Small-Group pottery classes from a home studio

Adults looking for a creative night out, parents of children, and friends booking a small private session.

Per-session or multi-week course fees per student, plus extra for clay, glazing and firing. Private group bookings can be priced per person.

• Solid hand-building and glazing skills
• Patient, clear teaching
• Managing small groups safely
• Basic bookkeeping

• Home-based business licence and zoning rules vary by municipality, so check before you advertise
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether your home insurer covers visitors and business use
• Kilns need proper electrical work, ventilation and fire safety, so check with an electrician and your insurer
• Clay dust and glaze materials need careful handling and clean-up, and a cold garage may be hard to use in winter
• Extra care and consent are needed if you teach children, and check any local requirements

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your space, tables, tools, clay and glazes, and whether you buy a kiln or use a shared kiln or local firing service.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on class size, how many sessions you run each week, and your pricing. Many owners start part-time at around six hours a week.

Check your municipality's home-based business licence and zoning rules before advertising. Ask about commercial general liability insurance and whether your home insurer covers visitors. Kilns need proper electrical work, ventilation and fire safety, and teaching children needs extra care and consent.