How to Start a Cleaning Business in BC
Dreaming of being your own boss? Starting a business in BC can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. A cleaning business is among the most affordable and accessible business ideas to start with minimal investment. With some planning and dedication, you can get new cleaning customers and turn your passion for cleaning into a profitable venture.
Whether starting small or having growth plans, the cleaning industry has much to offer. This guide will explore the essential steps to starting a cleaning business in BC, from identifying startup costs to expanding your services and scaling your own cleaning business checklist beyond. When you are ready to start your business, our business lawyers will be here to support you at every step of the way!
So, let’s get started!
1. Researching and Planning
Before starting a cleaning business in BC, it is crucial to analyze the industry. Understanding market trends and demand, identifying competition, and differentiation strategies are essential components of this analysis.
Researching the cleaning service industry’s current trends and demand is crucial in determining the potential profitability of the commercial cleaning business. For example, commercial cleaning services have seen an increase in demand since the COVID-19 pandemic. A thorough market analysis can also help identify the types of house cleaning services that are in high demand.
Identifying competitors’ strengths and weaknesses is essential to determine what separates your cleaning business. Differentiation strategies could include offering specialized services, using eco-friendly cleaning products, or providing exceptional customer service.
2. Identify Your Target Market
Determining your target market is crucial to tailor your cleaning services to meet their specific needs and expectations.
a). Identifying Ideal Clients
Knowing your ideal clients is essential to market your services effectively. For instance, commercial cleaning services may target businesses in specific industries, like healthcare or hospitality. Residential cleaning services may target homeowners or renters.
b). Understanding Their Needs and Expectations
Understanding the expectations of your target market is crucial to provide services that meet or exceed them. Conducting surveys or focus groups can help determine their cleaning preferences and pain points.
c). Develop a Business Plan
Creating a detailed business plan is crucial in starting any new business. A well-crafted business plan should include the following:
- Executive Summary- This section shows an overview of the business, including the mission statement, goals, and objectives.
- Company Description- This section should include a detailed business description, including its history, structure, and ownership.
- Services Offered- This section should detail the cleaning services the business will provide, including the types of services, frequency, and pricing.
- Market Analysis- This section should provide a detailed market analysis, including industry trends, competition, and target market.
- Marketing and Sales Strategies- This section should detail the marketing and sales strategies the business will use to attract and retain customers.
- Financial Projections- This section should include a detailed business financial analysis, including startup costs, revenue projections, and cash flow analysis.
- Operational Plan- This section should detail the business’s day-to-day operations, including staffing, scheduling, and equipment.
- Developing a COVID-19 safety plan- This section should detail the safety measures the business will implement to protect clients and employees from the COVID-19 virus.
3. Legal Requirements
a) Business Structure and Registration
When starting a cleaning business in BC, it is essential to determine the most appropriate business structure to register under. Canada’s four common types of business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and cooperative. Each structure has different legal and tax implications, so you should check with a lawyer or accountant to choose the most suitable option.
After selecting the business structure, the next step is registering the business with the government. In BC, businesses are required to register with the federal government and the provincial government where the business operates. The business registration process involves obtaining a business number, registering for GST/HST, and registering for payroll deductions if hiring employees.
b) Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Permits
In addition to registering the business, cleaning businesses in BC may require certain business licenses and permits to operate legally. These may include a business license, trade certifications, and insurance requirements.
A business permit is a license issued by the municipality that allows the business to operate legally. Some municipalities also require a separate permit for home-based businesses. Trade certifications are required for certain specialized cleaning services, such as residential cleaning business, carpet cleaning, or mould remediation.
Cleaning businesses must also carry liability insurance to protect against damage or injury claims. Worker’s compensation insurance may also be required if hiring employees.
c) Registering for Taxes
All businesses in BC must register for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) and collect taxes on behalf of the government. This value-added tax applies to most goods and services in Canada. The current GST rate in British Columbia is 5%.
