Launch a Cosmetology and Barber School in Regina
This page offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap for starting a cosmetology and barber school in Regina. You’ll find a clear overview of the eight requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, and what it takes to open a compliant, thriving training center in Saskatchewan. We spell out costs, provide a realistic timeline, and outline the path from concept to classroom.
What you’ll learn is a practical checklist covering the eight requirements, including permits (business license, provincial education approval, health and safety, fire code), facility and equipment standards, curriculum and instructor qualifications, student records, and quality assurance. We’ll break down typical startup costs and a realistic timeline for inspections, plus tips to stay on schedule while meeting Saskatchewan rules so you can move confidently toward launch.
Why Regina works: Regina’s growing demand for skilled cosmetology and barber professionals pairs with a supportive regulatory climate, affordable commercial spaces, and a diverse local audience. Opening here lets you train talent for Regina salons and barber shops, build strong community ties, and create a sustainable, rewarding school. The eight requirements are your clear, doable roadmap.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Regina is Business Licence. This licence is issued by the City of Regina and you cannot legally run a cosmetology or barber school without it. It confirms your location and activities are approved, so obtaining the licence is non-negotiable before you open your doors or enroll students.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, permits. In addition to the business licence, you’ll need to plan for how you’ll operate safely and compliantly. If you have employees, you must register with the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) for workplace injury coverage. You’ll also handle payroll deductions for your staff. If you form a partnership, you’ll need Partnership Registration. These steps keep your team protected and ensure you’re meeting basic workplace regulations.
Business Registration & Tax. You’ll want to sort out the formal business registrations and tax numbers early. Register your business name with Saskatchewan’s ISC, set up a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and consider GST/HST Registration if your revenues or services require it. If you choose to operate as a corporation, you’ll complete Saskatchewan Corporation Registration. These registrations ensure your business is recognized properly by the tax system and can handle invoicing and payroll correctly.
Encouragement and next steps. Start by confirming the City of Regina’s licence requirements for your school location, then decide your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation). Register the business name, obtain a BN, and explore GST/HST needs. If you’ll employ people, set up WCB and payroll processes. For support, contact Regina’s business licensing office or a local business advisor to map out a practical, step-by-step plan and avoid common pitfalls. You’ve got this—take it one solid step at a time.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cosmetology and barber schools in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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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.
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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