Three blocks, in order
The first block concerns the person: licence documentation, or the arrangement with whoever will hold the establishment licence. It comes first because it's the only one that can make opening impossible regardless of everything else.
The second concerns the space: lease or title, zoning confirmation, building permits, contractor certifications, certificate of occupancy. It depends largely on third parties — landlord, architect, contractors, inspectors — and it's what determines the real timeline.
The third concerns the business: entity formation, state registration, EIN, sales tax account, insurance and any employment filings. It's the most predictable part, handled by an accountant on a known schedule.
What determines the real timeline
The chart is qualitative and shows how much each block depends on outside parties and is therefore hard to compress.
Order and dependencies
The table shows who produces each block and what stalls if it's missing.
| Block | Who produces it | If it's missing |
|---|---|---|
| Licence or named licensee | State board, school, professional | The business can't trade |
| Title and permitted use | Landlord, city, architect | The space can't be used |
| Contractor certifications | Contractors | The file stays stalled |
| Business filings | Accountant, state, IRS | You can't invoice |
How to organise the collection
Personal block
Licence or arrangement with the named licensee.
Space block
Title, permitted use, permits, certifications.
Business block
Entity, registrations, EIN, insurance.
Organised archive
Digital, by block: inspections come later.
How to proceed
- Resolve the personal block before committing to a space.
- Request contractor certifications as the work happens.
- Keep an organised digital folder: you'll need it at inspection.
Keeping everything in a digital folder organised by block looks like housekeeping and matters a great deal in the following months: inspections happen after opening, when the paperwork is scattered between your accountant, the city and your contractors.
The order of the blocks is what protects the investment. Committing to a space before resolving the licensing question exposes you to rent running on a business that can't open.
The service to include in the new salon
Saloria enters the opening project as a consultation tool, not management software. The new salon can use it to guide the first visit, analyze the face, build the look plan and generate a protocol useful to the team. This way technology isn't an accessory: it becomes part of positioning and professional selling.
To consult before deciding
These sources are reliable starting points to verify requirements, procedures and tools. For operational decisions, always run checks with state board, local municipality, accountant and technical advisors.
- SBA: 10 steps to start your business
- IRS: Small businesses and self-employed
- OSHA: Hair salons safety guidelines
- Department of Labor: State labor offices contacts
- USA.gov: State business licenses and permits
- State Cosmetology Boards directory
- FTC: Privacy and security guidance for businesses
- Google: Guidelines for local businesses on Business Profile
- LoopNet: Commercial real estate for lease and sale
- Crexi: Commercial real estate marketplace
Frequently asked questions
Where do you start?
From your personal position: licence or an arrangement with a named licensee. It's the only block that can make opening impossible.
Which part determines the timeline?
The space and the construction work, because it depends on landlord, architect, contractors and inspectors.
Is the list the same everywhere?
No, it varies by state, county and city, and by legal structure: confirm it with your local authority and your advisers.