Creative business ideas for working out and about
50 ideas
These 50 creative business ideas suit people who would rather work in venues, halls, clients' homes and outdoor spaces than behind a desk. You might build a gigging band for bars, weddings and private events, run local photography workshops and walks, or offer drone video for events and local marketing.
Media training and interview coach
Coach business owners, experts and spokespeople to speak confidently on radio, TV, podcasts and in print interviews.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home staging and room refresh designer
Style homes for sale, and refresh rooms with furniture and decor, working on site for sellers and agents.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Touring small-cast theatre company
Stage a small-cast play and tour it to community halls, libraries, festivals and schools.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Touring children's shows for schools
Perform short, curriculum-friendly plays in school gyms and libraries, with a small cast and a van of simple props.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Ticketed family shows in rented venues
Stage weekend and holiday shows for families in rented halls or small theatres, and sell tickets directly.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile pottery workshops for groups and events
Bring clay and tools to community centres, schools, offices and parties for one-off hand-building sessions.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Private ballroom dance lessons
Teach couples and individuals waltz, foxtrot and social dances one-to-one, in rented studios or at their home.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Ballroom and social dance group classes
Run weekly beginner dance classes in a rented hall or studio, with couples and singles paying per term.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pop-up stitching workshops
Run paid stitching workshops in cafés, libraries, community halls and shops, with groups and parties.
- C$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Henna art workshops in rented venues
Teach beginners to design and apply henna in small group sessions at cafés, studios, community halls or private parties.
- C$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Content studio for local businesses
Produce videos, articles and podcasts for small businesses that want regular content but have no time to make it.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Astrologer for local clients and events
Give in-person readings at markets, parties and wellness events, and build a loyal local client base.
- C$200-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dance troupe for events and festivals
Form a small troupe that performs at festivals, weddings, corporate events and community shows.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Video production for local businesses
Film and edit short promo, social and website videos for small businesses in your area.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile tailor and fitting service
Visit clients at home or the office to measure, fit and collect alterations and made-to-measure orders.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Fringe festival theatre production
Produce one original or licensed show and perform it at fringe festivals, earning from ticket sales.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Touring theatre show for schools and venues
Build one portable show and hire it out to schools, libraries and community venues for a fee.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Gigging musician for events and venues
Play paid sets at weddings, restaurants, corporate events and local venues as a solo act or small band.
- C$300-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event and portrait photographer
Photograph weddings, parties, graduations and family sessions at venues and locations your clients choose.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Drone photos for real estate and property
Shoot aerial photos and video of homes, farms and commercial sites for agents, builders and owners.
- C$2.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Drone video for events and local marketing
Capture aerial footage for weddings, festivals, tourism and business promo videos.
- C$3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Touring puppet show for schools and libraries
Perform a portable puppet show for schools, libraries, daycares and birthday parties in your region.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Ticketed puppet shows for festivals and family venues
Stage a larger puppet production for fringe festivals, theatres and family events, paid by tickets and fees.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Ballet classes in a rented hall
Teach weekly children's and adult ballet classes in a community hall or church hall, with families paying per term.
- C$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Most of them rely on your skill, your reputation and reliable transport. Before choosing, think about your equipment costs, how you will carry and insure your gear, and whether you are happy with evening and weekend work. Check whether venues, parks or schools need a booking, permit or proof of insurance. Start by testing one small offer locally, and see how quickly word of mouth builds before you invest more.
More ideas
- Live musician for weddings and events
- Gigging band for bars, weddings and private events
- Original band: shows, streaming and merch
- Touring troupe for schools and events
- Artist selling at markets and craft fairs
- Weekend wedding photographer
- Full-time wedding photography business
- On-location commercial photographer
- Calligraphy workshops for groups
- Home staging decorator
- Portrait and family photographer
- Mobile paint night and group painting
- Mobile vehicle lettering and graphics installer
- Flamenco private lessons and workshops
- Weekend event entertainer
- Full-time entertainer for hire
- Small orchestra or string ensemble for events
- Chamber orchestra with a ticketed concert series
- Small-scale chamber opera company
- Touring community opera company
- Local community magazine
- Airbrushed murals and vehicle art
- Model portfolio and headshot photographer
- Local gig booking and promotion agent
- Local photography workshops and walks
- Local photography workshops and short courses
Questions
What should I check before performing or teaching in public spaces in Canada?
Check whether your city or town requires a permit for busking, filming or running classes in parks and streets. Rules vary by municipality, so contact the local office. Also ask venues what they expect for contracts, music licensing and liability insurance.
Do I need insurance for a mobile creative business?
It is worth checking. Many venues, schools and event organizers ask for public liability cover, and your equipment may need separate protection. Ask an insurance broker which policies suit your activity, especially if you use drones, travel with gear or work with children.
How do I find my first clients for an out-and-about creative business?
Start locally. Contact venues, schools, community groups and event planners, and show a short portfolio, demo or sample session. Check whether you need a business registration or tax account, then ask early clients for reviews and referrals.