Local temp agency with a small office

Local employers across several industries, such as manufacturers, hospitality venues, farms, warehouses and councils, that need regular or seasonal casual staff.

You charge employers an hourly rate above the worker's pay and on-costs, and the margin covers your rent, staff and profit. Regular clients with steady weekly hours make revenue more predictable.

• Sales and relationship building
• Interviewing and screening people
• Payroll and compliance admin
• Managing a small team

• Labour hire licensing applies in some states and territories, so check your state's licensing body before you start
• Award wages, super, leave, and unfair dismissal rules can be complex, so consider advice from an accountant or employment adviser
• Check workers compensation, payroll tax and public liability insurance, and the host employer's safety duties for placed workers
• A lease and wage float tie up cash, and losing one large client can hurt quickly
• Check zoning and signage rules with your local council

Startup costs are typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and the wage float you need to carry. A lease and wage float tie up cash, so it helps to plan a buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your clients, the roles you fill and how many people you place. This is revenue before wages and costs. Plan on at least about 35 hours a week.

Check whether labour hire licensing applies in your state or territory. Check award wages, super, leave and unfair dismissal rules, and consider advice. Also check workers compensation, payroll tax and public liability insurance, plus zoning and signage rules with your council.