Start online evening courses for adults

Adult learners paying per course, plus some employers or community groups that buy classes for staff or members.

Course fees per learner, usually for a block of 4 to 8 weekly sessions, with extra income from recorded add-ons, workshops or private coaching.

• Strong knowledge of one subject
• Clear teaching and explaining
• Basic online marketing and video tools

• Whether your subject needs recognized credentials (for example, some language or trade training may), check with your provincial regulator
• Some provinces regulate private career colleges if you offer career training, check before advertising it as job training
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and how it applies to educational courses
• Commercial general liability or professional liability insurance, ask a broker what suits online teaching
• Copyright for any materials, images or music you use in your courses

Estimates put startup costs typically around $200 to $1,500, depending on the video tools, website and marketing you choose. It is also worth asking a broker about insurance that suits online teaching, as that may add to your costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many courses you run, your pricing and how many learners enrol. Time needed starts at around 6 hours a week, depending on how much you teach and promote.

Check whether your subject needs recognized credentials with your provincial regulator, and whether career training falls under private career college rules. Also check how GST/HST applies to educational courses, suitable insurance, and copyright for any materials, images or music you use.