Canada is one of the most attractive countries to launch a new business, with a thriving entrepreneurial culture, access to digital tools, and modern infrastructure. In addition, Canada has a growing, diverse population and plenty of room for innovation and growth. All these aspects combined, make it easier than ever to launch a business in Canada.
While starting your own company can be a daunting prospect, some types of businesses are easier to get off the ground than others. In this article, we introduce you to some easy business ideas for Canadians.
Why Choose an Easy Business Option?
If you want to start your own company but have no or little previous business experience, choosing a business with low barriers to entry can make your new venture run smoother from the start. While Canada has a favourable business environment, starting a new business can still be complex and overwhelming.
Low-barrier businesses can offer new entrepreneurs many benefits, including reduced risks by requiring little or no upfront investment and flexibility; they are often easy to start and run even alongside a full-time job. Businesses that have low entry barriers, allow entrepreneurs to test their ideas without big financial risks, build a customer base, and gradually expand without incurring significant operational or financial burdens. By starting small, Canadian entrepreneurs can gain valuable experience, whilst growing at their own pace.
25 Easy Businesses to Start for Canadians
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide administrative, creative, or technical support remotely to businesses, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Typical tasks for a virtual assistant include managing emails, handling customer service, scheduling appointments, data entry, and more. With more businesses focusing on operating online, virtual assistants are essential for helping them stay organised and efficient without full-time, in-house staff.
Starting as a virtual assistant requires a reliable computer and internet connection, and since most people already have both, you can start with no upfront costs. The best places to look for work when you are starting a virtual assistant business include Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, which allow you to connect with a worldwide customer base.
Tutor
Tutors provide academic support to learners of all ages and can offer their services both online and in-person. While people look for support in a wide range of topics, subjects such as math, languages, science, and test preparation are always in high demand. In-person tutoring is generally done at the student’s home or in public spaces such as libraries, while online tutoring can be done through tutoring websites or platforms such as Zoom.
Starting as a tutor, whether online or in-person, requires you to advertise your services. You can do this online through dedicated tutoring platforms, which allow you to reach clients across the world or locally by posting in stores or online in local groups, for example, on Facebook. Most places, including tutoring websites, allow you to advertise for free. With a growing demand for more personalised education, tutoring can offer you a steady income and a long-term business opportunity.
Translator
If you are fluent in more than one language, you can offer your services as a translator. While in the past, working as a translator usually required a university degree, many companies are now willing to hire translators without a degree as long as they have proven skills in the target and source languages. Translators can work as freelancers or sign up with a translation agency, both of which can be started with no upfront cost.
Today, most translation work is carried out remotely, so all you will need is a computer and internet access. Some translation agencies may also require you to have specific translation software, which may incur some costs to you. Translators can use platforms such as ProZ (a dedicated platform for translators), Upwork, and LinkedIn to find clients worldwide. If you can combine your translation skills with a proven knowledge of a specialist field such as legal or medical, you can often demand higher rates for your services.
Computer Training
Canadians who know their way around computers can utilise their skills by offering computer training to individuals and small groups. This may involve teaching your clients specific computer programmes, about specific devices or digital tools. Common focus areas for beginners include basic computer skills, email usage, Microsoft Office, and internet safety, while more advanced clients may prefer to learn about graphic design, software, or coding.
You can offer computer training either in-person or online and target groups such as seniors, job seekers, or small business owners. You can start working with no upfront costs unless you choose to pay for advertising. While this business is easy to start, it offers good scalability through hosting workshops, offering one-on-one sessions, and creating digital courses.
Photographer
Canadians who love photography and own a proper camera, can offer their services as a photographer. You can photograph, for example, events, portraits, real estate, and products, working for both individuals and companies. Photographers can specialise in niches such as family photography, weddings, corporate, headshots, or creating content for social media.
In addition, photographers can take high-quality images of, for example, historical landmarks and nature, and sell these pictures online through various platforms. You may also offer photography lessons both in-person and online to further diversify your income streams. While starting a photography business incurs startup costs, it is possible to start gradually, with a good basic camera and invest some of your profits to upgrade your equipment and create a personlised website to showcase your work.
