Events business ideas you can start for up to A$20,000
50 ideas
These 50 events business ideas suit people who want to start with a manageable budget and build up bookings over time. Some are equipment-led, like weekend photo booth hire or a mobile DJ for weddings and parties.
Weekend marquee hire for backyard parties
Hire out a few pop-up and frame marquees for backyard parties, markets and school fairs, mostly on weekends.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Band or dance act for weddings and events
Book your music, dance or theatre act for weddings, corporate events and local festivals.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile DJ for weddings and parties
Bring your own sound system and music to weddings, birthdays and private parties, paid per booking.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Sports fan trip organiser
Package travel, accommodation and match tickets for fans heading to big games, races and tournaments.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- From home
Team and amateur athlete tour organiser
Organise tours for clubs, junior teams and amateur runners or riders who want to compete away from home.
- A$2k-9k
- Part-time
- From home
Full-time celebrant with a signature style
Build a busy celebrant business with weddings, vow renewals and naming ceremonies all year round.
- A$2.5k-8k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Full-service wedding planning business
Plan a limited number of weddings a year from start to finish and build a name as a trusted local planner.
- A$3k-15k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Regular LGBTQ+ club night
Run a monthly or weekly LGBTQ+ dance night in an existing venue before taking on your own club.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based party hire (tables, chairs, decor)
Hire out tables, chairs, linen and decorations for backyard parties from your garage, delivered by car or trailer.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
Freelance licensed fireworks operator
Get licensed and work as a contract pyrotechnician, firing shows for established display companies.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Rock nights in a hired pub or hall
Run a regular rock night in a room you hire or share takings with, without taking on a venue lease.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pop-up outdoor cinema nights
Run ticketed movie nights in local parks, school grounds and community spaces using portable screen and sound gear.
- A$4k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event and conference videographer
Film events, conferences and functions, then deliver highlight reels and full recordings to organisers.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Stage lighting sales and install for churches and schools
Sell and set up lighting packages for churches, schools and community venues, ordering stock from suppliers as needed.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Wedding décor and styling hire
Hire out and set up arches, signage, candles and table styling for couples, working from a home storage base.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly karaoke night at pubs and bars
Run a regular karaoke night at local venues that want to fill a quiet midweek evening.
- A$2k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Run a monthly farmers' market
Organise a regular local market where growers and makers rent stalls and sell direct to shoppers.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly farmers' market on a regular site
Run a weekly market at a fixed venue with a core group of regular growers, makers and food vendors.
- A$4k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Backyard party marquee hire
Hire a few pop-up and frame marquees with tables and chairs for local birthdays, christenings and garden parties.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Monthly community night market
Hire a park, car park or hall and run an evening market for local food, craft and maker stalls.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly night market with a venue partner
Team up with a pub, shopping centre or precinct to run a regular evening market that brings in foot traffic.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Event and venue security crew
Supply licensed crowd controllers to local venues, markets, parties and festivals on a casual job basis.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekend bouncy castle hire from home
Start with a few inflatables, store them at home and deliver to local birthday parties on weekends.
- A$3k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Event AV hire with an operator
Supply and run sound, screens and lighting for small events, then pack up and go.
- A$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Others lean on your organising and styling skills, such as a party planner with styling and setup service. Before you commit, think about where you will store gear, how you will transport it, and whether you can handle weekend work. Check what insurance, venue permissions and local council rules might apply to your type of event. It also helps to price a realistic first season, including repairs and replacement equipment, so your A$20,000 goes as far as possible.
More ideas
- Live streaming for events and meetings
- Wedding dress hire from home
- Wedding and event florist
- Wedding and function DJ with sound and lighting
- Audio gear hire from home
- Pop-up model car track for parties and events
- Wedding and function band
- Mobile karaoke host for parties and events
- Exhibition stand installation crew
- Event furniture hire
- Balloon styling for weddings and events
- Mobile market and event stall set-up crew
- Event props and display builder
- Home-based AV gear hire
- Online formal wear hire from home
- Party planner with styling and setup service
- Wedding and corporate entertainment agency
- Corporate event management business
- Event AV advisor and technician
- Home-based costume hire by appointment
- Karaoke setup with host for events
- Hybrid event video call hire and operator
- Samba performance and workshop troupe
- Pop-up bag storage for events and festivals
- Weekend photo booth hire
- Pop-up kids' play sessions in hired halls
Questions
How far does A$20,000 go when starting an events business?
It depends on the idea. Equipment hire and DJ work usually need gear, transport and insurance, while planning or advisory services may need less. List every cost, including storage, marketing and repairs, and keep a buffer for slow months.
Do I need insurance or permits to run an events business in Australia?
Often something is needed, but it varies by idea and location. Check public liability insurance, council requirements, venue conditions and any rules for food, music or inflatable equipment. Confirm details with your local council and an insurer.
How can I find my first customers for an events business?
Start with people close to you and local venues, planners and photographers who might refer you. Show photos or video of your work, offer clear packages, and check how far ahead your customers usually book so you can plan your timing.