Pottery Studio with Classes and Open Studio

Adult learners, parents of children, groups booking parties or team events, and returning students.

Course and drop-in fees, party and group bookings, and extras like clay, glazes and firing. Some studios also sell memberships for open studio time.

• Strong throwing and hand-building skills
• Teaching all ages and levels
• Kiln firing and glazing knowledge
• Scheduling, bookings and marketing

• Zoning, business licence and building permit rules vary by municipality, so check before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and read what your policy says about kilns and clients using equipment
• Rent is a fixed cost, and class numbers can dip in summer, so plan for slower months
• Kiln wiring, ventilation and fire safety need to meet local code, so check with your municipality and landlord
• WCB or WSIB coverage may be needed once you hire instructors or staff, so check your provincial rules
• Studio wastewater with clay should not go down drains, so plan for settling buckets and check local rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the size of your rented unit, the number of wheels, tables and kilns, and your fit-out. Rent is a fixed cost, so check lease terms carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on class numbers, kids' sessions, parties and open studio use. Class numbers can dip in summer, so plan for slower months.

Check zoning, business licence and building permit rules with your municipality before signing a lease. Ask about commercial general liability and property insurance, including kilns and clients using equipment. Also check kiln wiring and ventilation, WCB or WSIB when hiring, and clay wastewater rules.