Event business ideas with a startup budget over $20,000
37 ideas
These 37 event business ideas suit people who have meaningful capital to invest and want assets, space or equipment that give them a real edge. Some are hire businesses, such as an inflatable and party rental business or audio hire with delivery and setup.
Floral design studio with a small unit
Rent a small studio or unit to design event flowers, meet clients and take walk-in and online orders.
- C$8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Outdoor multi-weekend Christmas market
Run a festive outdoor market over several weekends with stalls, food vendors, lights and live music.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
One-day local outdoor festival
Run a themed one-day festival in a park or town square, funded by tickets, vendor fees and local sponsors.
- C$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Pop-up outdoor movie nights
Run ticketed film nights in parks, farms or car parks with a portable screen and sound system through the warm months.
- C$6k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Tent, table and chair event hire
Hire out tents, tables, chairs and staging for weddings and events from a small rented warehouse unit.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Intimate city wedding and elopement venue
Lease a small loft, hall or garden space and rent it out for small weddings and receptions.
- C$10k-45k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Event tent and furniture hire business
Supply larger tents, flooring, tables and chairs for weddings, festivals and corporate events from a rented storage unit.
- C$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Tourist ticket desk for attractions and tours
Run a small walk-in desk selling tickets for local attractions, tours and shows to visitors.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Inflatable and party rental business
Run a larger fleet from a small rented unit, serving fairs, schools and corporate events as well as family parties.
- C$12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Balloon and party decoration shop
Open a small shop selling helium balloons, party decorations and custom balloon orders to walk-in customers.
- C$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Banquet hall with in-house catering
Lease a large room and host weddings, dinners and community celebrations with food included.
- C$50k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small event hall for hire, bring your own caterer
Rent out a modest hall for celebrations and let clients choose approved caterers, keeping your costs lower.
- C$15k-75k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Indoor RC car track and play area
Rent a small unit, build a model car track and charge for entry, car hire and party bookings.
- C$12k-50k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Small hire space for parties and meetings
Lease a modest room or unit and rent it by the hour or day for parties, workshops, showers and small events.
- C$10k-40k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Barn or farm wedding venue
Turn a barn, garden or farm property you own or manage into a seasonal venue for weddings and gatherings.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Stage lighting shop and hire warehouse
Run a small unit that sells and hires stage lighting and installs it for theatres, churches and event companies.
- C$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Wedding dress hire boutique
Open a small shop where brides browse, try on and hire gowns and accessories, with a wider range and walk-in trade.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Wedding and special occasion chauffeur
Offer a premium driver and decorated car for weddings, proms and milestone celebrations.
- C$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Audio hire with delivery and setup
Deliver, set up and run sound for weddings, corporate events and festivals using your own van and gear.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Marquee and event tent hire business
Run a full marquee hire business from a small unit, serving weddings, festivals and corporate events with a crew.
- C$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Pop-up haunted house in a rented space
Turn an empty unit or warehouse into a walk-through scare attraction for the Halloween season.
- C$25k-80k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Indoor play centre with parties and drop-in
Open a small indoor play space for toddlers and kids, earning from drop-in fees, birthday parties and classes.
- C$50k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighbourhood soft play centre
Open a small indoor play space where local families drop in or book parties, especially useful through long winters.
- C$60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Dedicated comedy club venue
Open a small club with its own stage and bar, running shows most weekends.
- C$60k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Others centre on a venue, like a small event hall for hire where clients bring their own caterer. Before you commit, think about where the money goes: equipment, a lease, insurance, storage and a vehicle can add up quickly. Check local zoning, municipal licensing and venue rules, and ask how many bookings you would need to cover fixed costs. Events are seasonal in many areas, so plan your cash flow for quieter months.
More ideas
- AV hire with delivery and event setup
- Custom stall and display builder with workshop
- Small portable toilet and handwash fleet
- Full-service portable toilet rental company
- Restroom trailer hire for weddings and events
- Custom exhibition stand workshop
- Costume rental shop
- Exhibition stand and stage builder with a rented unit
- Small kids' party room rental
- Formal wear hire shop for suits and gowns
- Enclosed photo booth and 360 booth rental business
- Small retro arcade in a rented unit
- Mobile arcade hire for parties and events
Questions
Why do some event businesses cost more than C$20,000 to start?
Costs often come from equipment, a vehicle, a leased venue or a build-out. Insurance, storage and deposits add to this. Price out each item with real quotes, and check whether leasing equipment first could lower your upfront outlay.
What should I check before renting or leasing a space for events?
Ask your municipality whether the zoning allows event use, and check occupancy limits, fire safety, parking and noise rules. Read the lease for restrictions on hours or alcohol, and confirm what permits or inspections may apply to your plans.
Do I need insurance for an event business in Canada?
Most event businesses should look into commercial liability cover, and possibly equipment, vehicle or property insurance. Venues and clients may ask for proof of cover. Speak with a broker about what suits your activities and your province's requirements.