Online local news site and newsletter

Local businesses buying newsletter and website ads, and readers paying for memberships or subscriptions. Local organizations may pay for sponsored listings.

Sponsorships and ads sold by month, paid subscriptions or memberships, and paid event or job listings.

• Reporting and writing
• Using a website and email tools
• Selling sponsorships locally

• Defamation and privacy law: check what applies in your province, and consider media liability insurance
• Copyright for images and quotes; use your own photos or licensed ones
• Canada's anti-spam law (CASL) requires consent for email subscribers, so check the rules before sending newsletters
• Register your business and check whether you need a home-based business licence from your municipality
• Check French-language requirements if publishing in Quebec
• Audience growth can be slow, so expect a few months before sponsors commit

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500 CAD, depending on your website, email tools and equipment. These are estimates only, so build a budget around your own setup and the area you plan to cover.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many sponsors and paying readers you attract. Audience growth can be slow, so expect a few months before sponsors commit. Plan for at least 15 hours a week.

Check defamation and privacy law in your province and consider media liability insurance. Canada's anti-spam law (CASL) requires consent for email subscribers. Also check image and quote copyright, business registration, any home-based business licence, and French-language requirements in Quebec.