How to Start a Cleaning Business in Michigan | The Ultimate Guide

Are you considering starting a cleaning business in Michigan? If so, you’re not alone. According to Market Research Future, the cleaning industry is growing, with an expected annual growth rate of 7% between 2021 and 2026. With the increasing demand for cleaning services, now is the perfect time to launch your Michigan LLC in the cleaning business.

In this comprehensive guide, Webinarcare Editorial Team will walk you through the process of starting a cleaning business, including the necessary steps, legal requirements, and best practices to follow. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand How to Start a Cleaning Business in Michigan.

What is a Cleaning Business?

A cleaning business in Michigan is a professional service provider that offers various cleaning solutions to clients within the state. Depending on the business’s niche, these services can include residential, commercial, and specialty cleaning. Residential cleaning involves cleaning homes, apartments, and condos, while commercial cleaning caters to offices, retail spaces, and other business establishments. Specialty cleaning services can include carpet, window, and post-construction cleaning.

Cleaning businesses in Michigan must follow the state’s legal requirements if you will form an LLC, such as registering the business with Michigan’s Secretary of State, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and adhering to tax regulations. Furthermore, these businesses must develop a solid business plan, invest in high-quality equipment and supplies, employ and train staff, and create effective marketing strategies to grow and succeed in the local market.

We reviewed some of the Best LLC Services in Michigan if you plan to start an LLC for your cleaning business. This includes the top features and prices for you to check out.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in Michigan

To start a cleaning business in Michigan, you must follow the guidelines that include identifying your niche, developing a business plan, registering your business with the Michigan Secretary of State, obtaining the necessary license and permit, purchasing equipment and supplies, setting your prices, develop a marketing strategy, and hiring and training staff. 

Step 1: Identify Your Niche

The first step to starting a cleaning business in Michigan is identifying your niche. Various cleaning services include residential, commercial, and specialty cleaning. Residential cleaning involves cleaning homes, apartments, and condos, while commercial cleaning involves cleaning offices, retail spaces, and other business establishments. Specialty cleaning services include carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and post-construction cleaning.

Residential Cleaning	Commercial Cleaning	Specialty Cleaning Services
Houses	Offices	Carpet Cleaning
Apartments	Retail Spaces	Window Cleaning
Condominiums		Post-Construction Cleaning

Choosing a niche that aligns with your skills, interests, and the demand in your local market is essential. Research your competition and determine the type of underserved cleaning services in your area. Focusing on a niche will help you attract your target customers and set your business apart. If you will create a rental property LLC in Michigan, it is better to know about starting Michigan cleaning business as well.

Step 2: Develop a Business Plan

A solid business plan is crucial for the success of your Michigan cleaning business. A business plan will help you outline your business goals, identify your target market, and develop a marketing strategy. It will also help you estimate your startup costs and plan your finances. Here are the key components of a cleaning business plan:

• Executive Summary: Provide an overview of your cleaning business, including your mission statement, goals, and objectives.
• Company Description: Outline the structure of your business, the services you will offer, and your target market.
• Market Analysis: Research your local market and competition, and explain how your cleaning business will stand out.
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: Describe how you will attract new clients and retain existing ones, including your pricing and promotional strategies.
• Operations Plan: Explain how your cleaning business will operate, including your staffing requirements, equipment, and supplies.
• Financial Projections: Estimate your startup costs, projected revenue, and expenses for the first few years of your business.

Step 3: Register Your Cleaning Business

Before starting your cleaning business in Michigan, you must register your business with the Michigan Secretary of State. Here are the necessary steps to register your cleaning business:

Choose a Cleaning Business Name

Selecting a name for your Michigan cleaning business is essential to forming. There is a complete guide on Michigan Business Name Search for you to have a proper Michigan cleaning business name. 

In Michigan, if you do not wish to file your cleaning business right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your cleaning business name for 6 months. You must file a name reservation application with the Michigan Secretary of State to keep the name. 

