Launch Saskatoon Barber Shops: Start Your 812111 Journey
This page offers a practical, step-by-step overview for starting a barber shop in Saskatoon under NAICS 812111. You’ll get a clear requirements overview, including the 9 essential steps, plus the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to open your doors. From choosing a space and outfitting it with the right equipment to securing insurance and setting your pricing, you’ll have a proven roadmap.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the nine requirements cover, which permits are mandatory, and how much capital to budget for leases, licenses, equipment, and furnishings. We’ll walk you through a practical timeline—planning, approvals, build-out, and launch—and share tips to streamline the process, avoid common hiccups, and stay on track.
Saskatoon’s growing, community-minded market and supportive local business climate make it a great place to launch barber shops. Steady demand for grooming services, walkable neighborhoods, and flexible lease options help independent barbers build a loyal clientele.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a barber shop in Saskatoon is Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Commission Hairstylist Certification. This certification is legally required for anyone performing hairstyling services in Saskatchewan, and you cannot legally operate a barber shop without it. It’s non-negotiable: obtain the credential before serving clients or hiring staff, and keep it current through required training and provincial standards.
Next, focus on health, safety and permits. Ensure your shop has a valid Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration so workers are protected, and secure a City business licence to operate legally in Saskatoon. Maintain a clean, safe environment with proper sanitation, safe equipment, and staff training, and stay in step with applicable health, fire, and workplace safety codes. These operational basics protect customers and employees and keep your doors open.
Beyond the logo and licenses, take care of business registration and taxes. Register your business name with ISC and obtain a Business Number (BN) from Canada Revenue Agency. GST/HST registration is needed for tax purposes on sales, and payroll deductions registration is required if you hire staff. If you choose a corporate or partnership structure, plan for Saskatchewan Corporation Registration or Partnership Registration accordingly. These steps keep you compliant with tax, payroll, and corporate rules.
You're on the right track—next steps are practical and doable. Start by confirming your certification timeline, then line up the registrations in a simple order (name, BN, licences, WCB). Gather documents, set a realistic calendar, and contact the relevant agencies to file. If you’d like, I can turn this into a personalized checklist with exact steps and deadlines to keep you moving confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a barber shops in Saskatoon:
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saskatoon. Apply to City of Saskatoon for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saskatoon Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Commission Hairstylist Certification RequiredHairstylists must be certified through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. Hairstylist certification through SK Apprenticeship Commission: 1. Hairstyling is a COMPULSORY trade in Saskatchewan 2. Complete approved training program 3. Register as apprentice with SK Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission 4. Complete apprenticeship (on-the-job + technical training) 5. Pass Red Seal certification exam 6. Certificate valid across Canada Apply at saskapprenticeship.ca
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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