Small English Language School

Newcomers and immigrant families, international students, working adults, and employers who want staff to improve their English.

Course fees per term or month, plus exam preparation courses and private lessons. Revenue grows by filling classes and adding sessions.

• Teaching or curriculum design
• Organizing schedules and students
• Marketing to local communities
• Managing and hiring teachers

• Rules differ by province: some regulate private career colleges or language schools that charge fees or offer certain programs, while others exempt small or short courses. Confirm with your provincial regulator before advertising or taking payment
• Do not claim to help with immigration or study permits unless you are properly authorized; check federal and provincial rules
• Commercial general liability insurance and a lease you can exit if enrolment is slow
• Check WCB/WSIB requirements once you hire teachers, and whether they are employees or contractors
• Enrolment can dip in summer and around holidays, so plan cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your rented space, materials and how many classes you launch with. Check that your lease can be exited if enrolment is slow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on class numbers, pricing and enrolment. The estimates assume at least about 20 hours a week. Enrolment can dip in summer and around holidays, so plan cash flow.

Rules differ by province. Some regulate private career colleges or language schools that charge fees or offer certain programs, while others exempt small or short courses. Confirm with your provincial regulator before advertising or taking payment.