Businesses must also file tax returns and remit taxes collected to the government. Failure to register for taxes or collect business taxes can result in penalties and legal consequences.
d) Obtaining Insurance
Liability insurance is crucial for cleaning businesses in BC to protect against potential damage or injury claims. Liability insurance covers legal fees and damages if a customer sues the business for any damage or injuries caused by the cleaning business owners’ services. Worker’s compensation insurance may also be required if hiring employees to cover work-related injuries or illnesses.
4. Financing and Funding
Starting a cleaning business in BC requires some initial investment, and it’s essential to understand the costs involved clearly. Here is a detailed overview of financing and funding for startups in BC:
a) Identifying Startup Costs
i. Equipment and Supplies
Cleaning equipment and supplies are essential for starting a cleaning business, and their cost can vary depending on the types and quality of products you choose. Some of the essential equipment and cleaning supplies you will need include:
- Vacuum cleaners
- Mops and brooms
- Cleaning chemicals
- Microfiber cloths
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles, masks)
Identifying the exact equipment and supplies you will need to get started and researching the prices is essential. You can then create a budget for purchasing the necessary items.
ii. Marketing and Advertising
This is a paramount factor for the success of any small business owner, including a cleaning business. Some of the various marketing materials and advertising costs you may incur include:
- Creating a website and social media accounts
- Printing business cards, brochures, and flyers
- Online advertising
- Attending industry events and trade shows
- Direct mail campaigns
You ought to create a marketing and advertising plan that identifies the strategies that will be most effective for your cleaning business. This can help you allocate your marketing and advertising budget effectively.
iii). Insurance and Legal Fees
Insurance and legal fees are essential when starting a new cleaning company or business. These costs may include:
- Liability insurance to shield your business against claims and lawsuits
- Worker’s compensation insurance if you plan to hire employees
- Legal fees for registering your business, creating contracts, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits
It’s essential to research the costs of obtaining insurance and legal services and budget for them accordingly.
b) Creating a Budget
Once you have identified the startup costs, the next step is to create a budget. A budget is a financial plan that assists you in allotting your resources effectively and ensures you have adequate funds to sort your expenses.
To create a budget, you must identify all the costs of starting and running your cleaning business, including fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs, such as rent, insurance, and loan payments, remain the same monthly. Variable expenses, such as supplies, utilities, and marketing expenses, vary from month to month.
By creating a budget for your house cleaning business, you can identify the money you need to start your cleaning business and ensure you have adequate funds to cover your expenses until your business becomes profitable.
c) Sources of Funding
i. Personal Savings
Many entrepreneurs in British Columbia choose to use personal savings to fund their businesses. While this may limit the available funding, it also allows the business owner to retain full control.
ii. Loans
Business loans can be acquired from banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Canada also has several government-funded loan programs offering small businesses low-interest loans.
iii. Grants
Various government grants and funding programs are available for startups in BC, such as the Canada Small Business Financing Program, Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), and the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).
iv. Investors
Investors are individuals or organizations who fund startups and get ownership or equity in the business. In BC, there are various angel investor networks, venture capital firms, and crowdfunding platforms that startups can explore. It’s important to note that seeking out investors often requires giving up some business control.
Keeping Canadian laws and regulations in mind while exploring different funding sources is essential. Startups must comply with federal and provincial regulations regarding securities laws, taxes, and intellectual property rights. Seeking professional advice from lawyers and accountants is highly recommended.
5. Marketing and Sales
a) Branding and Creating a Unique Identity
i. Developing a Business Name and Logo
Guaranteeing your business name is unique and not already used in BC is important. You can search for existing business names using the NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) system, which the federal government administers.
