Local needlework shop with stitching classes

Local hobbyists, beginners looking for advice, gift shoppers, and people who attend classes or workshops.

Retail sales of kits and supplies, plus class and workshop fees. Custom framing referrals or finishing services can add extra income.

• Deep knowledge of needlework
• Teaching and helping beginners
• Buying and managing stock
• Customer service and shop management

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, so read the lease carefully before signing
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Check with your municipality about business licences, signage and zoning rules
• Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration and rules in your province
• Slow winter or summer periods, so plan cash flow for quiet months
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, with rules varying by province

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, deposits and how much stock you buy. Read commercial lease terms carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, stock and classes. Slow winter or summer periods can affect income, so plan cash flow for quiet months.

Check commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, plus municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules. Also check commercial general liability and contents insurance, GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff.