Event business ideas you can start for up to C$20,000
50 ideas
These 50 event business ideas keep startup costs within C$20,000, so you can launch without a large loan or a commercial venue. Some are equipment-led, such as event furniture rental, bouncy castle hire or karaoke hire with delivery and setup.
Wedding and event florist
Create bridal bouquets, ceremony flowers and table arrangements for weddings and events in your region.
- C$2k-10k
- Part-time
- From home
Full-service wedding planner
Plan weddings from first idea to last dance: budgets, suppliers, design and the day itself.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- From home
Indoor mini festival at a partner venue
Team up with a brewery, hall or market to run a small themed festival, with lower risk than building an event from scratch.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Outdoor movie nights for hire
Bring the screen, projector and sound to community events, condo buildings, festivals and private parties.
- C$4k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based party rental starter
Rent tables, chairs, linens and decor for backyard parties from a garage or storage space at home.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Bouncy castle and inflatables rental
Rent bouncy castles and kids' party inflatables, delivered and set up at homes and community events.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Neighbourhood summer farmers' market
Run a weekly outdoor market in a parking lot, park or street, and earn stall fees from local growers and makers.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Tournament travel for teams and athletes
Plan travel, stays and logistics for youth teams, clubs and runners heading to tournaments and races.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- From home
Event and wedding videographer
Film weddings, conferences and community events, then edit highlight videos for clients.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Backyard party tent and chair rental
Rent out party tents, tables and chairs for backyard weddings, birthdays and graduations, stored at home and delivered by trailer.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekly rock club night in a rented room
Run a regular rock night in an existing bar or hall, keeping door takings and a share of the bar.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based bouncy castle hire
Rent a few inflatables for backyard birthday parties, delivered and set up by you, run from your garage or driveway.
- C$2.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal craft market series
Run a recurring holiday or summer maker market with a loyal base of stallholders and visitors.
- C$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Pop-up RC car track for events and parties
Bring a portable model car track and hire cars to parties, fairs and community events.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal outdoor night market organiser
Run a weekly or monthly evening market in a parking lot or park, bringing local food and craft vendors together.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Indoor night market in a hired venue
Host winter-friendly evening markets in a hall, warehouse or brewery space, with local vendors and live music.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Wedding décor styling and hire
Style ceremonies and receptions with arches, centrepieces and signage you own and rent out.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event sound and AV hire with operator
Bring speakers, mics, screens and projectors to local events, set them up and run them on the day.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Live streaming for hybrid events
Film and stream talks, meetings and ceremonies live so remote guests can join in.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Stage lighting hire for local events
Hire out lighting packages to bands, schools, churches and small events from a garage or storage unit.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based wedding dress hire studio
Rent out a small collection of wedding dresses and accessories to local brides, with fittings by appointment at home.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Pop-up box office for festivals and shows
Run on-site ticket sales and entry scanning for festivals, markets and small venues that have no box office.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based speaker and PA hire
Rent out speakers, mixers and mics for parties, small gigs and community events from a spare room or garage.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Weekend party and wedding DJ
Bring the sound, lights and music to birthdays, weddings and school dances on weekends.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Others rely more on your skills and reputation, like wedding and party DJing or wedding décor styling and hire. They suit people who are organized, comfortable dealing with clients, and happy to work weekends. Before you spend, think about where you will store gear, how you will transport it, and what insurance your events may require. Check local licensing and venue rules, then test demand with a few bookings before investing in more stock.
More ideas
- Full-service DJ and lighting company
- Wedding and party DJ
- Backyard party tent hire
- Wedding and event photographer
- Haunted trail on a farm or private land
- Pop-up play sessions in rented halls
- Mobile soft play for parties
- Event equipment hire from home storage
- Corporate event management service
- Small AV equipment rental from home
- Wedding and corporate balloon styling
- Pop-up bag check for events and festivals
- Pop-up piano bar nights
- Mobile stall setup and takedown crew
- Karaoke for weddings and corporate events
- Organizer of local trade fairs and expos
- Exhibition stand install and dismantle crew
- Home-based exhibition stand designer and organizer
- Event and venue AV consultant
- Home-based costume rental by appointment
- Custom event props and displays from a home workshop
- Home-based prom and formal dress hire
- Karaoke hire with delivery and setup
- Corporate event entertainment agent
- Event furniture rental
- Full-service party and celebration planner
Questions
Which event business can I start with the least equipment?
Service-based ideas like wedding planning or DJing usually need less stock than rental businesses. Compare what you would need to buy, such as sound gear or software, and whether you can start with a small package and add more later.
Do I need insurance to run an event business in Canada?
Many venues and clients ask for liability insurance, especially for rentals, inflatables or equipment operated at events. Check what your venues require, what your insurer covers, and whether damage to hired items needs separate cover.
Do I need a licence or permit for event hire or entertainment?
It depends on your province, city and the activity. Check municipal business licence rules, music licensing for public performance, safety requirements for inflatables or outdoor events, and any permits for using private land or public spaces.