Neighbourhood craft and art supply shop

Local hobbyists, artists, students, parents, teachers and gift shoppers who like to see and try materials in person.

Retail margin on supplies and kits, plus fees from workshops, classes and party bookings. Seasonal peaks around the holidays and back to school can boost sales.

• Knowledge of art and craft products
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping
• Running workshops or finding people who can

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and length of commitment
• Municipal business licence and zoning, and signage rules, so check with your municipality
• GST/HST registration and how provincial sales tax applies in your province
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, with rules varying by province
• Slow winter months and unsold stock tying up cash, so plan your buying carefully

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, deposits and opening stock. Check commercial lease terms and the length of commitment carefully, and plan your buying so unsold stock doesn't tie up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, range and how well workshops bring people in. Slow winter months can affect sales, so plan your cash flow.

Check your municipal business licence, zoning and signage rules with your municipality. Also check GST/HST registration, how provincial sales tax applies, insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, as rules vary by province.