Handyman Services
If you are good with your hands and know basic plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, you can offer your services as a handyman. This work involves carrying out general repair, maintenance, and installation work for private homes and small businesses. Work can range from assembling furniture and fixing leaky pipes to repairing drywalls and painting.
Launching a handyman service requires you to invest some money upfront, mainly on tools and possibly a vehicle. You then need to advertise your services, which can be done both online in local places, such as cafes and stores. For businesses such as handyman services, word-of-mouth is also an invaluable marketing tool. Before starting your handyman business, make sure you check local regulations to see if you are required a license to operate, especially if you plan to carry out plumbing or electrical work.
Bicycle Repair
Repairing bicycles is a great business idea for Canadians who love cycling and know their bikes. You can offer your bicycle services at your home, or even better, offer mobile bicycle repairs. People love convenience and if you go to them, or their workplace, you remove the hassle of them having to come to you. In addition, if you offer to repair bikes at a company’s premises, you can get multiple clients in one day.
You can start a bicycle repair company with relatively low startup costs; you will need bike tools and spare parts. You will also need either a workspace or the means to get to your clients if offering mobile services. New bicycle repair services can find clients by advertising, for example, at local cycling clubs or community centres, or online through local community groups.
Online Marketplace Assistant
Organised individuals can offer their services as an online marketplace assistant, which involves helping individuals or small businesses in managing their listings, writing item descriptions, pricing, shipping, and communicating with customers. To succeed you will need a good understanding of how online marketplaces operate and some marketing skills.
You can start working as an online marketplace assistant at no upfront investment other than your time. Online marketplace assistants usually charge their clients a flat fee or they get commision on each sale. Which is better for you, depends on the price of the item for sale, so it is best to consider each case separately. If you are interested in working as an online marketplace assistant, you can start by looking for clients online.
Editorial Services
If you have strong language skills and attention to detail, you can offer your services as an editor. This work involved polishing written content for grammar, structure, clarity, and overall quality. You can offer services at different tiers from straightforward proofreading to more advanced services such as copyediting, formatting, substantive editing, and even ghostwriting for clients ranging from businesses and bloggers to authors and publishers.
Most editing work is done remotely nowadays, making it a great opportunity for new entrepreneurs to work from home with low or not startup costs. Editors can find clients through platforms such as Reedsy, Upwork, and Freelancer, or you can approach potential clients directly. This can be a crowded market, so specialising in, for example, technical manuals or academic writing, can help you stand out and potentially ask for higher rates.
Video Editing
The rise of vlogging platforms such as YouTube and social media has opened up new opportunities for individuals who are skilled at editing videos. If you have a good eye for storytelling, visual effects, and pacing, you can offer your services to a range of clients, including YouTubers, social media influencers, companies, and individual clients.
To start, you will need a capable computer and video editing software. There is some free software available but these come with limited editing abilities so it is worth investing in good editing software from the start. As a video editor, you can work remotely and choose your hours. To diversify your income streams, you can also offer online tutorials on video editing.
Event Planning
Event planners organise and coordinate events and this is an ideal business for Canadians who have strong organisation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Event planners can work with businesses, for example, planning corporate meetings or seminars, or with individuals when work would involve events such as weddings or christenings.
Starting as an event planner requires no upfront monetary investment if you decide to rely on free advertising. A strong social media will help to build your reputation and you need to be prepared to network. As a new event planner, your first events are likely to be small with only small profits, but as your reputation grows, you can work on larger events, offering custom packages and planning based on your clients’ needs.
Marketing Copywriter
Marketing copywriters create compelling content to promote products, services, and brands. This can include, for example, blog posts, website copy, email campaigns, adverts, and social media posts. Marketing copywriters need a creative mindset and strong writing skills to capture a brand’s voice and help them connect with their target audience.
While startup costs are low, prior experience is often required, especially if you wish to work with larger and more established brands. However, if you have the skills, you can start by offering your services to new brands and grow your reputation. As your reputation grows, you can increase your fees. You might also be able to charge higher rates by specialising, for example, in technological, health, or financial copywriting.
