Affordable Convenience Store Franchise Canada: What $200K Gets You in 2026
Yes, a convenience store franchise in Canada can be started for under $200K in 2026, but options are limited. Infinity Mart’s entry-level format starts at $185,000 CAD. Most other recognized brands start at $250,000 or more. To stay under $200K, you need the right brand, a smaller store format, and a secondary-market location. Always budget at least 10% above any listed figure for permits, deposits, and legal fees.
What Does a Convenience Store Franchise Cost in Canada in 2026?
Investment ranges vary based on store size, location, fuel integration, and buildout condition. Here is a direct comparison from verified franchise sources:
Brand | Total Investment (CAD) | Franchise Fee | Royalty |
Infinity Mart | $185,000 to $485,500 | $30,000 (one-time) | Varies by format |
Hasty Market (Redefined) | $300,000 to $500,000 | $20,000 | 2% excl. lottery and tobacco |
Hasty Market (The Market On) | $500,000 to $700,000 | $20,000 | 2% excl. lottery and tobacco |
Circle K Canada | $268,500 to $3,029,500 | Varies by territory | Varies |
Hasty Market also charges a $10,000 training fee and $10,000 store opening fee on top of its franchise fee, putting upfront fees at $40,000 before any buildout begins. Circle K’s Canadian floor of $268,500 already exceeds the $200K budget. Infinity Mart is the only brand among these three with a published entry point under $200K.
What the Infinity Mart Investment Actually Includes
Infinity Mart publishes a full cost breakdown on its franchise page. These are the verified figures:
Cost Category | Estimated Range (CAD) |
Franchise Fee | $30,000 (one-time) |
Leasehold Improvements | $50,000 to $150,000 |
Fixtures, Equipment and POS | $50,000 to $150,000 |
Initial Inventory | $35,000 to $100,000 |
Signage and Branding | $5,000 to $10,000 |
Professional Fees (Legal, Permits) | $2,500 to $5,000 |
Training and Onboarding | $2,500 |
Working Capital (3 to 6 months) | $15,000 to $35,000 |
Total Estimated Investment | $185,000 to $485,500 |
Infinity Mart notes that POS and security system costs are additional, and all figures are estimates subject to the specific location selected.
The $185,000 floor applies to smaller-footprint stores with minimal leasehold work. Higher buildout complexity, larger equipment packages, or higher inventory levels move costs up the range.
When Sub-$200K Works and When It Does Not
The $185,000 floor is achievable at smaller Infinity Mart locations in secondary Ontario markets like Kawartha Lakes or Niagara, where lease and buildout costs are lower. Compact 300 to 600 sq. ft. formats in transit hubs or office lobbies and resale locations with existing equipment also help keep costs within range.
It does not work with Hasty Market ($300,000 minimum), Circle K ($268,500 minimum), any co-branded gas station format, or urban locations in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary where rent deposits and leasehold costs alone push totals past $200K.
Hidden Costs That Push Buyers Over Budget
Most buyers focus on the headline figure and miss items that arrive after signing. Landlord security deposits in competitive markets run two to six months of rent upfront, which is $8,000 to $24,000 on a $4,000 per month lease. FDD legal review costs $2,000 to $5,000. Licenses beyond a basic business license, such as tobacco authorization, lottery registration, and a liquor license for Ontario’s beer and wine sales through LCBO and Beer Store, each carry additional fees and timelines. POS and security systems are explicitly excluded from Infinity Mart’s published breakdown; budget $5,000 to $15,000 extra. All figures are pre-tax.
Infinity Mart vs. Hasty Market: Direct Comparison for Budget Buyers
Factor | Infinity Mart | Hasty Market |
Minimum Total Investment | $185,000 CAD | $300,000 CAD |
Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $20,000 |
Training Fee | $2,500 | $10,000 |
Store Opening Fee | Included | $10,000 |
Royalty Rate | Not publicly published | 2% excl. lottery and tobacco |
Store Size Range | 300 to 3,000 sq. ft. | 1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft. |
Available Provinces | 8 provinces | Primarily Ontario |
Sub-$200K Accessible | Yes, lower-end locations | No |
Infinity Mart is the only brand in this comparison with a verified entry point within a $185,000 to $200,000 budget. It operates across eight provinces: Ontario, Alberta, BC, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Where in Canada Does $200K Go Furthest?