Similarly, you can conduct a trademark search through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) to ensure that your proposed business name and logo do not infringe on any existing trademarks.
ii. Creating a Website and Social Media Accounts
Bearing an online presence is crucial in today’s digital age. In BC, you must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) when collecting and using personal information for online marketing. You should also ensure that your website, social media platforms, and accounts comply with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) regulating commercial electronic messages.
b) Networking with Potential Clients
i. Attending Industry Events and Trade Shows
Networking at industry events and trade shows can aid you in connecting with potential clients and partners. Canada has several industry associations and organizations that host events and conferences throughout the year, such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
ii. Joining Local Business Associations
Joining local business associations can also help you build connections with local businesses and find potential clients. Several regional and national business associations in Canada offer networking opportunities, such as the Canadian Association of Business Incubation and the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
c) Developing a Pricing Strategy
i. Understanding Industry Pricing Standards
It’s important to research industry and competitor pricing standards when developing your pricing strategy. In BC, the Competition Bureau is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, which prohibits false or misleading advertising and pricing practices that harm competition.
ii) Determining Profit Margins
When determining your profit margins, it’s essential to factor in all costs associated with your business, including labour, materials, and overhead. You should also consider taxes, such as the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) and provincial sales taxes.
6. Hiring Employees
a) Determining Staffing Needs
i. Understanding Workload and Client Demand
As a Canadian business owner, it is important to understand your industry’s seasonal ebbs and flows and identify the busy and slow times of the year. You can also use market research to confine the demands of your target audience and adjust your staffing accordingly.
ii. Identifying Job Roles and Responsibilities
Before hiring employees, it’s important to determine the precise roles and responsibilities that need to be filled. This will help you create effective job descriptions and ensure your new hires understand their duties and responsibilities.
b) Hiring and Training Employees
i. Creating Job Postings
When creating job postings, it’s important to include details such as required qualifications, job responsibilities, and expected salary range. In BC, you must ensure that your job postings comply with employment laws, including the requirement to use inclusive language and avoid discrimination.
ii. Conducting Interviews and Background Checks
When interviewing potential hires, it is essential to ask relevant questions that assess their qualifications, experience, and fit for the job. In BC, background checks are subject to privacy laws, so obtaining written consent and ensuring that the check is relevant to the job being offered is important.
iii. Providing on-the-Job Training
Once you’ve hired new employees, providing adequate training is important to ensure they can perform their duties safely and effectively. In BC, certain types of training may be required by law, such as WHMIS training for hazardous materials handling.
c) Creating an Employee Manual and Policies
i. Developing Policies and Procedures
An employee manual should outline the cleaning company or maid service’s policies and procedures, including attendance, performance, and conduct expectations. In BC, all maid services and employers must adhere to federal and provincial employment laws related to minimum wage, overtime, and vacation pay.
ii. Establishing Safety Guidelines
In BC, employers are legally obligated to ensure their workplace is safe. This includes creating policies and procedures around workplace safety and providing appropriate training and equipment.
d) Establishing Compensation and Benefits
i. Setting Wages and Salaries
Employers must comply with minimum wage laws in BC. As of September 2021, the general minimum wage in BC is $15.20 per hour. However, there are different minimum wage rates for specific categories of employees, such as liquor servers and farm workers.
It is important to stay updated with the latest minimum wage laws, as they can change over time. In addition, it’s important to ensure that employee salaries are competitive within the industry and reflect the skills and experience of the individual employee.
ii. Offering Benefits and Incentives
Employers may present benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off as part of their compensation package. Employers may also offer incentives such as bonuses, profit-sharing, and stock options in BC. It’s important to ensure that any benefits or incentives offered comply with employment laws and are consistent with industry standards.
7. Operations and Management
a) Managing Daily Operations
i. Scheduling Appointments and Services
As a cleaning business owner, it is important to have a system to schedule appointments and services. This can include an online booking system, phone or email bookings, or a combination.