You can check the availability of your desired business name by searching the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs‘s website.

Hire a Resident Agent

A Resident Agent is a person or entity responsible for receiving legal documents and official notices for your Michigan cleaning business. In Michigan, your Resident Agent must:

• Be a resident of Michigan or a business entity authorized to do business there.
• Have a physical address in Michigan (P.O. boxes are not acceptable)

Choosing a reliable and responsible Resident Agent is essential, as failure to receive and respond to legal documents can seriously affect your business. 

You can serve as your Resident Agent or appoint a friend or family member or hire the Best Michigan Resident Agent Services.

Recommended: Professional services will ensure your business gets legal notices and critical mail. With LegalZoom’s Registered Agent Services, they offer peace of mind and expert support for businesses, ensuring compliance and seamless communication with state authorities. That’s why we recommend using –

LegalZoom – $249/year

File For Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation

If you form an LLC for your cleaning business, you must file the Michigan Articles of Organization, which costs $50. However, if you form Michigan Corporation for your cleaning business, you must file the Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation filing fee costs $60 for filing online, in person, and by mail. It is crucial to provide accurate and complete information on this document, as errors or omissions may result in delays or rejection of your filing.

• Online Filing: Get the online form from Secretary of State, fill it up, and submit. Don’t refresh the page during the process. It will erase everything.  
• Offline filing: Send the form by mail to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909. Drop it off in person at 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI

Recommended: Filing the Articles of Organization and the Articles of Incorporation is easy and hassle-free if you hire a professional service. We recommend using –

LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fee)

Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is a document that contains all of your company’s organizational details. It is optional to draft an operating agreement in most states. Yet, having one as an internal document is strongly advised. Creating the Michigan Operating Agreement includes information like-

• About Business
• Members and management
• Capital contribution
• Profit Distribution
• Change of membership
• Dissolution

Recommended: Creating an Operating Agreement is like having a personal legal guide at hand; it’s efficient, thorough, and ensures the smooth and compliant operation of your business. With LegalZoom’s operating agreement, it will protect your rights as an owner, keeping misunderstandings at bay and your business on the path to success. That’s why we recommend using –

LegalZoom – Starts at $99

Obtain an EIN 

Register your business with the Michigan Secretary of State and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Before that, you must obtain an Employer identification number (EIN) in Michigan to open a business bank account or hire an employee for your Michigan cleaning business. 

The application of an EIN in Michigan can be through the following:

• Apply Online- The online EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN.
• Apply by Fax- Taxpayers can fax the completed Form SS-4 application to the appropriate fax number), after ensuring that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information.
• Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is four weeks.
• Apply by Telephone-International Applicants – International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.

Recommended: Professional services have the EIN included in their LLC formation package. We recommend using –

LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fee for LLC formation)

Register for State and Local Taxes

Depending on your business structure and location, you may need to register for state and local taxes, such as sales and income taxes.

Michigan Sales Tax

Michigan sales tax is a government-imposed tax on the sale of goods and services. It is generally added to the price of a product or service at the point of sale and paid by the consumer. The tax is collected by the retailer or service provider, who then remits the collected tax amount to the relevant government authority. In Michigan, the sales tax rate is 6.00%. 

Michigan State Income Tax

State income tax in Michigan is calculated based on a progressive tax rate, which means that individuals with higher incomes pay a higher tax rate. The tax rates in Michigan vary depending on income levels, with the highest rate imposed on those with the highest incomes. The revenue generated from state income tax funds various public services and programs in Michigan.

Step 4: Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Permits

In addition to registering your cleaning business in Michigan, you must obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Some of the common licenses and permits required for cleaning businesses include the following:

• Michigan Sales Tax Permit: If you sell products, such as cleaning supplies, you may need Michigan Sales Tax Permit from the Michigan Department of Treasury.
• Occupational License: Michigan requires an occupational license specific to the cleaning industry. 
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you plan to hire employees, you must obtain workers’ compensation insurance to comply with Michigan law. As well as the EIN.
• Business License: Your local city or county government requires a business license in Michigan. The business license fee in Michigan ranges from $50 – $300.

