Private sports coach: lessons at parks, courts and homes

Parents who want extra help for their children, and adults wanting to learn or improve.

Hourly or per-session fees, with discounts for packages of lessons or small groups. Outdoor work slows in winter unless you add indoor options.

• Strong skill in your sport and ability to explain it simply
• Reliable and good with people of different ages
• Marketing yourself through word of mouth and social media

• Commercial general liability insurance
• Some cities require permits to run paid lessons in parks or on public courts, so check with your municipality
• Police record checks and coaching certification are often expected when working with children
• Winter seasonality, so plan for indoor rentals or a different sport in cold months
• Registering for GST/HST if your revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your sport, the equipment you need and your insurance. Travelling to public courts, parks or clients' yards keeps premises costs low or nil.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many clients you take on, your lesson rates and the time of year. Winter seasonality can affect outdoor sports, so plan for it.

Check commercial general liability insurance, and whether your city requires permits for paid lessons in parks or on public courts. Police record checks and coaching certification are often expected with children. Also check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.