Dedicated comedy club venue

Audiences buying tickets, food and drinks, plus groups booking private or corporate shows.

Ticket sales plus bar and food sales, which are often a large share of income. Extra income can come from room rentals, workshops and open mic nights.

• Managing a venue and a small team
• Booking and negotiating with comics and agents
• Marketing and ticketing
• Handling budgets and stock

• A liquor licence is likely needed and can take months, so check your provincial regulator's process and timeline
• Zoning, fire code, occupancy limits and accessibility requirements for the premises
• Food service permits from the local public health unit if you serve food
• Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire
• High fixed costs such as rent and staff, so weak ticket sales can hurt quickly
• Winter and summer attendance swings, and in Quebec, French-language rules for signage and service

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $60,000 to $300,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, sound and lighting, and bar setup. High fixed costs such as rent and staff mean weak ticket sales can hurt quickly.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on how many show nights you run, ticket prices, food and drink sales, and private bookings. Attendance can swing between winter and summer.

A liquor licence is likely needed and can take months, so check your provincial regulator's process. Also check zoning, fire code, occupancy limits, accessibility, food service permits, liability and liquor liability insurance, and WCB or WSIB once you hire.