A salon or spa may provide a range of services from personal care to cosmetic care. Before opening your business, consider which type of services you would like to offer.
Some common types of spa/salon businesses are:
This guide focuses on operating an independent spa or salon. For information on buying a franchise, visit The Canadian Franchise Association website or call 1-800-665-4232.
For regulatory or legal questions, it may be useful to contact a lawyer that deals with business regulations through the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service.
Before starting a business in Ontario, there are several issues to consider, such as regulations, financing, and taxation. Read our start-up guide to learn the basics.
Read online:
Business Start-Up Guide
Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government.
In addition to the information you will find in this guide, you can use BizPaL—an online search tool—to find licences and regulations that may affect your business. You can also contact the Business Info Line to speak to someone about starting your business.
Use online:
BizPaL
Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888
Some common licences, permits and regulations that may apply to starting your spa or salon include:
When your business uses recorded music, you are responsible for obtaining the right licence(s) for that use. The Copyright Board of Canada works with individual copyright collective societies who provide music licensing. Contact the following two organizations for more information.
If you have legal questions, contact a lawyer who deals with business regulations. The Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service may be able to assist you in finding a lawyer, based on your needs.
Contact the Law Society of Upper Canada:
1-800-268-8326
Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service
Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.
Read online:
Taxation Guide
If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to charge and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information.
Contact CRA:
1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency – Business
There are many different ways to finance your business. Canada Business can help you find government financing that is available for starting a business.
Search online:
Find Government Grants, Loans and Financing
Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888
The success of any business starts by setting goals and managing the ups and downs of daily operations. Here are some key factors to consider when starting a spa or salon:
Having the correct business insurance can provide peace of mind. Contact an insurance agent to discuss your business insurance options, or to develop a plan that is right for your business.
You may also wish to contact your local chamber of commerce or industry association, as some organizations offer members lower rates on their business insurance.
The following list is included to remind you not to overlook the complex areas of business insurance. It is best, however, to discuss your specific requirements with your insurance agent.
Basic insurance:
Read online:
Insurance for Your Small Business
Marketing can help you determine the value of your product or service and communicate that information to customers. Depending on your market and its size, you can consider using flyers, business cards, brochures, newspapers, radio, TV, the phone book or the Internet. Keep in mind, a satisfied customer or a positive referral is often the best form of advertising.
Read online:
Developing a Marketing Plan
Marketing and Sales
When preparing your marketing and/or advertising material, there are regulations to follow. When you promote a product or service, your customers need to have enough information to make informed choices. You can get more information on advertising requirements from the Competition Bureau.
Contact the Competition Bureau:
1-800-348-5358
Misleading Advertising and Labelling
The use of business support services can be essential to the success of a small business. Professionals can provide knowledge and expertise to ensure your business is operating efficiently.
As an entrepreneur, there are several types of professional business services you can consult:
For most businesses, choosing an appropriate location is critical. Your ideal location will depend on your business needs, zoning restrictions, and where your customers and competitors are. Taxes, noise and the local business environment are also important factors to consider when reviewing your options.
If you are setting up your business in your home, make sure you know what regulations and restrictions apply to a home-based business before you start.
Read online:
Choosing and setting up a location
Home-Based Business
Your business will need equipment and furniture, and it's important to decide what you need and how much you want to spend. Some common ways to save money on furnishings and equipment are:
There are many associations that may be of interest to a spa or salon business. It is not necessary to join an association, but some of the advantages include:
Examples of associations for a spa or salon business include:
For more information that relates to starting your business, you can read the following guides:
You can also find books, magazines and other relevant print material at business service organizations in your community. To find a Canada Business Ontario (CBO) community partner, contact us through the Business Info Line at 1-888-745-8888.
Click: Canada Business
Call: The Business Info Line, a collaboration between ServiceOntario and Industry Canada, at 1-888-745-8888
Visit: Find a Community Partner Location near you
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.
Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.