Flexibility, high demand, and low startup costs are among the standout reasons that Canadian entrepreneurs are drawn to the cleaning industry. With few barriers to entry, this segment of the economy offers multiple streams and strategies for getting a new business off the ground. Choose your own path to success by starting small and building up a roster of loyal residential clients, launch a commercial cleaning business alongside a select team, or build your business under the umbrella of a franchise that offers brand recognition and structural support.
What Is a Cleaning Business?
There are many kinds of cleaning businesses and, as an entrepreneur, you get to decide where and how to carve out your niche. Whether you choose to offer professional cleaning services that cater to individual residential clients, to build a business cleaning corporate spaces, or to specialize in carpet cleaning or window washing, your unique business will have certain elements in common with cleaning businesses across the industry. For example:
- You’ll offer reliable services at a professional, expert level
- Your business will be responsible for maintaining a consistent level of cleanliness and hygiene according to an agreed upon schedule
- Your regular tasks will likely include tidying and organization, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, wiping down surfaces, sanitizing, and removing trash
There’s more to a cleaning business, however, than simply cleaning. You’ll also need to be prepared to invest time and effort into scheduling, stocking and replenishing supplies, billing and accounting, marketing, and making sure that you (and your staff) adhere to provincial or federal health and safety rules and regulations.
Steps to Launch a Cleaning Business in Canada
If you’re just getting started with your first cleaning business, the following steps can help guide you in the direction of a successful launch:
Identify your target client
Are your customers homeowners? Small businesses? Corporate offices? Perhaps you want to specialize in cleaning dental offices or daycares or cleaning for clients who want eco-friendly products and services.
Do your market research
Find out what other cleaning businesses are operating in the same arena you’ve decided to enter and compare the prices and services you’ve set with theirs – take note of any gaps you might see in terms of the services offered in your area.
Build your business plan
Creating a business plan is an essential part of starting your cleaning business. Your plan should include the list of services you plan to offer and their corresponding prices. It should also feature a budget that accounts for your startup costs (think: supplies, transportation, marketing). If you’re going to apply for financing, your plan should also include a market analysis, information about your business partners, and your plan for growth.
Research legal and regulatory requirements
Register your business, obtain the necessary permits, and apply for the right liability insurance coverage.
Invest in quality equipment and supplies
A high quality vacuum or steamer or mop may appear to cost more but their lifespan is often much longer than cheaper alternatives. Do your research, read reviews, and buy the best equipment and supplies your budget allows.
Get online
Build an online presence for yourself that includes a website where clients can find and contact you and social media profiles where you can market your services.
Requirements to start a cleaning business
The rules and regulations for cleaning businesses in Canada vary by province. The process of registering a business in Ontario, for example, can differ from the registration process in British Columbia. There are also different requirements for Workers’ Compensation – coverage in Alberta is mandatory for both full and part-time workers but the province offers a 15 day grace period while other provinces insist on WCB/WSIB coverage immediately when employees are hired. Be sure to look into the specific licensing, insurance, registration and tax requirements in the province where you operate.
How Much Does it Cost to Launch a Cleaning Business in Canada?
The relatively low startup cost of launching a cleaning business in Canada is a compelling incentive for aspiring entrepreneurs. A startup budget should include the cost of equipment and supplies, registration and regulatory fees, and the cost of marketing and advertising materials. Start small and you can launch a home cleaning business for as little as $2,000. If you have some capital to invest, you might instead opt to start a commercial cleaning business for $25,000 or invest in a franchise for between $20,000 and $150,000.
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Types of Cleaning Businesses You Can Start
Deciding which type of cleaning business you want to start should be part of your business plan and based on your market research, entrepreneurial goals, and skills.
Residential Cleaning
One of the most accessible paths to starting a cleaning business is to dedicate your services to residential clients by cleaning homes. Home cleaning businesses offer routine maintenance cleaning, seasonal deep cleaning, or cleaning before and after clients move house.
Commercial cleaning
Commercial cleaning businesses tackle offices and retail spaces and may cater their services to cleaning specific types of businesses like doctors’ offices or restaurants.
Industrial cleaning
Industrial cleaning requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment while demanding additional regulatory compliance.
Specialized cleaning
Specialized cleaning businesses tackle jobs that are beyond the scope of typical cleaning businesses and may require specific skills, equipment, and supplies such as power washers or steam cleaners. This type of cleaning business offers entrepreneurs the ability to stand out by showcasing services their competitors don’t provide.
Cleaning Business Franchises: a Structured Alternative
Franchising offers a way to enter the market equipped with operational, marketing, and growth support as well as the added bonus of brand recognition. A franchise is a proven concept, ready to launch right out of the box. Business owners who choose this route receive assistance with training, advertising, and client acquisition and retention. Cleaning business franchises are especially popular in the residential cleaning sector and give entrepreneurs a head start in launching their own company.
Is Starting a Cleaning Business the Right Move for You?
If you’re considering starting a cleaning company, begin by carefully considering each element that goes into running this kind of business – yes, there’s the demanding physical work of cleaning but there’s also regular tasks like bookkeeping, marketing, restocking supplies, scheduling, and acquiring and managing a client base.
A profitable cleaning business requires entrepreneurs to lean into dependability, diligence, and attention to detail. This is an industry that offers consistent demand, meaning that there are major opportunities for success for those willing to take advantage of the low barriers to entry and commit to building a reputation for providing high quality, reliable services.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Franchise laws in Canada are governed at the provincial level and vary by jurisdiction. Readers should consult qualified legal and financial advisors familiar with the applicable provincial franchise legislation before making any franchise-related decisions.
