After-school chess club and group classes

Parents paying per child, plus schools, parent councils, community centres, libraries and recreation departments that hire instructors.

Per-student fees for a session of weeks, or a flat fee per class from a school or centre. Larger groups raise income per hour of your time.

• Strong chess knowledge
• Managing a group of children
• Lesson planning for mixed levels
• Organizing bookings and payments

• Schools and recreation centres usually ask for a police record check (vulnerable sector check) and proof of insurance, so check their requirements early
• Commercial general liability insurance is worth checking, as venues often require a certificate
• Check whether a school board has rules on outside providers, which can differ by province and district
• Check when to register for GST/HST and how to handle payments from venues
• Programs follow the school year, so summer income may be lower unless you run camps

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many boards and sets you buy and what materials you need. Your own chess knowledge and lesson planning are the main assets, so equipment needs stay fairly small.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many programs you run and how many children attend. Programs follow the school year, so summer income may be lower unless you run camps.

Schools and recreation centres usually ask for a police record check (vulnerable sector check) and proof of insurance. Check whether venues want commercial general liability insurance, and whether your school board has rules on outside providers, which can differ by province.