THUNDER BAY – LIVING – With Canadians feeling squeezed by higher prices and worried about job security, side hustles can help—but only if they don’t create new financial stress.
Many Canadians are impacted by inflation – rising prices on products, by shrinkflation – paying more for less. To overcome this, growing number of Canadians are finding new ways to make money.
Below are five part-time, home-based options, broken down by what you need and what it typically costs in Canada (all estimates in CAD).
Why Costs Matter When Money Is Tight
The best side hustles to start right now have three things in common:
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low startup costs, 2) minimal ongoing expenses, and 3) a clear path to getting paid.
Here are some suggestions, and these idea might be a starting point for you to put you and your family on the path to more economic security
1) Freelance Digital Services (Writing, Design, Social Media, Video Editing)
What you need
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Laptop/desktop + reliable internet
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A simple portfolio (Google Drive, Canva, or a basic website)
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Optional: paid software (Adobe, etc.)
Typical startup cost
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$0–$50 if you already have a computer (free tools + free portfolio)
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$150–$400/year if you choose paid tools (optional)
Ongoing costs
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Platform fees if you use freelancing sites (they take a cut of earnings)
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$0–$30/month for optional extras (stock photos, software upgrades)
Good for: People who can write, edit, design, or manage accounts and want the lowest-cost entry.
2) Online Reselling and Flipping (Marketplace, eBay-Style Sales)
What you need
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Phone camera for photos
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A way to package items (boxes, tape)
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Inventory (thrift finds, unused items at home)
Typical startup cost
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$0–$30 if you start by selling things you already own
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$50–$200 if you’re buying items to flip right away
Ongoing costs
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Packaging: $10–$40/month (depends on volume)
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Selling fees/shipping: varies by platform and item size (usually taken from sales)
Good for: People who like bargain-hunting and want quick “first sale” potential without special skills.
3) Virtual Tutoring or Coaching (School Subjects, ESL, Skills Help)
What you need
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Laptop/tablet + webcam/headset (basic)
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Quiet space and stable internet
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A simple booking system (free calendars work)
Typical startup cost
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$0–$60 (free tools + basic headset if needed)
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$80–$200 if upgrading webcam/mic for better quality (optional)
Ongoing costs
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$0–$20/month (optional scheduling tools or teaching resources)
Good for: Students, grads, or anyone strong in a subject who wants steady hourly income.
4) Print-on-Demand (POD) or Handmade Products (Etsy-Style)
A) Print-on-Demand (lowest risk)
What you need
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Design tool (Canva/free alternatives)
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POD platform account + product mockups
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A shop listing setup
Typical startup cost
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$0–$30 to design and set up
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Some platforms may have small listing fees per item (depends where you list)
Ongoing costs
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Listing/transaction fees come out of sales
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Optional ads: $5–$50/month (only if you choose)
B) Handmade Products (more control, more upfront cost)
What you need
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Materials (beads, wax, yarn, etc.)
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Packaging and labels
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A place to store supplies
Typical startup cost
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$50–$300 depending on what you make
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Tools (if needed): $20–$150
Ongoing costs
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Restocking materials: varies by sales volume
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Packaging: $10–$40/month
Good for: Creative people—POD if you want low upfront risk, handmade if you want higher control and uniqueness.
5) Remote Customer Support or Virtual Assistance (Part-Time Remote Work)
What you need
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Laptop/desktop + reliable internet
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Headset and quiet workspace
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Sometimes: a second monitor (optional)
Typical startup cost
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$0–$50 if you already have basics
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$100–$250 if buying a monitor/headset upgrade (optional)
Ongoing costs
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Mostly none beyond your regular internet
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Occasionally: $0–$15/month for productivity tools (optional)
Good for: People who want predictable pay without buying inventory or marketing a business.
Keeping It Legit: Budgeting, Taxes, and Safety
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Track expenses from day one (even a simple spreadsheet).
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If you start earning regularly, set aside money for taxes—side income can still be taxable.
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Watch out for “training fees” or “starter kits” for remote jobs—real employers usually don’t require you to pay to be hired.
Final Takeaway: Start Small, Scale Smart
If you’re watching every dollar, the lowest-cost starts are usually freelancing, tutoring, and remote support (often $0–$60 to begin). Reselling can also be cheap if you start with what you already own. Handmade products can pay off—but they’re the most likely to require upfront spending.
TAG Word List:
Canada economy, side hustle costs, Thunder Bay, remote work, freelancing, tutoring online, reselling, print on demand, Etsy Canada, work from home, inflation Canada, budget tips
