Event business ideas with startup costs over $20,000
42 ideas
These 42 event business ideas suit people who have savings, finance or a redundancy payout to invest and want a business with real assets behind it. Higher budgets usually go on stock, vehicles, premises or specialist equipment, as with AV hire with setup for events, a formal wear hire boutique or a wedding and special occasion chauffeur.
Wedding and event marquee hire with setup
Supply, install and pack down larger marquees for weddings, festivals and corporate events with a ute or truck and a small crew.
- A$80k-250k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Pop-up paintball for parties and events
Tow a trailer of gear and inflatable bunkers to a private property or hired venue and run paintball days for groups.
- A$15k-45k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Multi-day Christmas market series
Run a bigger festive market across several weekends or sites, with food, music and dozens of stallholders.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small event space for hire
Lease a hall, warehouse or studio and hire it out for parties, workshops, markets and small weddings.
- A$30k-100k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Garden or farm wedding and party venue
Hire out your own garden, shed or rural property for weddings and functions on selected weekends.
- A$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Marquee and jumping castle hire
Own a few marquees and jumping castles, deliver them with a ute or van and set them up at parties and events.
- A$25k-80k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Corporate conference and events planning studio
Run a small team that plans conferences, launches and corporate events end to end for larger clients.
- A$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Seasonal outdoor cinema venue
Run a summer-season outdoor cinema on a leased garden, winery lawn or rooftop, with regular nights and a bar or food offer.
- A$60k-250k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Stage lighting hire for bands and events
Build a small stock of lights and stands and hire them out, with delivery, to bands, churches and event companies.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Function hall for hire with partner caterers
Lease a hall, hire it out for weddings and parties, and let approved caterers handle the food.
- A$60k-250k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Banqueting hall with in-house catering
Run a function hall with its own kitchen and menus, offering venue and food in one package.
- A$60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-time event and wedding florist
Run a florist business focused on weddings and events, with a van, cool storage and a small team in busy seasons.
- A$40k-120k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Wedding car hire with driver
Drive couples and their wedding parties in a smart or classic car on the big day.
- A$8k-40k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding and event marquee hire
Run a larger marquee stock with furniture, lining and lighting for weddings, corporate days and festivals.
- A$120k-350k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Inflatable hire business for parties and events
Run a larger fleet from a storage unit, serving parties, schools, fairs and community events.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Wedding and special occasion chauffeur
Offer a polished car and driver for weddings, formals and milestone events, booked by the hour or event.
- A$25k-90k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding dress hire boutique
Run a small shopfront or studio with a larger range of hire gowns, accessories and fitting appointments.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local one-day festival organiser
Run a themed one-day festival, such as food, craft beer or live music, in a local park or showground.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Audio hire shop with small warehouse
Run a unit stocked with PA systems, DJ gear and mics for venues, corporate events and weddings.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Indoor model car track and play centre
Run a small indoor track where kids and hobbyists race remote control cars, paying per session or hiring a car.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local attractions and tours ticket desk
Run a small shopfront or kiosk selling tickets for local tours, attractions and shows, earning commission from operators.
- A$15k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Seasonal outdoor craft fair
Run bigger fairs in a park, showground or winery with dozens of makers, entry tickets and food vendors.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Garden or farm wedding venue on your own land
Turn a property you own or lease into a venue couples hire for ceremonies and receptions.
- A$20k-100k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Event portable toilet and handwash hire
Hire a small fleet of portable toilets and handwash units to local events, markets and private parties.
- A$6k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Before you commit, work out how often the equipment or space can realistically be booked, since many event businesses are busy on weekends and quiet midweek. Check storage, transport, insurance and any council, venue or licensing requirements that apply to your idea. Compare how much you would need to earn each month to cover loan repayments, then pick the idea where that number feels achievable for your area.
More ideas
- Building site toilet hire with servicing truck
- Exhibition stand design and build workshop
- Custom stall and display builder with installation
- Small retro arcade venue
- Pop-up arcade for events and parties
- Pop-up seasonal beer hall
- Custom stands and props workshop
- Seasonal pop-up haunted house
- Portable haunted walk-through for events
- AV hire with setup for events
- Formal wear hire boutique
- Neighbourhood soft play centre for under-8s
- Pop-up soft play sessions in community halls
- Costume hire shop with fitting room
- Small dedicated comedy club
- Event and party equipment hire
- Photo booth hire business with several booths
- Small local kids' play and party centre
Questions
What does a $20,000+ budget usually pay for in an events business?
It often covers equipment, stock, a vehicle, a fit-out or a lease deposit. Ask suppliers for full quotes, and allow extra for insurance, storage, branding and working capital for the first few quiet months.
Do I need licences or permits to start an event business in Australia?
It depends on the idea and location. Things to check include council approvals, public liability insurance, food or alcohol licensing, vehicle accreditation and venue rules. Contact your local council and the relevant state authority before you spend.
Should I borrow money to start an events business?
Check how repayments would fit around seasonal demand, as bookings can be uneven. Compare finance options, consider leasing equipment instead of buying, and speak to an accountant about structure and what you could afford if bookings are slow.