AV supply and install for offices and venues

Small and mid-sized businesses, schools, churches, restaurants, gyms, community centres and venues that need AV but have no in-house tech team.

A margin on equipment sold, installation fees, and optional support or maintenance agreements that bring repeat income.

• AV and networking knowledge
• Quoting and sales
• Neat cabling and installation
• Clear communication with non-technical clients

• Licensing: there is no single AV licence in Canada, but check with your province or territory whether mains-voltage or in-wall electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, and get a municipal business licence if your city requires one
• Commercial general liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Working at height and in other people's buildings, so check safety training and WCB/WSIB rules, especially if you hire help
• Warranty and returns handling with suppliers
• Registering for GST/HST and collecting the right provincial taxes
• Stock costs and slow-paying clients, so ask for deposits on larger jobs

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, any demo equipment and the stock you hold. Stock costs and slow-paying clients can strain cash flow, so deposits on larger jobs are worth considering.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many installs and equipment sales you win and the size of each job. That figure is revenue before your own costs and taxes.

There is no single AV licence in Canada, but check with your province or territory whether mains-voltage or in-wall electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Also check for a municipal business licence, insurance, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire help.