Business
Business Ideas for New Immigrants in Canada: Find the One That Fits You
By Gopi · Last verified
In 2019, the year I arrived in Canada, I started two things: my consulting business (today I help businesses optimise how they work, including adopting AI) and my YouTube channel. Neither needed much money to start, but both needed me to match the idea to what I enjoy and what I could give time to. That’s what this page helps you do: tell it your interests, budget and time, and see the business ideas that fit you, with what each one needs and how to start.
In short
- Start from you: your interests, your budget and the time you really have. The finder below matches ideas to all three.
- Each idea shows: who it suits, what you’ll need, what to check first (licences, insurance, rules), a plan for your first 7 days and a ready-to-send message for your first customers.
- Using AI too? Copy the ready-made prompt in the finder into any AI assistant, then check its answers against the rules on the idea cards.
- Test small: try your idea with a few real customers before you spend on branding or stock.
- Register simply: a sole proprietorship is the simplest way to start; incorporate later if it grows.
- On a work or study permit? Check your permit’s conditions with IRCC before you work for yourself.
The four things I had in mind
When I started my journey into the unknown in 2019, I kept four points in front of me:
- It has to interest me, enough that I’d still be doing it five years from now.
- Time has value, and growth is asymmetric. The time I put in early compounds; the rewards don’t grow in a straight line, so starting matters more than starting perfectly.
- It has to keep me motivated and going, through the slow months too.
- No inventory. I personally didn’t want a business that needed stock bought up front.
Use them as a filter alongside the finder below: if an idea fails your own version of these questions, keep looking.
Find your business idea
My take
Pick what you enjoy first, not what sounds most profitable. You’ll be doing it on tired evenings and slow weekends, and enjoying the work is what keeps you going until the money follows. The ideas marked “I do this” are the ones I run myself.
Use AI the right way
Want more ideas? Copy this prompt into ChatGPT, Claude or any AI assistant. It's built from your choices above. Then come back and check the rules on the idea cards below: AI tools can get Canadian rules wrong or out of date.
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AI and automation help for small businesses I do this
Help local businesses save time with AI tools and simple automations: emails, bookings, invoices, content.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- People who like technology and explaining it simply.
- You'll need
- A laptop, a few tools you know well, and examples of time you've saved.
- Check first
- No licence for general consulting. Be careful with client data and privacy.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: List 10 local businesses you could help and one repetitive task each one has
- Days 2 to 4: Offer three of them a free 30-minute review and fix one task each
- Days 5 to 7: Turn the results into a simple before-and-after example and set your price
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering AI and automation help for small businesses here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Websites and online presence for local businesses I do this
Build simple websites, professional email and Google listings for shops, salons and trades.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Detail-minded people who enjoy design and tech.
- You'll need
- A laptop and a portfolio of two or three sample sites.
- Check first
- No licence needed. Agree in writing who owns the domain and site.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: List 10 local businesses with no website or an outdated one
- Days 2 to 4: Build one sample site for a business you know
- Days 5 to 7: Show it to three owners and ask what they would pay for one like it
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering simple websites and online setup for local businesses here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
Online presence step Try Zoho (affiliate link · I use this)
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YouTube and content creation I do this
Share what you know on YouTube or social media and earn from ads, sponsors and affiliate links.
Budget: Under about $500 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Patient people who enjoy teaching or showing things.
- You'll need
- A phone or camera, a microphone and free or low-cost editing software.
- Check first
- Disclose sponsored content and affiliate links clearly.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Pick one topic you know well and list ten video ideas people search for
- Days 2 to 4: Film and publish your first short video with your phone
- Days 5 to 7: Read the comments and analytics, then plan your next three videos
Content creation guide How to start a YouTube channel the right way (opens YouTube in a new tab) Try vidIQ (affiliate link · I use this)
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Video editing for creators and businesses
Edit videos, shorts and reels for creators and small businesses that don't have time.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Creative people who like fine detail.
- You'll need
- A capable computer and editing software.
- Check first
- No licence needed. Get permission for any music and footage you use.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Edit three short sample videos from free footage or your own clips
- Days 2 to 4: Post them as a small portfolio online
- Days 5 to 7: Message five creators or businesses offering one free edit
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering video editing for creators and small businesses here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
Content creation guide Filmora for beginners (opens YouTube in a new tab) Try Filmora (affiliate link · I use this)
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Social media management
Plan and post content for small businesses and reply to their followers.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Organised people who enjoy writing and trends.
- You'll need
- A laptop, a scheduling tool and sample posts.