It is important to ensure that any personal information collected from clients is protected under Canadian privacy laws, like the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
ii. Maintaining Equipment and Supplies
Proper cleaning equipment and supplies maintenance are essential for a cleaning business’s smooth operation. This can include regular cleaning and upkeep of equipment and keeping an inventory of supplies to ensure no shortages.
Suppose your cleaning business involves cleaning jobs with the use of chemicals. In that case, it is important for cleaning companies to follow the guidelines set forth by Health Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) to guarantee that all employees are acquainted with the safe handling, disposal and storage of hazardous materials.
b) Establishing a Workflow
i. Developing a Cleaning Schedule
Developing a cleaning schedule for employees is important to ensure clients receive consistent and quality cleaning service. This may include daily, weekly, and monthly tasks that need to be completed. Ensuring employees are aware of the schedule and trained to execute the tasks properly is important.
ii. Prioritizing Client Needs
In addition to following a cleaning schedule, it is important to prioritize client needs. This can include addressing any special requests or concerns the client’s home may have. Ensuring that both parties document and agree upon any changes to the cleaning schedule or service agreement is vital.
c) Quality Control and Customer Satisfaction
i. Conducting Quality Checks
To ensure quality standards are being met, it is important to conduct regular quality checks on the work performed by employees. This can include spot checks, customer feedback surveys, or formal inspections.
Any issues identified during quality checks should be addressed promptly, and corrective action should be taken.
ii. Addressing Client Feedback and Concerns
If a client raises a concern or issue, it’s important to address it promptly and professionally. This can include conducting an investigation, providing a written response, or offering a refund or discount.
Ensure that any communication with your commercial clients is done per Canadian anti-spam legislation (CASL), which regulates the sending of commercial electronic messages.
d) Record-Keeping and Financial Management
i. Maintaining Accurate Records
Proper record-keeping is essential for the successful operation of a cleaning company or for other small business owners. This can include maintaining client information, employee records, and financial records. Ensure all records are accurate, up-to-date, and stored securely by PIPEDA.
ii. Tracking Expenses and Revenue
Tracking expenses and revenue ensures your cleaning business model is financially sustainable. This includes tracking employee wages, equipment and supply costs, marketing expenses, and client revenue. All financial records should be accurate and compliant with Canadian accounting standards like the Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
8. Scaling and Growth
a). Expanding Services
i. Identifying Additional Services to Offer
As your cleaning business grows, you may consider expanding your services to include additional offerings that complement your existing ones. For most cleaning companies, for example, you could offer carpet cleaning, window cleaning, or specialized cleaning services for offices or restaurants. Researching and understanding the demand for other cleaning services in your area is crucial before expanding your services.
ii. Assessing Demand and Profitability
Before expanding your services, you need to assess their demand and profitability. Conduct market research to identify a need for the new services and if potential customers are willing to pay for them. Ensuring the new services align with your existing services and target market is essential. So consider the costs of implementing new services and ensure the potential profit justifies the investment.
b) Hiring More Employees
i. Understanding Labour Laws and Regulations
As you hire more employees, it is important to understand Canadian labour laws and regulations. This includes minimum wage requirements, employment standards, and regulations around employee benefits. Confirm that you comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
ii. Creating a Hiring and Training Process
A well-defined hiring and training process is important as you scale your business. This includes creating job postings, conducting interviews and background checks, and providing on-the-job training. Consider working with a recruitment agency or HR consultant to help develop your hiring and training processes.
Conclusion on How to Start a Cleaning Business in BC
Starting a cleaning business in BC may seem challenging, but with thorough planning and execution, it can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Following the steps outlined above, including developing a solid business plan, networking with potential clients, and establishing efficient operations and management systems, you can position your cleaning business and yourself for success.
With dedication and effort, you can build a thriving house-cleaning business that meets your client’s needs and provides you with the financial freedom and flexibility you desire. So, why not take the leap and make your dream of owning a successful cleaning business into a reality? The possibilities are endless!
Featured Image by Nino Maghradze on Unsplash