Small hire space for parties and meetings

Families planning celebrations, community groups, instructors, small businesses and local event planners.

Hire fees by the hour, half day or full day, plus extras like cleaning, setup, equipment hire and cut-price weekday rates for regular groups.

• Organising bookings and calendars
• Friendly customer service
• Basic marketing and social media
• Handy with setup and upkeep

• Zoning, change of use and maximum occupancy, check with your municipality and fire department
• Alcohol rules: check your provincial liquor regulator on whether guests can bring alcohol or you need a licence or special occasion permit
• Commercial general liability insurance, and whether you need host liquor liability cover
• Lease terms, rent is a fixed cost whether or not the space is booked
• Music licensing and any tariffs for events, check what applies
• Accessibility, washrooms and exits, check building and fire code requirements

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the space, furniture, lighting and kitchenette you set up. Remember that rent is a fixed cost whether or not the space is booked.

Check zoning, change of use and maximum occupancy with your municipality and fire department. Also check provincial alcohol rules, insurance including possible host liquor liability, music licensing, and building and fire code requirements for washrooms, exits and accessibility.

As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how often the space is booked and your pricing. The estimate assumes about 15 hours a week or more of managing bookings and upkeep.