11 Best Online Businesses to Start in Canada (2025)

Starting an online business in Canada is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into a thriving digital economy.

With low startup costs, access to a global market, and a supportive business environment, Canada is an ideal place to launch a venture from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, here are 11 of the best online businesses you can start in 2025, each with high potential for profitability and growth.

1. E-Commerce Store

E-commerce is booming in Canada, with online retail sales projected to grow steadily.

Setting up an online store allows you to sell physical or digital products to a wide audience without the overhead of a physical storefront.

Why It Works: Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easy to create a professional store. You can sell niche products like eco-friendly goods, pet accessories, or handmade crafts.
Getting Started: Choose a niche, source products (via dropshipping or local suppliers), and build a website optimized for sales.
Growth Tip: Focus on SEO and social media marketing to drive traffic.

2. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a low-risk e-commerce model where you sell products without holding inventory.

When a customer orders, the supplier ships directly to them.

Why It Works: Minimal upfront investment and no need for storage space make it ideal for beginners.
Getting Started: Use platforms like Spocket or Oberlo to find Canadian-friendly suppliers. Set up a store on Shopify or BigCommerce.
Growth Tip: Test multiple products to find high-demand items and target Canadian shoppers for faster shipping.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral links.

Why It Works: It requires little to no investment—just a platform like a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account.

Getting Started: Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or Shopify’s affiliate network. Create content around product reviews or tutorials.

Growth Tip: Build trust with your audience by recommending products you genuinely believe in.

4. Freelance Services

If you have skills in writing, graphic design, web development, or marketing, freelancing is a flexible and lucrative online business.

Why It Works: High demand for skilled freelancers allows you to work on your terms, from anywhere.
Getting Started: Create a portfolio on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn. Market your services to Canadian businesses.
Growth Tip: Specialize in a niche (e.g., SEO writing or branding) to stand out and charge premium rates.

5. Online Courses and Coaching

Sharing your expertise through online courses or coaching is a scalable business model with high profit margins.

Why It Works: Canadians are eager to learn skills in business, fitness, or personal development, and digital platforms make delivery easy.
Getting Started: Use platforms like Teachable or Udemy to host courses. Promote through social media or a blog.
Growth Tip: Offer free webinars to attract clients and upsell them into premium coaching packages.

6. Digital Marketing Agency

Businesses across Canada need help with online visibility, making digital marketing services like SEO, social media management, and PPC advertising highly sought after.

Why It Works: Low startup costs and the ability to serve clients globally make this a profitable venture.
Getting Started: Build a website showcasing your expertise and start with small local clients to gain experience.
Growth Tip: Stay updated on trends like AI-driven advertising to offer cutting-edge services.

7. Blogging

Blogging allows you to create content around a passion or niche, monetizing through ads, affiliate links, or sponsored posts.

Why It Works: It’s a low-cost way to build an audience and generate passive income over time.
Getting Started: Choose a niche (e.g., travel, finance, or parenting), set up a blog, and publish SEO-optimized content.
Growth Tip: Focus on evergreen content to attract consistent traffic and diversify income streams.

8. Virtual Assistant Services

Virtual assistants (VAs) support businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, and social media, all from home.

Why It Works: The rise of remote work has increased demand for VAs, with flexible hours and low startup costs.
Getting Started: Market your services on platforms like Upwork or create a website to attract clients.
Growth Tip: Offer specialized services (e.g., e-commerce VA) to command higher rates.

9. Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand (POD) lets you sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, or notebooks without holding inventory.

Why It Works: Platforms like Printful and Printify handle production and shipping, so you focus on design and marketing.
Getting Started: Create unique designs, set up a store, and promote through social media or Etsy.
Growth Tip: Target trending niches like sustainability or pop culture to boost sales.

10. YouTube Content Creation

Starting a YouTube channel is a creative way to build an audience and earn through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Why It Works: Canadians are active on YouTube, and monetization options are diverse.
Getting Started: Pick a niche (e.g., tech reviews, lifestyle vlogs), invest in basic equipment, and post consistently.
Growth Tip: Optimize video titles and thumbnails for clicks, and engage with your audience to build loyalty.

11. Online Tutoring

With the demand for education growing, online tutoring in subjects like math, languages, or coding is a rewarding business.

Why It Works: You can teach students worldwide from home, with flexible scheduling.
Getting Started: Join platforms like Tutor.com or create your own website to offer personalized lessons.
Growth Tip: Offer group classes or create digital study guides to scale your income.

Why Start an Online Business in Canada?

Canada’s digital infrastructure, diverse consumer base, and access to global markets make it a prime location for online businesses.

Here are a few reasons to dive in:

Low Startup Costs: Most of these businesses require just a laptop, internet, and a website.
Flexibility: Work from anywhere, set your own hours, and scale at your pace.
Supportive Ecosystem: Government programs, tax incentives, and platforms like Shopify (a Canadian company!) make entrepreneurship accessible.
Global Reach: Reach customers beyond Canada without leaving your home office.

Key Steps to Launch Your Online Business

Research Your Market: Identify demand for your product or service and analyze competitors.
Choose a Business Name: Pick something memorable and check domain availability.
Build a Website: A professional website is your digital storefront—more on this below!
Market Strategically: Use social media, SEO, and email marketing to attract customers.
Stay Compliant: Register your business and understand Canadian tax obligations (tip: use the CRA’s Liaison Officer service for free tax help).

Tie It All Together with a Stellar Website

No matter which online business you choose, a professional, fast, and reliable website is the backbone of your success.

From showcasing your e-commerce products to promoting your freelance services, your website is where customers find you and trust begins.

This is where Truehost.ca comes in. Truehost offers affordable, Canadian-based web hosting services tailored for entrepreneurs like you.

With lightning-fast servers, 24/7 support, and seamless integration for platforms like WordPress and Shopify, Truehost ensures your online business runs smoothly.

Whether you’re launching a blog, an e-commerce store, or a digital marketing agency, their hosting plans provide the reliability and speed you need to stand out in a competitive market.

Plus, Truehost is proudly Canadian, meaning your data stays local, and you’re supporting a homegrown business. Ready to bring your online business to life?

Check out Truehost.ca web hosting and get started with a plan that fits your budget and goals.

Final Thoughts

The opportunities for online businesses in Canada are vast, from e-commerce to content creation.

Take the first step today—research your niche, create a plan, and let Truehost.ca handle your hosting needs to ensure your digital presence shines.

What are you waiting for?

11 Best Online Businesses to Start in Canada