Small engine repair shop
Rent a small unit to service and repair outdoor power equipment and sell parts.
- C$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small commercial unit with a workbench, parts stock and a front counter, repairing lawn, garden, snow and power equipment for walk-in customers and local businesses.
Your first three steps
- Get experience or certification in small engine repair, and talk to local shops about what's missing in your area
- Cost out unit rent, tools, initial parts stock and insurance, then build a simple cash-flow plan around the seasons
- Register your business, set up GST/HST if needed, and approach landscapers and property managers for repeat work
Who pays
Homeowners, landscapers, farms, contractors and equipment owners who need regular servicing and quick repairs.
How it makes money
Repair labour, seasonal servicing, parts and accessories, and possibly pickup and delivery. Winter storage and snowblower work can balance the summer rush.
Skills that help
- Strong small engine repair skills
- Parts ordering and stock control
- Customer service and basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and property insurance for the premises and stock
- Zoning, business licence and fire code requirements for the unit; check with your municipality
- Environmental rules for fuel, oil and waste; check provincial requirements
- WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, with rules differing by province
- Seasonal cash flow and a backlog of repairs in spring
🔒 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 open a small engine repair shop in Canada?
Estimates put startup costs at typically around $10,000 to $40,000 CAD, depending on your unit, tools, parts stock and fit-out. Leasing a smaller space and building stock gradually can help keep costs near the lower end.
How much revenue can a small engine repair shop make?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your customer base and season. A shop usually means at least about 35 hours a week, and spring can bring a backlog of repairs.
What licences and rules should I check for a repair shop?
Check zoning, business licence and fire code requirements for your unit with your municipality, plus provincial environmental rules for fuel, oil and waste. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, as rules differ by province.
Other ways to run this business
Mobile small engine repair
Fix lawnmowers, snowblowers, generators and chainsaws at customers' homes and properties.
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- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home workshop engine repair
Repair mowers, trimmers and chainsaws in your garage or shed, with drop-off and pickup.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
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