Launch Your Surrey Cosmetology and Barber Schools Business Today
This page offers a practical map for launching a cosmetology and barber schools business in Surrey (NAICS 611511). It spells out seven essential requirements and walks you through the permits and licenses you’ll need, plus typical startup costs and a realistic timeline to open. Use this guide to turn your plan into a registered, compliant school that attracts students and earns trust from regulators and families alike.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the seven requirements you must meet and how to satisfy them, including provincial licensing and program approvals; facility, zoning, and safety compliance; qualified instructors; curriculum standards and accreditation steps; equipment, supplies, and classroom setup; insurance and ongoing regulatory costs; and a practical startup budget and financing plan. You’ll also get a clear timeline from planning to first cohort, with milestones to keep you on track.
Surrey is a growing, diverse market with strong demand for beauty education and services, plus convenient access to Vancouver’s talent pool and networks. The city’s favorable cost of entry and supportive local resources help you reach students sooner and build a thriving cosmetology and barber schools program. If you’re ready to empower future professionals, Surrey offers a welcoming place to launch and grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a cosmetology and barber school in Surrey is a Business Licence. This is a legal must from the City of Surrey to run any commercial operation in the area. Without a valid business licence, you cannot legally open, offer classes, or hire staff. This is non-negotiable and must be secured before you do anything else.
Beyond the licence, you’ll need to cover mandatory operational rules that keep your business and students safe and compliant. This includes BC Employment Standards Act Compliance, which governs how you pay staff, hours, overtime, and leaves. You’ll also want WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect workers and students in your classrooms and shop areas. If you hire instructors or administrative staff, plan for Payroll Deductions Registration as part of your payroll setup so taxes and withholdings are handled correctly.
On the business and tax side, there are several registrations to secure. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) Registration with the federal government to manage taxes, payroll, and shipments. If you operate under a trade name, you must complete BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). Depending on your revenue, GST/HST Registration may be required for collecting tax on services. Payroll Deductions Registration is also important if you have employees.
Getting these pieces in place is practical and doable with a clear plan. Start with the licence, then tackle the employment, safety, and payroll basics, and finally align your business and tax registrations. If you take it一步 at a time and seek advice from a bookkeeper or CPA, you’ll be well on track to open a compliant, successful school.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cosmetology and barber schools in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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