Launch a Cosmetology and Barber School in Burnaby Today
This page helps aspiring entrepreneurs start a cosmetology and barber school in Burnaby, BC. It offers a practical, six‑step overview of what you must know to launch a program under NAICS code 611511—from business setup to first classes. You’ll get clarity on permits, licenses, and the core steps to open a compliant, career-focused beauty school in Burnaby.
You’ll learn the six key requirements you must meet, the permits to apply for, and how to budget for facilities, equipment, insurance, and staff. We outline a realistic timeline—from planning and approvals to training delivery—and share typical startup costs so you can plan confidently. This page also highlights regulatory considerations like PTIB approval and basic health and safety standards to keep you on track.
Burnaby offers a growing demand for licensed cosmetology and barber programs, affordable spaces, and easy access to Vancouver’s market. It’s a friendly environment for private beauty schools looking to train the next generation of stylists and barbers right in your community.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a cosmetology and barber schools in Burnaby is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation you must meet before you can hire staff or run classes. It means following minimum wage rules, standard hours, overtime, vacation pay, leaves, and providing accurate pay statements and posted information. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, back pay, or other penalties, so this is non-negotiable and must be addressed before opening your doors.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, and permits. In addition to wage rules, you need to create a safe and compliant learning and work environment. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage to provide workers’ compensation for employees (and applicable coverage for student workers or interns), along with clear safety policies, proper training, and incident reporting practices. Keeping safety records and posting the required notices are essential parts of day-to-day operations and are non-optional.
Business Registration & Tax: set up your legal and financial foundations. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, and register your BC business name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Plan for GST/HST registration if your revenue reaches the threshold or if you expect to collect GST/HST from clients. If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to remit withholdings to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Encouragement: next steps and momentum. Start by clarifying your business structure, then complete the name and BN registrations, check GST/HST thresholds, and set up payroll and WorkSafeBC coverage. Build a simple compliance calendar to track requirements and renewals, and don’t hesitate to connect with local BC business resources or a regulatory advisor to tailor the plan to Burnaby and your school programs. You’ve got a clear path—take the first step and keep momentum.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cosmetology and barber schools in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your cosmetology and barber schools:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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