Event business ideas you can start for up to C$5,000
38 ideas
These 38 event business ideas keep startup costs within C$5,000, so you can test demand before committing more money. Many sell your time and skill rather than heavy equipment, such as a wedding day-of coordinator or a weekend wedding and naming celebrant.
Home-based wedding and event florist
Design bouquets, centrepieces and arrangements for weddings and events from a studio space at home.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Small-town Christmas market organiser
Run a one-day or weekend festive market in a hall, church or arena, with local makers paying for stalls.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Wedding day-of coordinator
Run the schedule and suppliers on the wedding day so couples who planned it themselves can relax and enjoy it.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event and wedding video editor
Edit highlight reels and full-length films for wedding and event videographers and for couples who filmed their own day.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Kids' party magician
Perform 45 to 60 minute magic shows at birthday parties and family gatherings in your area.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Corporate event magician
Entertain guests with close-up and stage magic at company events, weddings and private functions.
- C$800-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Indoor monthly makers' and growers' market
Rent a hall once or twice a month and fill it with local food and craft stalls, including through the winter.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Fan trip packages to games and races
Organize group trips for fans to away games, playoff series and big races, with travel, tickets and stays sorted.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Local online ticket seller for community events
Sell tickets online for local shows, markets and fundraisers, and earn a fee on each one.
- C$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Community craft fair organiser
Run a few craft fairs a year in a hall or church basement, with makers paying for stalls.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based balloon decor studio
Make balloon bouquets, garlands and arches at home, then deliver or set up for birthdays, showers and events.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile karaoke host for parties and events
Bring a karaoke system and your hosting skills to birthdays, weddings and office parties.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly karaoke nights for bars and pubs
Run regular karaoke nights at local bars and pubs that want more customers on quiet evenings.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Day-of wedding coordinator
Run the schedule on the wedding day so couples can relax, working mostly from home beforehand.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- From home
Freelance meeting and conference planner
Plan team meetings, workshops and small conferences for local businesses and associations from your home office.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Virtual and hybrid event planner
Run online and hybrid meetings, webinars and town halls for organizations with teams across Canada.
- C$300-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Weekend wedding and naming celebrant
Write and lead personal, non-religious ceremonies for local couples and families, mostly on weekends.
- C$200-1.2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Full-time celebrant with elopement packages
Run a celebrant business built on weddings, elopements and family ceremonies, with a brand and partners.
- C$1k-5k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Local event ticketing service
Sell tickets online for small local shows and events, and earn a fee or commission on each sale.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Online
Singles events and speed dating nights
Run themed mixers, speed dating and activity nights where local singles meet in person.
- C$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bar and club resident DJ
Play regular sets at bars, lounges and clubs, paid per night by the venue.
- C$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding planner and day-of coordinator
Help couples plan their wedding or run the day itself, working from home and meeting at venues.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Corporate event planner
Plan team days, conferences and client events for local businesses and organizations.
- C$800-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Artificial greenery for events and offices
Design, sell or rent artificial plant and flower arrangements to decorators, offices and event planners.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
About these ideas
Others need a modest equipment purchase, like portable photo booth hire for weekend events. They suit people who are organised, calm under pressure and comfortable dealing with clients directly. Before you pick one, think about how you will find your first customers, whether you want weekend or weekday work, and what you already own. Check whether you would need insurance, a business licence or venue permissions where you live, and price your services so travel and prep time are covered.
More ideas
- Home-based event planner for private parties
- Weekly pop-up comedy night
- Home-based balloon decor for parties
- Singing telegram performer
- Singing telegram team with several performers
- Mobile karaoke host for parties
- Trade show stand coordinator for exhibitors
- Event airbrush tattoos and T-shirts
- Mobile children's party host
- Themed kids' party setup service
- Karaoke kit rental from home
- Home-based entertainment booking agency
- Portable photo booth hire for weekend events
- Birthday and celebration party planner
Questions
What event business can I start with the least equipment?
Service-based ideas such as day-of coordination, celebrant work or freelance meeting planning usually need little more than a laptop, a phone and a website. Check what insurance, training or portfolio samples clients in your area expect before you take bookings.
Do I need insurance or licences to run an event business in Canada?
It depends on your province, city and the type of event. Things to check include municipal business licence rules, liability insurance, venue requirements, music licensing for karaoke or DJ work, and any celebrant registration. Confirm details with your local authorities.
How do I get my first clients in an events business?
Start with your own network, then build a small portfolio with discounted or trial events. Check whether local venues, caterers and photographers accept referral partnerships, and list your services on local directories and social channels where couples and organisers search.