You can find information from the City about:  

• How to start a new business
• Tips for opening your business 

Connect with a small business consultant

Building a relationship with a small business consultant can be a crucial step in your journey as an entrepreneur. The Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP) is able to connect you to business training, support and advice for opening your business. 

Get small business technical assistance

Understand the requirements

Barbershops, hair and nail salons are licensed by the State of Minnesota.

License for barbers, barbershops and barber schools

See barber-related licensing requirements

Cosmetology salon license

• You must have a cosmetologist salon license to offer hair services.
• If your business offers skin services or nail services but does not offer hair services, you must apply for one or both of these:
  • Esthetician salon license
  • Nail technician salon license

See cosmetology and nail salon licensing requirements

See license lookup and renewal and continuing education requirements

The state requires a salon to have a Designated Licensed Salon Manager (DLSM) on site.

See State of Minnesota information for salon managers

Tasks to do before submitting your license application

You will need to gather many items before you are ready to complete your application with the state.

This includes:

• Current professional liability insurance
• Worker’s compensation insurance
• Diagram of barbershop or salon floor plan
• Certificate of Occupancy from the City

See how to schedule a Certificate of Occupancy inspection

Request Sewer Availability Charge (SAC)

You may have to pay a fee for the waste water from your business.

• Apply for your SAC fee early. This fee can be expensive.
• After you apply, the Met Council will send you a SAC determination letter in 10 to 15 days. This letter will tell you your SAC fee.
• Apply online for your SAC fee

Find out if you qualify for the City's SAC deferral program for small businesses.  

Read about SAC basics

See information about your operating your business

Tell your new neighbors about your business

Contact your council member, neighborhood organization and business association for your business location to:

• Promote and create interest in your business
• Network with local residents and leaders
• Learn about resources they may offer small businesses

Send an email to your:

• City Council member
• Neighborhood organization
• Business association

See a sample letter

Expand your business

The City offers financing to help you cover costs of expansion, such as equipment.

• Contact the Small Business Team
• See City business programs