Remote Customer Service
This role is similar to the role of a virtual assistant but focuses on helping customers either by phone, email, chat, or social media. If you have strong communication skills, plenty of patients, and you enjoy solving problems, remote customer service could be an ideal business opportunity for you. As companies are increasingly outsourcing their customer support, there is growing support for remote agents who can help with, for example, troubleshooting, inquiries, and order processing.
To start, you will need a computer and a reliable internet connection. If you are offering customer support by phone (usually through your computer), you might also need a headset. Many companies offer flexible hours for remote customer servers, so you can choose how many hours and when to work. Platforms such as Indeed or Upwork can help you find suitable roles.
Tour Guide
If you enjoy working with people and sharing your knowledge, you might enjoy working as a tour guide, leading groups on guided tours and providing them with historical, cultural, and practical details about locations. Tour guides can work in various locations from cities to national parks, offer walking or bus tours, or specialised experiences such as eco-tours or food tours.
You can start with minimal costs by offering walking tours at first and promoting your services online or through local travel agencies and hotels. If you are willing to invest more, you can create your own website to attract more clients. The downside of this line of work is that in certain areas it can be seasonal, meaning your income may fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year. You should also check if you need a license or certification to operate as a tour guide in your area.
Catering Services
If you love cooking and baking, you could start a catering service, preparing and delivering food for events such as parties, weddings, and corporate meetings. You can offer clients a range of packages from full-course meals to canapes and desserts and tailor them to different cultural tastes and dietary preferences.
Your startup costs will include kitchen equipment, ingredients, and transportation. You will also need to invest time in marketing your services. An easy way to start is by offering your services to people you know as word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools. In addition, you can advertise your services on social media and through local platforms. Building relationships with popular venues and local event planners can also increase your chances of success.
Social Media Management
Social media managers work with businesses and individuals to maintain a strong presence on social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok. This business idea is best suited to Canadians who are creative, know their way around social media, and stay up-to-date with social media developments, such as changing algorithms.
To work as a social media manager you will need a computer, internet access, and scheduling and analytics tools since the work includes creating and scheduling content, tracking engagements, and analysing performance. Aspiring social media managers can look for clients on freelancing platforms or it may be possible to contact potential clients directly, especially if they are just starting out like yourself.
Cleaning
Offering cleaning services to individuals or commercial clients is one business idea that is not influenced by changing trends; there will always be people and companies who need help with cleaning. Cleaning services range from routine house and office cleaning to more specialised services such as deep cleaning or post-construction cleaning.
This type of business is easy to start as a solo entrepreneur or with a friend to allow you to reach more clients from the start. Startup costs are relatively low, requiring mainly cleaning supplies, equipment, and transport. Word-of-mouth is an important marketing tool and you can advertise through local stores and online platforms. As your reputation grows, you can expand your business by hiring more staff and perhaps even taking a more managerial role yourself.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Related to cleaning services, you may prefer to specialise your company and offer carpet and upholstery cleaning only, which are services that are not included in routine cleaning services. You can offer carpet and upholstery cleaning service to private clients, offices, and commercial properties.
Starting a carpet and upholstery business requires some initial investment, as you will need cleaning machines, detergents, and transport. Your best marketing tools include word-of-mouth and local advertising, both in physical locations such as cafes and libraries and online on neighbourhood chats and websites such as Yelp.
Gift Basket Service
Starting a gift basket service is great for Canadians who have a knack for creating thoughtful and unique gift combinations for various occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, weddings, holidays, and corporate gifts. Your gift baskets can include a range of items from gourmet foods to wellness products, chosen specially for the occasion.
A gift basket service can be started with relatively low financial investment. You will need the baskets, wrapping materials, and products included to get started. You can sell your gift baskets at local markets, through online platforms, and by taking custom orders directly from clients. Creating a social media presence for your service will help you showcase your gift baskets to a wider audience and drive online sales.
Tax Preparer
If you have thorough knowledge of the Canadian tax system, you can offer your services as a tax preparer, helping businesses and individuals to prepare and file their tax returns. With more Canadians starting their own businesses or running side hustles, there is rising demand for professionals who can assist with tax preparation.