Geography directly affects whether the $185,000 floor is achievable.
Ontario has the most active Infinity Mart locations. Secondary cities like Kawartha Lakes, Niagara, and Windsor are where the $185,000 floor is realistic. Toronto and GTA require higher budgets.
Alberta is an active expansion market with Calgary growth underway and lower commercial rents than Toronto outside the urban core.
Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland offer the lowest commercial rents and least competition, making sub-$200K entry most achievable here.
BC and Quebec are available but metro Vancouver and Montreal carry the same high-cost challenges as Toronto.
Also read: Best Cities in Ontario to Open a Convenience Store Franchise in 2026.
Legal Protections and Financing
Legal protections depend on the province. Seven provinces have franchise disclosure legislation as of mid-2026, including Ontario, Alberta, and BC. Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act governs Infinity Mart transactions and requires an FDD at least 14 days before any payment or signing. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, both Infinity Mart territories, have no franchise legislation. Request an FDD voluntarily and have it reviewed by a lawyer.
Financing options: The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) has the federal government guarantee 85% of the loan, with franchise fees, leasehold improvements, and equipment all eligible. BDC Start-up Financing offers up to $250,000, with franchise purchases eligible and principal deferrable up to 12 months; BDC rates in early 2026 ran 11% to 13% annually. A HELOC at prime rate is a common bridge. Infinity Mart confirms most lenders favor franchise investments over independent startups.
The Infinity Mart 9-Step Franchise Process
Infinity Mart publishes its complete onboarding on its franchise page:
- Submit interest and complete the application
- Introductory call and discovery meeting
- FDD delivery and due diligence with legal or financial counsel
- Site selection and approval
- Franchise agreement signing and $30,000 franchise fee payment
- 1 to 2 week training covering operations, POS, inventory, and compliance
- Store buildout and setup
- Grand opening with operations team onsite
- Ongoing coaching and on-site support
The timeline from application to opening is 3 to 9 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you open a convenience store franchise in Canada for under $200,000?
Yes. Infinity Mart’s published minimum is $185,000 CAD. Always add 10% for taxes, deposits, and permits not included in the published estimate.
What is the cheapest convenience store franchise in Canada in 2026?
Infinity Mart at $185,000 CAD is the lowest published entry point among recognized Canadian convenience store franchise brands. Hasty Market starts at $300,000. Circle K starts at $268,500.
How much working capital is needed beyond the franchise fee?
Infinity Mart’s published breakdown allocates $15,000 to $35,000 for working capital, separate from buildout and inventory. Budget toward the higher end.
What licenses are required to operate a convenience store in Canada?
A municipal business license is the minimum. Additional permits may include tobacco retail authorization, lottery registration, food handling certification, and a liquor license depending on province and product mix.
Which provinces offer the lowest convenience store franchise entry costs?
Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland, and secondary Ontario cities offer the lowest commercial rents and competition levels across Infinity Mart’s eight available territories.
Can I finance a convenience store franchise under $200K in Canada?
Yes. The CSBFP (85% government-backed loan guarantee) and BDC Start-up Financing (up to $250,000, franchise purchase eligible) are the two primary programs. Most buyers combine one of these with personal savings or a HELOC.
What legal protections do franchise buyers have in Canada?
Seven provinces have franchise disclosure laws requiring an FDD at least 14 days before signing. Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act applies to Infinity Mart transactions. In provinces without legislation such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, request the FDD voluntarily and have it legally reviewed before committing.
Apply for an Infinity Mart Franchise
Infinity Mart is headquartered at 105 Gordon Baker Rd, Toronto, Ontario. Investment starts from $185,000 CAD across eight Canadian provinces. A standalone vape retail franchise, Infinity Vape, is also available from $39,000 plus inventory.
To start the process, visit infinitymart.co/franchise-opportunities, email franchising@infinitymart.ca, or call +1 (289) 981-7288.