- Check first
- No licence needed. Get written approval for what you post on a client's behalf.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: List 10 local businesses with weak social media
- Days 2 to 4: Write a week of sample posts for one of them
- Days 5 to 7: Offer one month free in exchange for a review
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering social media management for small businesses here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
Try Fiverr (affiliate link · I use this)
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Graphic design
Design logos, flyers, menus and social media posts.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Visual people with an eye for detail.
- You'll need
- A laptop, design software and a small portfolio.
- Check first
- No licence needed. Use fonts and images you're licensed to use.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Make five sample designs (logo, flyer, menu, post, banner)
- Days 2 to 4: Put them in a simple online portfolio
- Days 5 to 7: Offer a discounted first design to three local businesses
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering graphic design (logos, flyers, menus and posts) here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
Try Fiverr (affiliate link · I use this)
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Photography and videography
Photograph events, families, products and real estate.
Budget: Up to about $2,000 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Creative people who enjoy working with people.
- You'll need
- A camera, a lens or two, and editing software.
- Check first
- Some venues and events need permits for commercial shoots. Ask before you shoot.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Shoot a free mini-session for a friend or a small business
- Days 2 to 4: Edit and share the best 10 photos as your portfolio
- Days 5 to 7: Set three simple packages and tell your network you are taking bookings
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering photography for families, events and small businesses here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
What I use (Amazon) (affiliate link · I use this)
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Bookkeeping services
Keep the books for small businesses: invoices, expenses and monthly reports.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- People who enjoy numbers and order.
- You'll need
- A laptop and bookkeeping software skills.
- Check first
- Only designated professionals can call themselves CPAs. Bookkeeping itself needs no licence.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Practise in the free trial of one bookkeeping tool with sample data
- Days 2 to 4: Write a short list of what you would do each month for a client
- Days 5 to 7: Offer to catch up the books for one small business at an intro price
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering bookkeeping for small businesses here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
Bookkeeping step Setting up Xero from scratch (opens YouTube in a new tab) Try Xero (affiliate link · I use this)
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Virtual assistant
Handle email, scheduling, data entry and admin for busy owners, remotely.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Organised, reliable people.
- You'll need
- A laptop, good internet and common office tools.
- Check first
- No licence needed. Sign a simple confidentiality agreement with clients.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: List the five tasks you are fastest at
- Days 2 to 4: Turn them into a weekly package with a clear price
- Days 5 to 7: Message five busy owners or freelancers you know
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering virtual assistant help (email, scheduling and admin) here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
Try Fiverr (affiliate link · I use this)
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Tutoring
Tutor students in math, science, languages or exam preparation.
Budget: Under about $500 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Patient people who enjoy teaching.
- You'll need
- Subject knowledge and a quiet space or video calls.
- Check first
- Many families and tutoring platforms ask for a police check.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Choose your subjects and grade levels and set an hourly rate
- Days 2 to 4: Tell friends, your community group and local parent groups
- Days 5 to 7: Run a free trial session and ask for a referral
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering tutoring here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Online courses and workshops
Package what you know into a course, workshop or coaching session.
Budget: Under about $500 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- People with a skill others ask them about.
- You'll need
- A laptop, a microphone and a course or video platform.
- Check first
- Be clear about what your course does and doesn't promise.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Write down the one skill people most often ask you about
- Days 2 to 4: Run a free 45-minute live workshop on it for a few people
- Days 5 to 7: Use their questions to outline a paid workshop or course
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering a hands-on workshop here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Music lessons
Teach an instrument or singing, in person or online.
Budget: Under about $500 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Musicians who enjoy teaching.
- You'll need
- Your instrument and a quiet space or video setup.
- Check first
- No licence needed for private lessons.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Decide your instrument, levels and lesson length
- Days 2 to 4: Offer a trial lesson to two families you know
- Days 5 to 7: Ask for referrals and set a monthly lesson package
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering music lessons here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Language teaching and translation
Teach your language or translate documents and websites.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Fluent speakers of two or more languages.
- You'll need
- Language skills and a laptop.
- Check first
- Official (certified) translations, such as for immigration documents, generally need a translator certified by a provincial association, such as ATIO in Ontario.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Choose your languages and services (lessons, website or document translation)
- Days 2 to 4: Offer a free short translation or trial lesson to build reviews
- Days 5 to 7: Look up certification with your provincial translators association if you want to do official work
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering language lessons and translation here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
Try Fiverr (affiliate link · I use this)
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Help for newcomers: resumes and settling in
Help newcomers with resumes, LinkedIn profiles and practical settling-in tasks.
Budget: Under about $500 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- People who remember their own first months in Canada.
