Private chess coach for kids and adults

Parents of school-age children, adult hobbyists and improving club players.

Hourly rate per lesson, often sold as a block of lessons or a monthly package. Regular weekly students give steady income.

• Strong chess knowledge and clear explanations
• Patience, especially with young children
• Planning lessons for different levels
• Comfortable on video calls

• Check whether you need a police record check (vulnerable sector check), as parents and organizations often ask for one when you work with children
• Consider commercial general liability insurance, especially for in-person lessons
• Check with your municipality about home-based business rules if students visit your home
• Register as a sole proprietor with your province and check when you need to register for GST/HST
• Demand can dip in summer and around exam periods, so plan for uneven months

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $100 to $800, depending on the teaching materials, software and equipment you choose for online and in-person lessons. Insurance and any record check fees may also affect your costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many students you teach, your lesson rates and your hours. These are estimates only, and demand can dip in summer and around exam periods, so plan for uneven months.

Check whether you need a police record check (vulnerable sector check), as parents and organizations often ask for one. Also consider commercial general liability insurance, check municipal home-based business rules, and check sole proprietor registration and GST/HST.