Start a linen laundry service for local businesses

Short-term rental hosts, salons and spas, massage clinics, small hotels and B&Bs, cafés and restaurants.

Price per item or per kilogram or pound on a weekly or twice-weekly contract, with a delivery fee or minimum charge. Repeat contracts give steady income.

• Dependable and punctual
• Knowing how to treat stains and different fabrics
• Basic bookkeeping and invoicing
• Sales and relationship building

• Zoning, water and drainage rules for commercial laundry premises, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for customers' goods
• Food or health businesses may have hygiene standards for linens, check with your local public health unit
• WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Utility costs and equipment breakdowns, and losing a big client
• GST/HST registration once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Start-up cost depends heavily on whether you buy new or used equipment and how much unit fit-out (plumbing, drainage, ventilation, electrical) is needed

Estimates put startup costs typically around $40,000 to $180,000, depending heavily on whether you buy new or used equipment and how much unit fit-out you need, such as plumbing, drainage, ventilation and electrical work.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many clients you win and how much linen they send. Time needed starts at around 25 hours a week. Utility costs, breakdowns and losing a big client are risks to plan for.

Check zoning, water and drainage rules with your municipality, plus commercial general liability insurance and cover for customers' goods. Also check hygiene standards for food or health clients with your public health unit, WCB/WSIB if you hire, and GST/HST registration.