Home-Based entertainment booking agency

Couples planning weddings, parents, corporate event organizers, community groups and venues. Some agencies also take a commission from the performer.

A commission on each booking (often added to the client's price or taken from the performer's fee), or a flat booking fee charged to the client.

• Sales and negotiation
• Organizing and attention to detail
• Building relationships with performers and clients

• Some provinces regulate talent or employment agencies, so check your provincial rules on fees and licensing
• Clear contracts covering cancellations, deposits, travel and who is liable if an act doesn't turn up
• Check whether performers need their own liability insurance and whether you need commercial general liability cover
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Wedding and party demand is seasonal, so plan for quieter winter months

Estimates are typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on your website, marketing and any contract or booking tools. Running from a home office keeps overheads low.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on your roster, the commission you charge and how many events you book. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week, and demand is seasonal.

Check whether your province regulates talent or employment agencies, including fees and licensing. Also check contracts covering cancellations and deposits, insurance, any home-based business licence from your municipality, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the threshold.