Starting a Cleaning Business in Virginia in 7 Steps

The success of any business depends on a combination of factors—some of which are out of your hands. But one thing you can control is where you open your business.

Virginia has many advantages for entrepreneurs. The state has maintained a 6.5% corporate income tax rate for more than fifty years. And, in 2023, CNBC named Virginia as the number two top state for business.

One industry that's doing particularly well right now is the cleaning industry. According to market research from IBISWorld, the residential cleaning market is predicted to earn $18.8 billion in revenue this year, an increase of 3.2% in the last five years.

Given these figures, starting a cleaning business in Virginia might be a profitable idea. Here are seven steps to follow:

1. Register your business entity in Virginia: Once you have a name and know what kind of business you’re forming, be it a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation, or a limited partnership, you'll need to register with the State Corporation Commission.
2. Determine the necessary cleaning business license: Virginia doesn't mandate a statewide license for cleaning services, but the city or county where you plan to operate may require one.
3. Determine the type of insurance needed: Check with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance to get clarity.
4. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN): You’ll get this from the IRS. Use this number, instead of your Social Security number, when you file your business taxes.
5. Determine how many people you plan to hire: You’ll need to register your staff with the Virginia Employment Commission. If you plan to have more than two employees, you'll also need to register with the Virginia Worker's Compensation Commission.
6. Be aware of health and safety regulations: If you plan on branching out from residential cleaning and may move into cleaning medical facilities, or other locations where biohazard materials are present, contact the local health department to learn the safety guidelines you'll need to follow. If your cleaning business will use chemicals or processes that could impact the environment, you'll need to contact the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to learn about any special environmental regulations.
7. Join local or state professional organizations: These can include the Virginia Chamber of Commerce or industry-specific groups like the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI). These organizations can provide resources, networking opportunities, and industry-specific compliance advice.

You may want to consider hiring an attorney who is familiar with Virginia law as well as the rules and regulations of the county and/or city where you plan to operate.

Why Franchising is Better than Starting Your Own Business

Starting a business can be overwhelming when you’re trying to navigate state and local regulations, especially if you’re new to the area. That’s why instead of starting a cleaning business in Virginia on your own, you should invest in a low cost mobile franchise like Two Maids.

Operating under Two Maids – a familiar and trusted brand – gives you the name recognition you need to stand out in the residential cleaning market. We have eight franchises up in running throughout Virginia, so we can show you what you need to do to make sure you have all the proper permits and licenses in place before you open your doors. Plus, for as long as you own your Two Maids franchise, we’ll be there to support you whenever questions arise.

Begin the Process of Owning a Two Maids Franchise Today

If you’re interested in starting a cleaning business in Virginia but overwhelmed by the thought of navigating the state and local government regulations, Two Maids can help. Contact us today to learn the benefits of owning one of our franchises and see how we can help you get started in Virginia, or in one of the many other states where we have territories available.