Full-time fencing school with its own venue

Families, adult members, competitive fencers and groups such as schools or youth organizations.

Monthly memberships and session fees, private coaching, camps, group bookings and tournament travel fees. Revenue builds as membership grows and classes fill.

• Strong fencing and coaching background
• Managing members, coaches and a budget
• Marketing to local families and schools

• Zoning, occupancy and business licence rules for a sports facility, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire coaches (rules vary by province)
• A long lease is a big commitment, negotiate carefully and seek advice
• Seasonal dips in summer and around holidays, plan your cash flow
• Coach certification, vulnerable sector checks and club safety policies for youth members

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the size of your leased unit, strips, scoring equipment and kit. These are estimates, so negotiate any long lease carefully and seek advice before signing.

Check zoning, occupancy and business licence rules for a sports facility with your municipality. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire coaches, coach certification, vulnerable sector checks and safety policies for youth members.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on membership, camps, parties and competition training. Plan for at least about 30 hours a week, and expect summer and holiday dips in income.