Local mandarin tutor and small classes

Parents who want their children to learn Mandarin, heritage learners, adults preparing for travel or work, and community or cultural organizations.

A per-lesson fee for one-to-one sessions, or a per-student fee for a course of weekly group classes. Group classes earn more per hour once you fill them.

• Fluent Mandarin and good English
• Managing a group of learners, including children
• Lesson planning and teaching materials
• Local marketing and organizing

• Check provincial and municipal rules on business registration and home-based business licences
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check whether educational services are treated differently in your province
• Commercial general liability insurance is worth checking, as many venues ask for proof
• Most venues and parents of children expect a vulnerable sector or police record check, so check what applies
• In Quebec, check the language rules that apply to advertising and course materials
• Winter weather can affect travel and attendance, so have an online backup plan

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on teaching materials, venue hire and marketing. Commercial general liability insurance is worth checking, as many venues ask for proof.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many one-to-one and group classes you run. Many tutors start at about 6 hours a week. Winter weather can affect travel and attendance.

Check provincial and municipal business registration and home-based licence rules, GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and whether educational services are treated differently in your province. Check vulnerable sector or police record checks, and Quebec language rules.