Business Ideas You Can Start in Canada for Under C$1,000
37 ideas
These 37 ideas suit people who want to start small, keep risk low and learn as they earn. Many rely on skills you already have rather than equipment or stock, such as an online tutor for school subjects, a freelance resume and cover letter writer, or a print-on-demand custom t-shirt store.
Home-based cat boarding
Look after cats in a quiet room of your home while their owners travel.
- C$200-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile mehndi artist for weddings and events
Apply henna designs for brides, guests and party groups at homes, venues and celebrations.
- C$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home henna studio by appointment
Welcome clients to a set-up corner at home for henna designs before festivals, weddings and special days.
- C$100-600
- Side hustle
- From home
Overnight pet and house sitter
Stay in clients' homes while they travel, caring for their pets and keeping the house lived in.
- C$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Knitting classes at local venues
Run beginner and improver knitting classes in yarn shops, libraries and community halls.
- C$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Online knitting lessons and workshops
Teach knitting by video call to students anywhere, with a simple kit or pattern sent to them.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Regular home cleaner for local households
Clean homes weekly or every two weeks for busy families and professionals in your area.
- C$200-900
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Travelling piano teacher
Drive to students' homes and teach piano on their own instrument, with no studio needed.
- C$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home studio guitar teacher
Teach private guitar lessons to kids and adults in a quiet room at home.
- C$200-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online guitar lessons by video call
Teach guitar live over video to students anywhere, with flexible evening and weekend slots.
- C$150-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Private dance lessons and wedding first dances
Teach one-to-one or couples lessons, from beginners to wedding first dance routines.
- C$100-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Maths tutor visiting students at home
Travel to students' homes for one-to-one maths help, from elementary school to first-year university.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Neighbourhood dog walker
Walk dogs one-on-one or in pairs for local owners who are at work during the day.
- C$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online astrology readings
Offer birth chart readings and consultations by video call or written report to clients anywhere.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Freelance data entry from home
Type or enter information from documents into spreadsheets and databases for small businesses, paid by the hour or project.
- C$100-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
Freelance resume and cover letter writer
Write and polish resumes and cover letters for job seekers from your home office, mostly by email and video call.
- C$100-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online drawing lessons
Teach drawing live over video to students anywhere, with no room to rent and no commute.
- C$150-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Paid newsletter and digital guides
Publish a subscriber newsletter and ebooks on a topic you know, sold online.
- C$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online calligraphy lessons
Teach calligraphy by video call to students anywhere, one to one or in small live classes.
- C$150-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Private chess coach for kids and adults
Teach one-to-one chess lessons online or at learners' homes, paid directly by students or parents.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Virtual organizing coach
Coach clients over video call to declutter and organize their own spaces, from your home office.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Online Japanese tutor
Teach Japanese one-to-one or in small groups over video to learners across Canada and beyond.
- C$100-600
- Side hustle
- Online
Online French tutor for adults and teens
Teach one-to-one French lessons by video to learners across Canada, fitted around your own schedule.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Local house and pet sitter
Stay in or visit clients' homes while they travel, caring for pets, plants and the property.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Before you pick one, think about how you will find your first customers, since a low startup cost does not mean customers arrive on their own. Work out how many hours you can realistically give each week, and what you would need to charge to make it worthwhile. Also check whether your city or province requires a business licence, registration or insurance for the idea you choose.
More ideas
- Evening and weekend babysitter
- After-school and school holiday sitter
- Side hustle copywriter for local businesses
- Online custom t-shirt store (print on demand)
- Online shogi tutor
- Local shogi classes and club coaching
- Online German tutor
- In-home tutor for school subjects
- Online tutor for school subjects
- In-person home tutor
- Online Mandarin tutor
- Home-based freelance transcriber
- Residential home cleaning service
Questions
Can I really start a business in Canada for under C$1,000?
Many service and online businesses can begin with a laptop, an internet connection and a few basic tools. Check what you already own, list any software, registration or insurance costs, and keep a small buffer for marketing and unexpected expenses.
Do I need to register a business or get a licence?
It depends on your province, your city and the type of work. Check whether you need to register a business name, obtain a municipal licence, or follow rules for home-based work. Your local government and provincial business registry are good places to start.
Do I need to charge GST/HST or report my income?
Possibly. Check the Canada Revenue Agency's guidance on small supplier thresholds and GST/HST registration, and confirm how self-employment income is reported. Keeping clear records from day one makes tax time easier, and an accountant can confirm your specific situation.