Trades business ideas you can start for up to C$20,000

124 ideas

These 126 trades business ideas are for people who want to work with their hands, or sell to those who do, without taking on heavy debt. Some are hands-on services, such as mobile hardwood floor sanding and refinishing or mobile glass repair and replacement.

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1k to 5k Over 20k From home Out and about Own premises Online

Carpenter fitting timber deck boards into a frame in a garden.

Part-time deck builder

Build and repair small timber decks for homeowners on weekends and evenings during the warm months.

C$2.5k-10k
Side hustle
Out and about

Workers assembling a new play structure in a school playground.

Playground equipment dealer (home office)

Sell play structures from established brands to schools, municipalities and daycares, and hire local crews to install them.

C$3k-12k
Part-time
From home

A bricklayer laying bricks with mortar on a wall at a building site.

Brick repair and chimney restoration

Fix cracked brickwork, repoint mortar and rebuild chimneys for homeowners in your area.

C$3k-12k
Part-time
Out and about

Arborist working at height in a tree using ropes and a harness.

Roof and eavestrough upkeep

Clear eavestroughs, moss and roof snow, and do light roof access jobs for local homes.

C$1.5k-7k
Side hustle
Out and about

Gas engineer checking a wall-mounted boiler in a kitchen.

Subcontract gas fitter for builders and HVAC firms

Take gas installs and hookups from renovators, builders and heating companies, without chasing homeowners yourself.

C$4k-20k
Part-time
Out and about

A builder assembling a wooden pergola over a patio in a back garden.

Pergola and carport builder

Design and build pergolas, carports and other garden structures for homeowners in your area.

C$3k-15k
Part-time
Out and about

A locksmith cutting a copy of a house key on a machine at a counter.

Mobile key cutting service

Bring a portable key cutter to homes, offices and apartment buildings and copy keys on the spot.

C$5k-20k
Side hustle
Out and about

Carpenter building a wooden garden shed in a back garden.

On-site shed and backyard outbuilding builder

Build custom sheds, garden shelters and small outbuildings in homeowners' yards, from foundation to finish.

C$3k-12k
Part-time
Out and about

Bins of bolts, screws and nails stacked in a supplier warehouse.

Online fastener supplier for trades

Sell screws, bolts, nails and anchors in bulk to contractors and small manufacturers through a simple online store.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Blacksmith hammering heated iron on an anvil in a forge.

Home forge blacksmith for custom pieces

Forge hooks, railings, fire tools and decorative pieces to order from a small forge at your property.

C$3k-12k
Side hustle
From home

Builder renovating a kitchen with new cabinets in a house under refurbishment.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeller

Renovate kitchens and bathrooms for homeowners, managing the job and hiring trades as needed.

C$3k-15k
Part-time
Out and about

Boxes of LED light bulbs stacked on warehouse shelves.

Home-based light bulb and lamp supplier

Stock popular LED bulbs and lamps at home and supply electricians, shops and property managers.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
From home

Workers stacking solar panels and inverter boxes in an equipment warehouse.

Online solar kit shop for cabins, RVs and DIY

Sell certified solar panels, inverters and mounting kits online to off-grid, cabin and RV owners, often shipped direct from suppliers.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Craftsperson cutting and polishing a gemstone on a lapidary wheel in a workshop.

Home gemstone cutting workshop

Cut and polish gemstones and cabochons from home for jewellers, collectors and custom orders.

C$1.5k-6k
Side hustle
From home

Workers in hard hats assembling metal scaffolding poles against a building facade.

Subcontract scaffold erecting crew

Offer a trained two- or three-person crew to erect and dismantle scaffold for larger firms, using their equipment.

C$3k-12k
Part-time
Out and about

Stacked vehicle and industrial batteries in a wholesale warehouse.

Online battery supplier for one equipment niche

Supply batteries for one niche, like golf carts, mobility scooters or power equipment, to dealers and businesses across your region.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Arborist in a harness pruning branches from a tall tree.

Solo arborist: pruning and small trees

Prune, shape and remove small trees for homeowners, using hand tools, a chainsaw and a trailer.

C$3k-12k
Part-time
Out and about

Tradesperson fitting a new bath and tiles in a bathroom renovation.

Solo bathroom refit specialist

Refit bathrooms for homeowners: tiling, tubs, vanities and fixtures, with licensed trades brought in for plumbing and electrical.

C$3k-15k
Part-time
Out and about

A worker installing a wooden garden fence panel between posts.

Residential fence installer

Build and replace wood, vinyl and chain-link fences for homeowners in your area.

C$4k-20k
Part-time
Out and about

Jeweller working on a gold ring at a bench with magnifying lamp and small tools.

Home studio goldsmith: repairs and custom pieces

Repair, resize and make gold and silver jewellery from a small home bench for local customers and shops.

C$3k-12k
Side hustle
From home

Stacked timber framing lumber in a yard ready for builders.

Framing lumber supplier, order and deliver

Quote framing packages for small builders, order from wholesalers and deliver to site without holding a yard.

C$3k-15k
Part-time
From home

Roofers laying tiles on a house roof during a repair and installation job.

Roof repair and maintenance specialist

Fix leaks, replace damaged shingles and keep roofs sound for homeowners and landlords in your area.

C$3k-15k
Part-time
Out and about

A technician repairing piano action and strings inside an open piano.

Mobile piano repair technician

Visit homes, schools and churches to fix sticking keys, broken strings and worn piano actions.

C$1.5k-6k
Part-time
Out and about

Engineer fitting a wall-mounted air conditioning unit in a room.

AC servicing and seasonal tune-ups

Service, clean and repair existing air conditioners for homes and small businesses, with yearly maintenance plans.

C$3k-12k
Side hustle
Out and about

About these ideas

Others are lighter on tools, such as an online ladder and access equipment shop. If you already have a trade background, you can likely move fastest. If you are newer, think first about training, insurance and how you will find your first customers. Check whether your province requires a licence or certification for the work, since rules vary for electrical, gas and heating work especially. Also price your van, tools and materials carefully, as these often take up most of a C$20,000 budget.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a licence to start a trades business in Canada?

It depends on the trade and the province or territory. Electrical, gas, plumbing and heating work often involve licensed or certified tradespeople. Check with your provincial regulator and your municipality before taking on paid jobs or advertising services.

What should I budget for besides tools?

Look at vehicle costs, liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage where applicable, permits, and materials you pay for before a client pays you. Ask insurers and your provincial workers' compensation board what applies to your situation before you launch.

Is it better to offer a service or sell trade supplies online?

It depends on your skills and how much you want to be on job sites. Services need tools, insurance and your time. Online supply shops need stock, storage and shipping. Check supplier terms, product safety rules and any certification requirements for what you sell.