- You'll need
- A laptop and good knowledge of Canadian resumes.
- Check first
- Only licensed immigration consultants (RCICs) and lawyers can charge for immigration advice. Don't give it.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Write a one-page checklist of what helped you most when you arrived
- Days 2 to 4: Help two newcomers for free with a resume or LinkedIn profile
- Days 5 to 7: Ask for honest feedback and decide what you could charge for
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering resume and LinkedIn help for newcomers here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Event planning and decor
Plan and decorate birthdays, small weddings and community events.
Budget: Up to about $2,000 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Organised people who love celebrations.
- You'll need
- Contacts with vendors, some decor and a small budget for supplies.
- Check first
- Venues and public spaces may need permits or vendor licences. Check with each venue and your city.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Decorate or plan one small event for a friend
- Days 2 to 4: Photograph it well for your portfolio
- Days 5 to 7: Build a list of vendors and venues and their rules
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering event planning and decor here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Home catering or tiffin service
Cook and deliver home-style meals or cater small events.
Budget: Up to about $2,000 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- People known for their cooking.
- You'll need
- A suitable kitchen, packaging and delivery plan.
- Check first
- Food businesses generally need approval from your local public health unit and often a city licence. Check before you sell.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Call your local public health unit or check its website about home food businesses
- Days 2 to 4: Check your city's licence rules on BizPaL
- Days 5 to 7: Test your menu with friends and price it
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering home-style meals and small-event catering here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Baking and desserts
Sell cakes, sweets and baked goods for celebrations.
Budget: Up to about $2,000 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Bakers with a few signature recipes.
- You'll need
- Baking equipment, ingredients and packaging.
- Check first
- Like any food business, check public health and city rules before selling.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Check public health and city rules for selling baked goods from home
- Days 2 to 4: Perfect three signature products
- Days 5 to 7: Take pre-orders from people you know for one weekend
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering cakes and baked goods for celebrations here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Home and office cleaning
Clean homes, offices or homes before and after a move.
Budget: Under about $500 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Reliable, hard-working people.
- You'll need
- Cleaning supplies and transport.
- Check first
- Get liability insurance before you work in clients' homes. Check your city's rules.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Get quotes for liability insurance
- Days 2 to 4: Price three service packages (regular, deep clean, move-out)
- Days 5 to 7: Offer an intro price to neighbours and ask for reviews
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering home and office cleaning here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Handyman and furniture assembly
Assemble furniture, mount TVs and do small repairs.
Budget: Up to about $2,000 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Practical people who like fixing things.
- You'll need
- Tools, transport and liability insurance.
- Check first
- Electrical, plumbing and gas work are regulated trades that need a licence. Stay out of them unless you're licensed.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: List the jobs you can do safely without a trade licence
- Days 2 to 4: Get quotes for liability insurance
- Days 5 to 7: Offer furniture assembly to neighbours and on local community groups
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering furniture assembly and small home tasks here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Pet sitting and dog walking
Walk dogs, sit pets and visit homes while owners travel.
Budget: Under about $500 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Animal lovers with a flexible schedule.
- You'll need
- Time, reliable transport and pet first-aid knowledge.
- Check first
- Consider liability insurance, and check your city's rules on dog walking and the number of dogs.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Check your city rules on dog walking and get quotes for insurance
- Days 2 to 4: Take a pet first-aid course
- Days 5 to 7: Offer a free first walk or visit to three neighbours
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering dog walking and pet sitting here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Personal training and yoga
Coach individuals or small groups in fitness, yoga or sports.
Budget: Up to about $2,000 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Active people who enjoy motivating others.
- You'll need
- A recognised certification and some equipment.
- Check first
- Certification isn't always legally required, but clients and gyms expect it. Get liability insurance.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Check which certification you have or need
- Days 2 to 4: Ask a park or community centre about permits for a group class
- Days 5 to 7: Run a free first class and collect contacts
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering personal training and group classes here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Ride-share and delivery driving
Drive for ride-share or delivery apps on your own schedule.
Budget: More than $2,000 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Confident drivers who know their city.
- You'll need
- A suitable vehicle and the right insurance.
- Check first
- Ride-share drivers must register for GST/HST from the start, even under $30,000.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Check each platform's vehicle and insurance requirements
- Days 2 to 4: Register for GST/HST (required from the start for ride-share)
- Days 5 to 7: Do a few test shifts and track every expense
GST/HST and registrations Try Lyft (referral link · I use this)
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Driving instructor
Teach new drivers, including newcomers converting their licence.
