Your own acupuncture clinic

Local adults seeking regular treatment for pain, stress, sleep or women's health. Most pay out of pocket or claim through workplace benefits.

Session fees, package deals and sometimes herbs or supplies where allowed. More practitioners or rooms can bring in more income but add costs.

• Recognized acupuncture training and registration where required
• Running a small business and managing a lease
• Local marketing and building referrals

• Provincial regulator rules on practising, advertising and record keeping, including privacy rules for health records
• Commercial general and professional liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• A lease is a long commitment, so negotiate terms carefully
• Check municipal business licence and health unit requirements for premises and sharps handling
• Ask CRA about GST/HST treatment of your services
• Startup costs depend heavily on the city, the size of the space and how much fit-out is needed; get quotes before committing

Estimated startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending heavily on the city, the size of the space and how much fit-out is needed. Get quotes before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on your client numbers, treatment prices and whether you add practitioners. The idea assumes at least about 25 hours a week.

Check your provincial regulator's rules on practising, advertising and record keeping, including health record privacy. Also check liability insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire, lease terms, municipal licence and health unit requirements, and GST/HST treatment with CRA.