Screen printing shop with a storefront or unit

Sports leagues, schools, construction and trades companies needing uniforms, restaurants, breweries, event organizers and local retailers.

Per-item pricing that drops as quantities rise, plus setup fees. Steady income comes from regular accounts such as uniforms, staff wear and seasonal team orders.

• Production planning and meeting deadlines
• Artwork preparation and colour separation
• Quoting and sales to businesses
• Managing suppliers and, later, staff

• Check zoning and any municipal business licence needed for the unit, plus fire code and ventilation requirements
• Check local rules on disposing of ink, emulsion and wash-out water, as these may not go down a standard drain
• Commercial general liability and property insurance are worth getting, and check WCB or WSIB requirements in your province once you hire
• Equipment, lease and blank stock tie up cash, and big orders are often paid late, so plan for deposits
• Seasonal peaks (sports seasons, holidays, school starts) can mean slow months in between

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your press, conveyor dryer, exposure and wash-out area, lease and blank garment stock. Equipment, lease and stock all tie up cash early on.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on order sizes, repeat customers and the season. Sports seasons and school starts can be busy, with quieter months in between, so plan cash flow.

Check zoning, any municipal business licence, fire code and ventilation requirements for your unit. Also check local rules for disposing of ink, emulsion and wash-out water, insurance, and WCB or WSIB requirements in your province once you hire.