Side Hustles Ontario: The Ultimate Guide to Making More Money in Your Spare Time

The 9-to-5 grind can get old fast. The daily commute, office politics, and long hours leave many of us dreaming about more freedom, flexibility, and extra income. While old-school wisdom says you should just buckle down and climb the corporate ladder, there’s another option: side hustles.

A side hustle is basically a part-time job or small business you can start while keeping your regular job. With the right hustle, you can earn a few hundred or even a few thousand extra dollars per month. And in today’s gig economy, there are more side hustling opportunities than ever before in Ontario.

So if you’re looking to pad your wallet and find more meaning through side work, read on. We’ve rounded up some of the best and most realistic side hustles available in Ontario right now. Whether you want to leverage skills you already have or develop new ones, you’ll find exciting ideas for earning extra income in your spare time. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Side hustles are a popular way to earn extra income in Ontario.
• It is important to understand the different types of side hustles available and choose one that best fits your skills, interests, and goals.
• Legal and tax considerations, as well as potential challenges and solutions, should be carefully considered before starting a side hustle in Ontario.

1. What are Side Hustles

A side hustle is a way to earn extra income outside of a primary job. It’s often a flexible and temporary job that can be done on weekends, evenings, or during spare time. Side hustles can be anything from selling handmade crafts online to driving for a ride-sharing service.

Many people turn to side hustles to supplement their income, pay off debt, or save for a specific goal. It can also be a way to explore a passion or hobby while earning money. Side hustles can provide a sense of freedom and control over one’s finances.

Before starting a side hustle, it’s important to consider a few things. First, assess how much time and money can be dedicated to a side hustle. Determine how much income is needed to make it worthwhile and if there is any support from family or friends.

Second, research different types of side hustles and choose one that aligns with skills and interests. Consider the market demand and competition for the chosen side hustle.

Third, set clear goals and expectations for the side hustle. Determine how much time and effort will be put into it and what the income goals are.

2. Benefits of Side Hustles

Side hustles are becoming increasingly popular in Ontario, and for good reason. Not only can they provide extra income, but they also offer a range of other benefits. Here are some of the advantages of having a side hustle:

Financial Security

One of the most significant benefits of having a side hustle is the added financial security it can provide. With the cost of living on the rise, having an additional source of income can help individuals and families feel more financially stable. Side hustles can be a great way to save money, pay off debt, or build up an emergency fund.

Flexibility

Many side hustles offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing individuals to work on their own schedule. This can be especially beneficial for those with busy lives, such as parents or students. Side hustles can be done on weekends, in the evenings, or even during downtime at work.

Opportunity for Growth

Side hustles can also offer opportunities for personal and professional growth. They can provide a chance to learn new skills, network with others, and even turn into full-time careers. By taking on a side hustle, individuals can explore new interests and passions, and potentially turn them into lucrative ventures.

Read more: 11 Reasons Why You Need a Side Hustle

Increased Job Satisfaction

Having a side hustle can also lead to increased job satisfaction. By pursuing a passion project or working on something outside of their regular job, individuals can feel a sense of fulfilment and purpose. This can lead to greater overall happiness and well-being.

Diversification of Income

Finally, having a side hustle can provide a level of income diversification. This can be especially important in uncertain economic times, as it can help mitigate the risk of job loss or other financial setbacks. By having multiple streams of income, individuals can feel more secure in their financial future.

3. Legal and Tax Considerations

Starting a side hustle can be exciting, but it’s important to understand the legal and tax implications of running a business. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Registering Your Side Hustle Business

If you plan to operate your side hustle as a business, you’ll need to register it with the Ontario government. This process can be done online through the ServiceOntario website. You’ll need to choose a business name, register for a Business Number, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses for your industry.

Guaranteed Government Grants

Get a FREE 45-page guide with proven steps to business grants success:

Get My Free Guide

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

It’s important to note that registering your business does come with additional costs, such as annual fees and taxes. However, registering your business provides a number of benefits, including liability protection and the ability to open a business bank account.

Income Reporting and Taxation

All income earned from your side hustle is considered taxable by the Canada Revenue Agency, even if you only earned a small amount. This means you’ll need to report your income on your personal income tax return, using the appropriate forms and schedules.

To ensure you’re meeting your tax obligations, it’s important to keep accurate records of all income and expenses related to your side hustle. This includes things like receipts, invoices, and bank statements.

Depending on the nature of your side hustle, you may also need to collect and remit sales tax (HST) to the CRA. This is particularly true if you’re selling goods or services to customers in Ontario.

It’s a good idea to consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting all of your tax obligations as a side hustler. They can help you understand the various deductions and credits available to you, and ensure you’re making the most of your business expenses.

4. Popular Side Hustles in Ontario

Ontario is a hub of diverse side hustles that can help individuals earn extra cash. Here are some of the popular side hustles in Ontario:

Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a great way to earn extra income. Many companies and individuals need help with content creation, and freelance writing is a flexible way to meet that need. Freelance writers can write for blogs, websites, social media, and more. They can also specialize in specific niches, such as travel, technology, or finance. Freelance writers can find work on freelance marketplaces, job boards, LinkedIn, or by reaching out to potential clients directly.

Online Tutoring

Online tutoring is another popular side hustle. With the rise of virtual learning, many students need help with their studies. Online tutors can teach a variety of subjects, including math, science, English, and more. They can work with students of all ages, from elementary school to university. Here’s a guide on how to become an online tutor from the UK National Careers Service.

