Small neighbourhood nursery school

Parents and guardians in your neighbourhood, plus subsidy or fee-reduction programs in some provinces if your centre qualifies.

Monthly fees per child, with more income as more spaces are filled. Some centres add extras such as before and after care or seasonal camps.

• Early childhood education or leadership experience
• Managing and hiring staff
• Budgeting and paperwork
• Building trust with parents

• Licensing rules, staff-to-child ratios, space per child and educator qualifications differ by province and territory. Check your regional regulator
• Quebec has its own system with subsidised centres and French-language requirements, so check the provincial rules
• Zoning, building, fire and health inspections can take time and may require renovations
• Commercial general liability insurance, and workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) once you hire. Check your province's rules
• Staffing shortages and wages are a major cost, so plan your budget carefully
• Months of rent and set-up costs before you have a full roster of children

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, any renovations and equipment. Also plan for months of rent and set-up costs before you have a full roster of children.

Check your regional regulator, as licensing, staff-to-child ratios, space per child and educator qualifications differ by province and territory. Quebec has its own system. Also check zoning, building, fire and health inspections, plus insurance and WCB/WSIB once you hire.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your size and fees, with at least 35 hours a week of work. Staffing and wages are a major cost, so plan your budget carefully.