Small-Town christmas market organiser

Stallholders such as makers, bakers and craft sellers pay for their table or booth. Visitors may pay a small entry fee or donation, and local businesses may sponsor.

Stall fees minus venue rent, insurance and advertising. Extras can include a small door charge, a coffee or raffle table, and sponsorship from local businesses.

• Organising and planning
• Persuading and managing vendors
• Social media and local promotion

• Event liability insurance for the organiser, and check whether the venue requires proof of cover
• Food vendors usually need a permit or approval from the local public health unit, check what applies to you and them
• Check with your municipality about event permits, fire capacity limits and any signage rules
• Weather and travel conditions can hurt attendance, so have a plan for bad snow days
• Some markets also need a business licence or a Business Number, check with your province and the CRA

Startup costs for a small community market are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on venue rental, promotion and insurance. Check whether the venue requires proof of event liability cover.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on stall numbers, fees and sponsors. The estimates assume at least about 6 hours a week. Weather and travel conditions can hurt attendance, so plan for bad snow days.

Things to check include event permits, fire capacity limits and signage rules with your municipality. Food vendors usually need approval from the local public health unit. Some markets also need a business licence or a Business Number.