Step 5: Purchase Equipment and Supplies

You must purchase the necessary equipment and supplies to start your cleaning business in Michigan. Some of the essential tools and equipment for a cleaning business include:

• Vacuum cleaners
• Carpet cleaners
• Mops and buckets
• Brooms and dustpans
• Cleaning chemicals and solutions
• Microfiber cloths and towels
• Sponges and brushes
• Protective gear, such as gloves and masks
• Ladders and step stools

Investing in high-quality equipment and supplies is essential to ensure efficient and effective Michigan cleaning services. You can purchase these items from local retailers or online suppliers specializing in cleaning products.

Step 6: Set Your Prices

Determining the prices for your cleaning services can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the industry. For you to set the prices for your Michigan cleaning services, research the prices of your competitors in Michigan to get a general idea of the going rates for cleaning services, calculate the cost of labor, including your hourly wage and that of your employees, and determine the profit margin you want to achieve and factor that into your pricing.

It’s crucial to strike a balance between competitive pricing and ensuring profitability. Consider hiring an accountant for bookkeeping. 

Step 7: Develop a Marketing Strategy

A well-planned marketing strategy is essential for the success of your cleaning business in Michigan. Here are some effective marketing tactics for your cleaning business:

• Create a Professional Website: A website is essential to showcase your Michigan cleaning services, share client testimonials, and provide contact information.
• Leverage Social Media: Create business pages on popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to connect with potential clients and share updates about your cleaning business.
• Utilize Local Advertising: Advertise your Michigan cleaning services in local newspapers, magazines, and community bulletin boards.
• Offer Promotions and Discounts: Attract new clients by offering promotional discounts and referral incentives.
• Network with Local Businesses: Establish relationships with local businesses and property management companies to generate referrals and create strategic partnerships.

Step 8: Hire and Train Staff

As your cleaning business grows, you may need additional staff to accommodate the increasing workload. Investing in your Michigan cleaning business is better, but it is best to invest in your employees. Ensure they receive the proper compensation and training for their welfare and your company. 

Benefits of Forming a Cleaning Business

Forming a cleaning business can be a wise entrepreneurial decision as it offers a range of benefits. Here is the list of benefits to consider before you form one.

• High Demand: With the increasing population of Michigan, which is currently 10,135,438, there is a growing need for cleaning services. This translates to a high demand for cleaning businesses.
• Flexibility: Michigan cleaning businesses offer flexible work hours, which allows you to work around your schedule. You can choose to work part-time or full-time.
• Low Start-up Costs: Starting a cleaning business is relatively inexpensive compared to other businesses. You can start with just a few cleaning supplies and grow your business as you gain more clients.
• Recurring Revenue: Michigan cleaning businesses offer recurring revenue since most clients require regular cleaning services.
• Personal Satisfaction: Michigan cleaning businesses offer a sense of personal satisfaction since you get to see the results of your work immediately.
• Diverse Clientele: Michigan cleaning businesses can cater to a diverse clientele, including residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
• Growth Potential: Michigan cleaning businesses have a high growth potential since you can expand your services to include additional cleaning services or target new markets.
• Low Overhead Costs: Michigan cleaning businesses have low overhead costs since you can operate from home and do not require expensive equipment or inventory.

FAQs

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Conclusion

Starting a cleaning business in Michigan can be rewarding and profitable if you follow the right steps and adhere to the legal requirements. By identifying your niche, developing a solid business plan, registering your business, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, purchasing high-quality equipment and supplies, setting competitive prices, developing a robust marketing strategy, and hiring and training a reliable staff, you will be well on your way to launching a successful cleaning business in Michigan.