Independent small business consultant

Owners of small and medium businesses such as trades, cafes, retailers and professional practices, plus not-for-profits and family firms going through a change.

Fixed-price projects (such as a business review or a 12-month plan), day rates, or a monthly retainer for ongoing check-ins.

• Real experience running or managing a business or department
• Understanding financial statements and budgets
• Clear writing and presenting
• Listening and asking good questions

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check what cover suits advice work
• Financial advice, tax advice and legal advice can be regulated, check what you can and cannot say with ASIC and the Tax Practitioners Board
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• Council approval for a home-based business, check with your local council
• Uneven income early on, as clients can be slow to commit
• Write clear scopes and terms so projects do not drift

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your computer, software, insurance, website and any templates you develop. These are estimates, and costs may be lower if you already have a home office.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your day rate, project size and how many clients you win. The estimate starts at about 8 hours a week. Income can be uneven early on.

Financial, tax and legal advice can be regulated, so check what you can and cannot say with ASIC and the Tax Practitioners Board. Also check professional indemnity and public liability cover, GST registration, and council approval for a home-based business.