Sports rental shop or kiosk

Tourists, day-trippers, local families, school or camp groups and visitors who did not bring their own gear.

Hourly, half-day and full-day rental rates, group packages, and add-ons like lessons, lockers or accessories. A busy location can also sell small items like sunscreen or snacks if allowed.

• Equipment fitting and basic repair
• Customer service and handling busy periods
• Inventory and pricing management

• Commercial general liability insurance, and insurance for theft, damage and loss of gear
• Check with your municipality about business licences, zoning and signage for a kiosk or shop
• Operating on public or park land usually needs a permit or concession agreement, so check early
• Heavy seasonal swings in income and weather, so plan cash for quiet months
• Check your provincial rules on staff, WCB/WSIB coverage and employment standards if you hire help
• Safety standards for items like helmets and life jackets, and keeping records of gear checks

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $10,000 to $50,000 CAD, depending on the shop, container or kiosk you choose, how much gear you buy and whether you run a summer line, a winter line or both.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on location, weather and season. Income swings heavily between seasons, so plan to have enough cash set aside for the quiet months.

Check with your municipality about business licences, zoning and signage. Operating on public or park land usually needs a permit or concession agreement, so check early. Also check insurance, and provincial rules on staff and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help.