E-commerce Reselling

E-commerce reselling is a lucrative side hustle. Resellers buy products in bulk and then sell them online for a profit. They can sell on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. Resellers can specialize in a specific niche, such as clothing, electronics, or home goods. They can also use tools like arbitrage to find products at a lower price and sell them for a higher price.

Pet Sitting Services

Pet sitting services are in high demand in Ontario. Many pet owners need help taking care of their pets when they are away. Pet sitters can offer services like dog walking, feeding, and playing. They can also offer overnight care for pets. Pet sitters can find work on platforms like Rover or by advertising their services on social media.

5. Marketing Your Side Hustle

Marketing is an essential aspect of any business, and a side hustle is no exception. Effective marketing can help you reach more customers, increase your revenue, and grow your business. Here are some tips for marketing your side hustle in Ontario.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is an excellent platform for promoting your side hustle. You can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach a wider audience and build your brand. Here are some tips for social media marketing:

• Create a business page: Create a separate business page for your side hustle on social media platforms. This will help you keep your personal and professional lives separate and build credibility for your brand.
• Post regularly: Post regularly on your business page to keep your followers engaged. You can post about your products or services, share customer reviews, or post behind-the-scenes photos.
• Use hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, you can use hashtags like #handmadejewelry #ontariojewelry #supportlocal.
• Run ads: You can run ads on social media platforms to reach a larger audience. You can target your ads based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.

Local Community Engagement

Engaging with your local community can help you build brand awareness and establish yourself as a trusted local business. Here are some tips for local community engagement:

• Attend local events: Attend local events like farmers’ markets, craft fairs, or community events to promote your side hustle. You can set up a booth, display your products, and talk to potential customers.
• Partner with local businesses: Partner with other local businesses to cross-promote each other’s products or services. For example, if you sell handmade soap, you can partner with a local spa to offer your products to their customers.
• Offer discounts: Offer discounts to local customers to encourage them to try your products or services. You can offer a discount code or a loyalty program to reward repeat customers.
• Donate to local charities: Donate a portion of your profits to local charities to give back to your community and build goodwill for your brand.

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can promote your side hustle, reach more customers, and grow your business in Ontario.

7. Managing Side Hustle Along with Full-Time Job

For many people, managing a side hustle along with a full-time job can be a daunting task. However, with the right strategy, it can be done successfully. Here are some tips on how to manage a side hustle along with a full-time job in Ontario:

Plan and prioritize

One of the most important things to do when managing a side hustle along with a full-time job is to plan and prioritize. Make a schedule and stick to it. Determine what tasks are most important and allocate time accordingly. This will help ensure that time is used efficiently and effectively.

Use technology to your advantage

Technology can be a great tool for managing a side hustle along with a full-time job. Use tools like scheduling apps, project management software, and productivity apps to help streamline tasks and stay organized.

Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is key to managing a side hustle along with a full-time job. Be honest with yourself about how much time and energy you can realistically put into your side hustle. This will help you avoid burnout and ensure that you are able to meet your goals.

Outsource when necessary

Outsourcing tasks can be a great way to manage a side hustle along with a full-time job. Consider hiring a virtual assistant or freelancer to help with tasks like social media management, content creation, or administrative work. This can help free up time and allow you to focus on the most important aspects of your side hustle.

Take care of yourself

Managing a side hustle along with a full-time job can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. This will help ensure that you are able to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Resources for Side Hustles in Canada

Side Hustle Ideas

1. Monetize videos on YouTube to earn ad revenue.
2. Create and sell digital products like ebooks, courses, templates, etc.
3. Provide private tutoring services online or in-person.
4. Work as a delivery driver for a company like Amazon or UberEats.
5. Start your own podcast and earn money from sponsorships and ads.
6. Design t-shirts and other merchandise and sell them online.
7. Provide pet sitting and dog walking services in your area.
8. Become a driver for a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
9. Shop for and deliver groceries and other items for services like Instacart.
10. Rent out extra space in your home using services like Airbnb.
11. Offer digital marketing services like social media management and SEO.
12. Earn commissions promoting other companies’ products as an affiliate.
13. Launch a blog or email newsletter and earn ad revenue.
14. Sell your photography online on sites like Etsy.
15. Take paid online surveys in your spare time.
16. Get paid to test websites, apps, products as a beta tester.
17. Provide transcription or translation services remotely.
18. Sell handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, etc on Etsy or at craft fairs.
19. Start a lawn mowing or landscaping business in your local area.
20. Build an ecommerce dropshipping business selling products.
21. Design and produce your own clothing line to sell.
22. Offer mobile car washing, detailing, and maintenance services.
23. Earn money from brand sponsorships on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.
24. Offer unique walking or driving tours in your city for tourists.
25. Buy and resell used or vintage items for a profit.

Side Hustle Apps

1. Turo
2. Lyft
3. DoorDash
4. Worthy Bonds
5. Virtual English Teaching
6. Roofstock
7. Survey Junkie
8. Long Game
9. Healthy Wage
10. Airbnb
11. Avon
12. Uber
13. Instacart
14. Postmates
15. TaskRabbit
16. Handy
17. DogVacay
18. OfferUp
19. Fiverr
20. 99 Designs
21. Fotolia
22. Amazon FBA
23. Uber Eats
24. WAG
25. Amazon Flex
26. Shipt
27. VRBO
28. Dolly
29. Zeel
30. HopSkipDrive
31. Toot
32. Gigwalker
33. FieldAgent
34. Inbox Dollars
35. Pact
36. Surveys On The Go
37. TutorVista
38. Jingit
39. SpeechPad
40. Shutterstock
41. Rover

Other Resources