In-Home cooking lessons and private parties

Busy families, new cooks, couples, people hosting birthdays or showers, and older people wanting to learn to cook for themselves.

Flat fee per lesson or party, often plus the cost of ingredients, with packages of several lessons at a set price.

• Cooking skills you can explain simply
• Patience and a friendly teaching style
• Adapting to different kitchens and dietary needs
• Reliable timekeeping

• Commercial general liability insurance that covers working in clients' homes
• Because you are not selling food to the public, check with your public health unit and municipality whether any permit applies
• Ask about allergies and dietary needs before every booking
• Check whether you need a home-based business licence if you run bookings from home
• Winter travel and transport costs, so consider limiting your service area

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on the teaching equipment you carry, insurance and how you advertise. Costs also depend on how far you travel to clients' homes.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many lessons or parties you book and what you charge. That is revenue before travel and ingredients. Around 5 hours a week is a typical starting point.

Check that your liability insurance covers working in clients' homes, and ask your public health unit and municipality whether any permit applies. Also ask about allergies before every booking and check home-based business licence rules.