Screen printing shop for businesses and events
Run a small print shop with a multi-colour press, taking bulk orders for businesses, schools and event organizers.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A rented unit with a multi-station press, dryer and screen-making area. You produce larger, repeat orders of branded clothing and promotional items, often one to several colours.
Your first three steps
- Get experience at an existing print shop or take training, and price out a used multi-station press and dryer
- Look at industrial units and check zoning, rent, ventilation and power needs before signing a lease
- Visit local businesses, leagues and schools with sample garments and a simple price sheet
Who pays
Local businesses, schools, sports leagues, festivals, charities, contractors and companies ordering staff uniforms or merchandise.
How it makes money
Per-piece pricing based on quantity and number of colours, plus setup fees and garment markup. Repeat corporate and club clients bring steadier income.
Skills that help
- Print production and press setup
- Colour matching and quality control
- Quoting, scheduling and customer service
- Basic sales and local networking
Watch out for
- Check zoning and your municipality's business licence requirements for a commercial unit
- Commercial general liability and property insurance; workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) coverage once you hire, with rules varying by province
- Handling of inks, solvents and wastewater: check provincial and municipal environmental and disposal rules
- Fire safety and ventilation requirements for dryers and chemicals
- Cash flow: lease and equipment costs come before steady orders, and demand can dip in slower seasons
- Copyright and trademark permissions for customer artwork
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a screen printing shop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the press and dryer, screen-making setup, the unit you rent and your opening stock of blanks and inks.
How much can a small screen printing shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many repeat bulk orders you win and the seasons you work through. Expect at least about 35 hours a week.
What rules apply to running a screen printing shop in Canada?
Check zoning and your municipality's business licence rules, fire safety and ventilation for dryers and chemicals, provincial and municipal rules on inks, solvents and wastewater, workers' compensation once you hire, and copyright permissions for customer artwork.
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