Full-Time entertainer for hire

Event planners, corporate clients, wedding couples, schools, festivals, restaurants, bars and municipalities.

Fees per booking, plus repeat clients, higher-priced corporate and wedding work, and extras like workshops or custom shows. Many performers also add seasonal work such as holiday events.

• A strong, adaptable act for different audiences
• Marketing and networking with planners and venues
• Contracts, invoicing and managing your own schedule

• Commercial general liability insurance, and insurance for your equipment
• Income can be uneven, with slower months in winter and busy summer and holiday seasons, so plan your cash flow
• Check with your municipality about business licensing and any permits for public or outdoor performances
• Check music licensing requirements if you perform or play copyrighted music
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and set aside money for income tax and CPP contributions as a self-employed person
• Travel costs and time between gigs can eat into profit

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your act, equipment, marketing and travel needs. Remember to budget for insurance on both liability and your equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many gigs you book and your fees. Income can be uneven, with slower winter months and busier summer and holiday seasons, so plan your cash flow.

Check business licensing and any permits for public or outdoor performances with your municipality, plus music licensing if you play copyrighted music. Also check commercial general liability insurance, GST/HST registration past the small supplier threshold, and income tax and CPP as a self-employed person.