Yoga classes in rented community spaces

Local adults looking for regular classes, beginners, seniors and people who want a lower-cost alternative to a big studio.

Drop-in fees, class packs and small monthly memberships, plus occasional workshops. Your main costs are room rental per class and insurance.

• Yoga teacher training and safe instruction
• Class planning and sequencing
• Marketing through social media and word of mouth
• Welcoming students of all levels

• Commercial general liability insurance, often required by venues, check that it covers yoga instruction
• Venue contracts and cancellation terms, so you are not paying for an empty room
• Check with your municipality whether any business licence applies
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the CRA
• Winter weather can reduce attendance, so plan for seasonal dips

Estimated startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your mats, props and marketing. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $400 to $3,000, depending on class numbers, pricing and venue costs.

Check commercial general liability insurance, which venues often require, and that it covers yoga instruction. Also check venue contracts and cancellation terms, municipal business licence rules, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold with the CRA.

Useful skills include yoga teacher training and safe instruction, class planning, marketing through social media and word of mouth, and welcoming all levels. Estimates suggest at least about 6 hours a week, and winter can reduce attendance.