While you can launch your own tax preparation service with minimal costs, you may first need to spend time and money obtaining certifications or licenses. Some locations may require you to do this before you can work as a tax preparer and even if you are not legally required to have a license or certification, they will increase your credibility and help you attract clients. While tax preparation is seasonal work, you can also offer ongoing tax planning to regulate your income.
Financial Planner
Canadians who have in-depth knowledge on financial topics such as budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and insurance can work as financial planners, helping companies and individuals manage their finances. As a financial planner, you can work on a fee or commission basis and offer personalised financial plans as well as ongoing investment management advice.
Startup costs include office supplies and possibly certifications and licenses. It is advisable to check before starting what license or certificates you might need in your area to work as a financial advisor. To ensure long-term success as a financial advisor, you will need to build trust with clients and establish a reputation for integrity.
Moving Service
Canadians who are physically fit, have good logistical skills, and possibly already own a van, could consider starting a moving service company. There is always steady demand for moving companies in Canada, especially in growing urban areas, so this business idea has plenty of long-term and expansion potential.
Your starting costs will depend on whether you already have a suitable vehicle. New movers can start small, specialising in, for example, small apartment or specialty items that can be moved with a smaller vehicle. As your business grows, you can reinvest in bigger vehicles, a bigger fleet, and hire more staff. Building a reputation for reliability and care in handling customers’ possessions are crucial for long-term success.
Jewellery Making
Creative Canadians with an eye for design and passion for jewellery can design and craft ready-made and custom jewellery pieces, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. New jewellery makers can start by selling their items online through platforms such as Marketspot Canada or Etsy or in-person at fairs and markets.
Making jewellery can be expensive, but you can keep your costs lower by starting with basic materials and tools and investing in more specialised equipment and upgraded materials as your business grows. As a jewellery maker, you will have to compete with cheap, mass-produced jewellery but there will always be a market for handmade items, made with care and precision. You just need to be prepared to invest time and effort in building your brand and finding the right audience for your jewellery.
Interior Designer
Interior designers design and decorate clients’ homes or working spaces, by helping their clients select colours, accessories, furniture, and layouts that enhance the functionality and feel of the space. This business idea is ideal for Canadians who have a keen eye for design and an understanding of spatial arrangements. Interior designers can work with homeowners, companies, and real estate agents.
While it is possible to start with no financial costs, for example, by leveraging free tools such as social media. However, using paid advertising, both on social media and elsewhere, can help you find clients faster. Having an existing portfolio of work will help attract clients but don’t worry if you don’t have one. You can build your portfolio by offering your services at reduced rates, or even free for the first few clients, and build your way up.
Website Developer
Canadians who have an eye for visual design and technical skills such as coding and programming, can become website developers. As a website developer, you can work with a range of clients, building and maintaining their websites with a focus on design, functionality, and user experience. You also have the option to specialise in offering front-end development (visuals and interactive elements), back-end development (server functionality), or full-stack, which covers both aspects.
To start, you will need a computer, reliable internet connection, and software tools, and you may also incur hosting fees. Your clients can range from businesses to bloggers and personal portfolios. There are plenty of opportunities for freelance website developers. However, there is also plenty of competition, so building a reputation for visually attractive, user-friendly, secure websites that are optimised for search engines will be key to your success.
Final Thoughts on Starting an Easy Business in Canada
There are numerous advantages to starting an easy business in Canada ranging from low startup costs to flexibility and additional income. By choosing an easy business idea that aligns with your interests and skills, you can increase your chances of long-term success and satisfaction. While there will still be challenges, and in many cases it will take time to build a reliable income stream, with the right approach and determination, running your own business venture in Canada can offer long-term rewards.
Sources
- Government of Canada: Starting a Business – https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/start.html
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): How to Start a Business in Canada – https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/start-buy-business/start-business/how-start-business-canada
- Government of Canada: Getting Business Support and Financing – https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/start/support-financing.html
- Futurpreneur – https://futurpreneur.ca/en/
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Toolkit for entrepreneurs – https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/start-buy-business/start-business
- 95 Business Ideas To Start In Canada – https://www.starterstory.com/home-based-business-ideas-canada
