How to Start a Barber School
There is always a demand for quality barber services. As long as there is a demand for barbers, there is also a demand for barber schools. If you have a passion for working with hair, you may consider starting a barber school. With proper planning and much effort, you can be successful.
- Contact the Board of Cosmetology in your state for information on licensing requirements. Obtain the proper business permits to start and operate a barber school in your state.
- Create a detailed business plan for your barber school. Include your mission statement, information on your school's insurance coverage and results of research you conducted on other barber schools in your area. Indicate how much capital will be needed to start the school and how you plan to raise the capital. Contact your local Small Business Administration's office or visit their website to learn how to write an effective business plan.
- Raise capital to start your barber school. Visit your bank to apply for a loan. You can also look for investors who will be interested in providing financing for your proposed barber school. Contact the Department of Education to see if you can get government loans and grants.
- Purchase insurance coverage. Contact insurance companies to purchase insurance for property damages such as flood, theft or fire. Make sure that you buy adequate liability insurance. Inquire about unemployment, disability and compensation to be sure you have sufficient insurance for your barber school's instructors.
- Find a suitable location. Check the zoning laws in your area to be sure your chosen location is well-suited for a barber school. In many states, barber schools are required to meet the same sanitation and building standards as regular barber shops. Contact the health department in your area to schedule an inspection.
- Purchase the required equipment. Buy the necessary equipment to run your barber school. These include such equipment as clippers, scissors, mirrors, shampoo systems, shears and barber chairs. Also, provide resources such as DVD systems, textbooks and dry erase boards.
- Advertise your barber school. Set up a website to promote your barber school. Advertise in newspapers, on the radio and TV stations. Distribute fliers throughout your community and neighboring towns and cities. Post your advertising materials on bulletin boards and wherever advertising is allowed.