Live music and performer booking agency

Couples planning weddings, event planners, companies, bars, festivals and municipalities hiring entertainment. The agency commission comes out of the performer's fee, or is added on top.

A commission on each gig, or a booking fee added to the performer's price. Peak seasons usually bring the most enquiries.

• Knowing the local music and entertainment scene
• Sales and quoting
• Clear contracts and communication
• Handling last-minute changes calmly

• Rules for talent or artist agents differ by province (some regulate or license them, others do not), so check with your provincial regulator before you start taking bookings
• Use written contracts covering fees, deposits, cancellations and who is responsible for sound equipment and travel
• Check whether you need commercial general liability insurance and whether event clients ask for proof
• Venues may have music licensing needs (SOCAN, for example), so check who is responsible
• Demand is seasonal, with summer and holidays busiest and winter often quieter in many regions
• Check with your municipality whether a business licence or home-based business permit is needed, and register your business name with your province if required

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your setup and how you promote your performers. Written contracts covering fees, deposits and cancellations are worth having in place before you take bookings.

Rules for talent or artist agents differ by province, with some regulating or licensing them and others not, so check with your provincial regulator before taking bookings. Also check whether your municipality needs a business licence or home-based business permit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many gigs you book. Commission comes out of the performer's fee or is added on top. Summer and holidays are busiest, and winter is often quieter in many regions.