Is a website worth it for a side business?
Yes, especially then. Your website answers questions while you’re at work, and the contact form collects messages so you can reply in the evening.
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