Trades business ideas you can start for under C$5,000
23 ideas
These 23 trades ideas suit people who already have hands-on skills, or are willing to build them, and want to start small without taking on heavy debt. You might look at a solo interior painter for homes, a fence and gate repair service, or furniture and door stripping from your garage.
Home leather repair workshop
Fix bags, jackets and boots from a corner of your home, taking jobs by drop-off, mail or local pick-up.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online pump supplier for contractors and farms
Sell water, transfer and garden pumps online, shipped from suppliers or a small home stock.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Pergola and carport kit installer
Assemble and install ready-made pergola and carport kits for homeowners who don't want to do it themselves.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Floor sanding for renovators and flooring installers
Start lean by sanding floors for contractors and installers, renting equipment until work is steady.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Fence and gate repair service
Fix leaning posts, broken boards and sagging gates on weekends and evenings.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Fountain and water feature maintenance
Clean, repair and winterize existing fountains for homes, businesses and condo properties.
- C$800-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home jewellery engraving studio
Engrave names, dates and messages onto rings, pendants and watches from a small home workspace.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Solo interior painter for homes
Paint rooms, trim and ceilings for homeowners and landlords, working on your own with a small kit.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Gazebo and pergola kit assembly
Assemble ready-made gazebo and pergola kits for people who bought one but don't want to build it.
- C$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Rekeying and security upgrades for landlords
Offer booked rekeying and hardware upgrades for landlords and movers, without chasing emergency lockouts.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online glass block shop with supplier delivery
Sell glass blocks and install accessories online to homeowners and installers, shipped direct from a wholesaler.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Seasonal pool fix-it service
Handle small pool repairs, pump swaps and openings on evenings and weekends through the swim season.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home luggage and bag repair workshop
Fix zips, wheels, handles and linings on suitcases and bags from a workshop at home.
- C$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Soil testing for land buyers, farms and gardens
Sample soil on rural lots, hobby farms and large gardens and send it to a lab to check suitability before projects.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekend hot tub servicing and water care
Offer routine servicing, filter changes, water care and minor fixes for hot tub owners in your spare time.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home workshop engine repair
Repair mowers, trimmers and chainsaws in your garage or shed, with drop-off and pickup.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based commercial refrigerator dealer
Quote and sell fridges and freezers to restaurants and shops, with units shipped direct from a distributor.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home workshop sharpening service
Sharpen saw blades, knives and garden tools from a garage workshop, with drop-off and mail-in customers.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile piano tuner
Visit homes, schools and churches to tune pianos, and build a base of repeat clients.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Furniture and door stripping from your garage
Strip old paint from furniture, doors and small metalwork that customers drop off at your garage or workshop.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Residential wallpaper hanger
Hang wallpaper in homes for people who want a feature wall or a full room done neatly.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pond cleaning and seasonal care
Open, clean and close down existing garden ponds each season for homeowners who don't want the hassle.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
TV antenna and satellite dish installer for homes
Fit and repair over-the-air antennas and satellite dishes for homeowners in your area.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Most rely on basic tools, a reliable vehicle or workspace, and word of mouth rather than a large shop. Before choosing, think about what you can already do well, how much of your budget goes on tools and insurance, and whether customers in your area will pay for the work. Also check whether your province or municipality requires a licence, trade certification or permit for the work you have in mind.
Questions
Do I need a licence or certification to start a trades business in Canada?
It depends on the trade and the province or territory. Some work, such as electrical or gas, is typically regulated, while other work may not be. Check with your provincial regulator and local municipality before taking customers.
What costs should I plan for besides tools?
Look at liability insurance, a vehicle or workspace, consumables, advertising, and any business licence or registration fees. You may also want a buffer for slow weeks. Get quotes for each item so your C$5,000 budget reflects real prices.
How do I find my first customers for a small trades business?
Start with people you know, local community groups, and online listings in your area. Photos of finished jobs and clear written quotes help build trust. You could also ask local contractors or retailers whether they need reliable subcontractors.