Budget: More than $2,000 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Patient, safe drivers who enjoy teaching.
- You'll need
- A suitable vehicle, insurance and an instructor licence.
- Check first
- In Ontario, driving instructors must hold a driving instructor licence from the Ministry of Transportation.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Check your province's driving instructor licence requirements
- Days 2 to 4: Price your vehicle and insurance
- Days 5 to 7: Plan a lesson package for newcomers converting their licence
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering driving lessons here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
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Online store or print on demand
Sell products online: your own designs, crafts or sourced goods.
Budget: Up to about $2,000 · Side or full time
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- People who enjoy products, design and marketing.
- You'll need
- A store platform, product samples and a marketing budget.
- Check first
- Some products (food, cosmetics, children's products) have federal rules. GST/HST applies once you pass $30,000.
- Your first 7 days
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- Day 1: Pick one product and check any federal rules for it
- Days 2 to 4: Order a small sample batch
- Days 5 to 7: List it online and test with friends before buying stock
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Tech help for seniors and small offices
Set up phones, computers, Wi-Fi and printers, and teach people to use them.
Budget: Under about $500 · Works as a side business
How to start, and your first 7 days
- Suits
- Patient tech-savvy people.
- You'll need
- A laptop and basic tools.
- Check first
- No licence needed. Be careful and clear with passwords and personal data.
- Your first 7 days
-
- Day 1: List the five problems you can fix confidently
- Days 2 to 4: Offer free help at a library, seniors centre or community group
- Days 5 to 7: Set a simple hourly price and ask for referrals
A message for your first customers
Hi [name], I've just started offering tech help for phones, computers and Wi-Fi here in [your city]. I'd love to help you with [one specific thing] for free or at an intro price, in exchange for honest feedback and a review if you're happy with it. Would that be useful to you?
No idea matches all your choices. Try a higher budget or more interests.
Have an idea that isn’t here, or a story about a business you started as a newcomer? Tell me and I may add it.
Before you start: five things to check
Your first-steps checklist
- 1. Check your immigration status allows it
- 2. Test your idea with a few real customers
- 3. Register your business
- 4. Check licences, insurance and GST/HST
- 5. Separate your business money
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Check your status first
Permanent residents and citizens can generally be self-employed. If you’re in Canada on a work permit or study permit, your permit has conditions about the work you can do, so check them with IRCC before you start working for yourself. This page doesn’t give immigration advice; for your situation, speak to a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
Test before you spend
Find three to five real customers before you spend on a logo, website or stock. Free or discounted work for your first few clients, in exchange for honest feedback and a review, tells you more than any business plan.
Register simply
My take
You don’t have to incorporate on day one. A sole proprietorship is the simplest start; you can incorporate later if the business grows.
In Ontario, registering a sole proprietorship through Ownr cost $49 one-time when I checked in October 2026, with the government fee included; prices depend on your province and can change, so check Ownr’s site. My Ownr review compares it with doing it yourself, and my start-a-business guide covers every step.
I use this
Ownr
I used Ownr for a federal incorporation and an Ontario sole proprietorship. I like its easy interface and its bundled plans. My referral link remembers you for 30 days after you click.
Visit Ownr (referral link)
Licences, insurance and GST/HST
- Licences and permits: some ideas need them (food, trades, driving, personal services). Check yours in minutes with my licences and permits guide.
- Insurance: if you work in clients’ homes or with their property, get liability insurance.
- GST/HST: you must register once your sales pass $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters, and ride-share drivers must register from the start (CRA).
Separate your business money
Open a separate account for business income and expenses from your first sale, and keep every receipt. Tax time is much easier, and you’ll see clearly whether the idea is working.
Questions people ask
What business can I start in Canada with little money?
Service businesses usually cost the least to start: AI and tech help, websites, social media, bookkeeping, virtual assistance, tutoring and cleaning can begin with a laptop or basic supplies. Use the finder above to match them to your interests.
Can I start a business on a work permit or study permit?
It depends on your permit’s conditions. Check with IRCC, or ask a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer, before you start.
Do I need to register a business to start?
Using your own legal name, you can often start as a sole proprietor without registering a business name. Using any other name usually means registering it. Check your province’s rules; my start-a-business guide explains the options.
Should I incorporate straight away?
Not necessarily. Many people start as a sole proprietorship and incorporate once the business grows. A tax professional can tell you when incorporating makes sense for you.
My own experience and research, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules, licences and prices change: check the official pages linked above before you start.
What next
Set up your business step by step with my start-a-business guide, or follow the Business guide.
Spot something outdated? Tell me in the YouTube comments on the related video, or use the contact form.