Neighbourhood Toy Library with a Small Shop Space

Local families, grandparents, home daycares, preschools and community groups.

Membership fees at different levels, drop-in play session fees, hire of the space for small birthday parties, and sometimes grants or sponsorship if you set up as a non-profit.

• Running a small space and opening hours
• Managing inventory and volunteers or staff
• Welcoming parents and children

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for children visiting your premises
• Fire, occupancy and accessibility rules for the space, which differ by municipality and province
• Toy safety: check Health Canada's rules and recalls, and keep a regular cleaning routine
• If staff or volunteers work with children, check whether police record checks are expected by your province or insurer
• Rent and fixed costs can be hard to cover in the first months, so test demand first
• WCB/WSIB coverage when you hire, GST/HST registration thresholds, and French-language rules in Quebec

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $35,000, depending on your space, toy collection and fit-out. These are estimates. Rent and fixed costs can be hard to cover early on, so test demand first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on memberships and any play sessions or activities you add. Expect to work from about 20 hours a week running the space.

Check commercial general liability insurance, fire, occupancy and accessibility rules for your space, and Health Canada toy safety. Also check whether police record checks are expected for staff or volunteers working with children.