Seasonal craft market series organiser

Makers pay for stalls, usually for single dates or a discounted season pass. Visitors may pay an entry fee, and local businesses may pay to sponsor the market.

Stall fees and sponsorship, plus optional admission. A recurring series builds a mailing list and repeat makers, which can lower your marketing cost per event.

• Event planning and scheduling
• Negotiating with venues and the municipality
• Marketing and social media
• Managing volunteers or paid helpers

• Outdoor events usually need a municipal permit and event liability insurance; check requirements and lead times early
• Weather risk: have a rain date, a tent plan or an indoor backup, and consider what you refund to makers
• Food vendors need approval from your local public health unit, so check how this works in your area
• If you hire staff, check workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) rules in your province
• Check whether GST/HST applies to your fees and whether you need a Business Number

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the location, permits, insurance, promotion and any tents or equipment. Check venue and municipal fees early so you can budget for your own market.

Check municipal permit and event liability insurance requirements and lead times. Plan a rain date or indoor backup, and ask your local public health unit about food vendors. Also check workers' compensation rules if you hire staff, and GST/HST and Business Number requirements.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on stall bookings, entry fees and sponsors. The time needed is estimated at a minimum of about 12 hours a week, including planning and promotion.