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How to Open a Medical Spa in Ontario

Jan 18 2022

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Author: Patricia Pezzano

The medical spa industry earns billions of dollars each year. It’s becoming so popular that industry experts predict the North American med-spa market will increase by almost 12% in the next three years.

No wonder there are many healthcare practitioners who want to get into this business – particularly those who have been frontline workers throughout the height of the pandemic. However, keep in mind that there are certain qualifications necessary to open a medical spa.

If you’re qualified and are wondering how to open a medical spa in Ontario, take a look at these nine easy steps we’ve outlined for you below.

How to Open a Medical Spa in Ontario in 9 Easy Steps

There are several things you need to look into if you want to open your own medical spa. These nine steps will cover areas that will help you start your business without a hitch:

1. Create a Sound Business Plan

To achieve success, research and planning are crucial. Your business plan is much like a map that will help you navigate through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Here are the elements you’ll want to look into as you lay the groundwork:

• Your business goals and objectives 
• Initial costs
• Expected revenues
• Marketing strategies
• Business structure
• Contingency plan

2. Determine Your Business Structure

Do you want to solely own the business, get a partner, or build a corporation? Take note that each of these structures has its own set of permit requirements.

3. Choose a Name

Have you thought of a name for your business? As a huge part of your brand identity and an advertising tool it’s important to choose one wisely. 

Try to come up with a name that’s unique, easy to remember, and quickly helps people understand what your business is about. Once you’ve picked a name, you can perform a name search to check if it’s available. Then, register your business name in person at a ServiceOntario centre or by mailing in an application.

The registration fee can be anywhere from $60 to $80. Once registered, your business name is valid for five years and will have to be renewed after that.

4. Choose a Location

Where on the map will you establish your med spa? The location you choose will also be the address indicated on licenses, registrations, and permits. When scouting for a location, consider the following:

• A place with ample parking
• Appropriate business environment
• Infrastructure
• Local taxes

If you’re planning to set up your business at home, take note of regulations and restrictions that apply to home-based businesses before starting.

5. Choose the Treatments You Want to Offer

You can offer treatments you are trained in or hire other professionals who are specialized in their field.

Don’t forget to check the services your competitors are offering. Note the price of each service or treatment. You can use it to gauge how you’re going to put a price on your own services. But don’t rely entirely on their prices. When building a price list, it’s vital to evaluate your capital expenses as well to make sure you don’t lose money or undersell your services.

6. Licenses and Permits You Will Need

As long as you have the necessary certifications and permits, you could offer procedures and treatments that involve injections, lasers, and other technologies that enhance a person’s appearance or health. Check out what each of these procedures entails:

Laser Technology:

If you want to offer services that use laser technology keep these basic protocols in mind:  

• Your devices must be approved by Health Canada 
• Always assess a client’s skin type prior to performing treatment 
• Keep patient and equipment records on file

Also, remember to follow safety guidelines when using such devices. Depending on the class of the laser device, you may need to:

• Institute a laser safety program
• Designate qualified employees to operate laser equipment
• Assign a qualified Laser Safety Officer
• Schedule regular safety inspections
• Install the proper ventilation systems
• Post warning signs and labels
• Provide protective gear

You can visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development for additional information on safety standards for lasers in the workplace.

Selling Cosmetic Products:

Planning to distribute, manufacture, or sell cosmetics and personal care products? If you are, you must:

• Ensure that your products are registered with Health Canada to ensure the safety of the ingredients of your products
• Label the products according to Health Canada regulations

Infection Control and Prevention:

If you want to offer hairstyling, body piercing, barbering, and other aesthetic services in your med spa, you must get in touch with Public Health Ontario for more information on how to prevent and control infection. 

In Ontario, these treatments must only be performed by someone with a certification or license from a regulating body. To know more about the regulations and requirements that apply to med spa procedures, devices, and products you want to offer, contact Health Canada.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

All businesses are required to have a bank account. When choosing a bank, it’s best to pick one near your business location.

It’s also worth getting a good accountant who can set up a cash book for you, work on your ledger, and manage your cash flow. 

8. Get Insurance

Getting insurance allows you to protect your assets. It will help cover property damage costs and liability claims. Discuss your business needs with a qualified insurance broker. 

9. Market Your Services

Think of ideas on how you can get your business off the ground. How can you effectively reach your audience? Here are some tips:

• Identify who your market is and where they are located
• Build a call and mail list
• Harness the power of social media marketing
• Build a website to sell your services

Get Certified at APT Injection Training

We hope the steps above gave you a closer look at how to open a medical spa in Ontario. 

If you’re looking to offer more services at your medical spa, it’s best to upskill in additional training courses such as:

• International Certificate in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies;
• Botox Training; and
• Lower Face Cannula Training.

These are highly in-demand services that will surely help your business grow. To find out more about the courses we offer at our reputable training centre, visit our website or get in touch with us.