Start a local home brewing supply shop in Canada
Open a small shop where home brewers buy ingredients, kits and gear and get advice in person.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail unit stocking grain, hops, yeast, kits and equipment, with staff who help beginners and experienced brewers. Many shops also add wine-making and cider supplies, and sometimes run workshops.
Your first three steps
- Visit existing brewing shops and talk to local brew clubs to find gaps in your area
- Set up accounts with Canadian suppliers and price a starting stock list for a small unit
- Find a low-rent unit and check zoning, lease terms and licence needs with your municipality
Who pays
Local home brewers, beginners, gift buyers and people who want to talk through recipes and fix problems face to face.
How it makes money
Retail markup on ingredients and equipment, with extra income from workshops, equipment rentals and a local online order or pickup service.
Skills that help
- Solid home brewing knowledge
- Retail and stock control
- Friendly customer advice
- Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Rent and stock are the main costs, so check your break-even before signing a lease
- Check municipal business licence and zoning rules, and fire code for storing grain and equipment
- Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, with rules varying by province
- Selling alcohol itself is regulated, so check with your provincial liquor regulator before hosting tastings or selling anything other than ingredients
- Sales may dip in warm months, so plan for seasonality
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a home brewing supply shop?
Estimates typically put startup costs at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much grain, hops, yeast, kits and equipment you stock. Check your break-even before signing a lease.
How much revenue can a home brewing supply shop make?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, range, local demand and any workshops you run. Sales may dip in warm months, so plan for seasonality.
What rules should I check before opening a brewing supply shop?
Check your municipal business licence, zoning and fire code for storing grain and equipment. Also check WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, insurance, and your provincial liquor regulator before hosting tastings or selling anything other than ingredients.
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