Driveway snow clearing with a snowblower

Busy families, older homeowners and people who travel or work early shifts, mostly in your own neighbourhood.

A flat price per snowfall or a seasonal contract (a set fee for the whole winter). Add-ons like walkway salting, steps and clearing the end of the driveway bring in extra.

• Physical fitness and stamina
• Reliable at early hours and in bad weather
• Basic small-engine upkeep
• Route planning

• Commercial general liability insurance, including cover for slip-and-fall claims on cleared surfaces
• Check with your municipality about rules for where you can pile snow (not onto roads or sidewalks in some places)
• Winter income depends on snowfall, so a mild winter means fewer jobs; seasonal contracts help smooth this out
• Snowblower injuries and strain, so take breaks and follow safety instructions
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and register for GST/HST if you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $3,500, depending on the snowblower you choose, shovels, ice melt and insurance. It is a way to start without buying a truck.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many homes you serve and how much snow falls. A mild winter means fewer jobs, so seasonal contracts can help smooth income.

Check your municipality's rules on where snow can be piled, since some places don't allow it on roads or sidewalks. Also check commercial general liability insurance covering slip-and-fall claims, and whether you need a business licence or GST/HST registration.