Online business services ideas you can start in Canada

36 ideas

These 36 ideas all sell to other businesses or to people who need practical support, and every one can be run online. They suit people with work experience they can turn into a service, such as an online career coach for job changers or a part-time marketing lead for growing firms.

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1k to 5k 5k to 20k Over 20k From home Out and about Own premises

Accountant reviewing tax forms and using a calculator at a desk.

Online bookkeeping for small businesses

Keep the books, payroll and GST/HST filings for small businesses on a monthly fee, working remotely from anywhere in Canada.

C$1k-4k
Side hustle
Online

A consultant presenting a branding strategy chart to a client in a meeting room.

Part-time marketing lead for growing firms

Act as the outsourced marketing head for a few growing businesses on monthly retainers.

C$500-3k
Part-time
Online

A finance broker reviewing loan documents with a client across a desk.

Small business and equipment finance broker

Connect local business owners with lenders for equipment, vehicle or working capital loans and earn a commission.

C$500-3k
Side hustle
Online

Rolls of tape, cardboard boxes and bubble wrap stacked in a packaging supply store.

Online packaging supplies for small sellers

Sell boxes, mailers and tape online to small shops and Etsy-style sellers, shipped or dropped off locally.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Stack of sanding discs and grinding wheels displayed on shop shelves.

Online abrasives shop for trades and makers

Sell sanding and grinding supplies online to workshops and woodworkers, shipped from home or a small storage space.

C$1.5k-7.5k
Side hustle
Online

Architect reviewing building design drawings and plans at a drafting desk.

Remote plan drafting for builders

Turn builders' and contractors' sketches into clean drawings and plan sets, working remotely on your own schedule.

C$1k-4k
Side hustle
Online

Rows of small private mailboxes with numbered doors in a mail centre lobby.

Virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service

Give travellers, newcomers and remote businesses a Canadian address, with mail scanned or forwarded on request.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Consultant reviewing budget charts with a client on a laptop in an office.

Online personal budgeting coach

Coach individuals and families on budgets, spending habits and savings goals through one-to-one video sessions.

C$300-1.5k
Side hustle
Online

A job seeker's CV and laptop on a desk during a writing session.

Niche career documents service for one profession

Specialize in resumes for one group, like nurses, tradespeople or newcomers, and build a name through online search and referrals.

C$300-2k
Part-time
Online

Branded pens, mugs and tote bags displayed on a table ready for printing.

Online branded merchandise store for businesses

Run a website where businesses can order custom-printed items and company swag, with printing handled by partners.

C$800-5k
Side hustle
Online

Operator with headset taking a call and writing a message at a desk.

After-hours answering service with a small team

Run a small team covering evenings, weekends and busy-hour overflow for local businesses.

C$2k-10k
Part-time
Online

Local business owners chatting and exchanging contacts at a networking breakfast.

Online networking community for owners

Host video meetups and a members' group where owners share referrals, for a monthly fee.

C$200-1.5k
Side hustle
Online

A worker processing healthcare invoices and claim forms at a desk with a computer.

Invoicing and claims for physio and dental clinics

Handle patient invoices and insurance claims for physio, chiropractic, dental and other private-pay clinics.

C$500-2.5k
Side hustle
Online

A career adviser discussing job options with a young person across a desk.

Online career coach for job changers

Help people choose a career, update their résumé and prepare for interviews over video calls.

C$300-2k
Side hustle
Online

Boxes of desk accessories and stationery stacked in a supplier's warehouse.

Online office accessories wholesaler

Sell desk accessories and stationery in bulk to small shops and offices through an online trade catalogue.

C$1k-6k
Side hustle
Online

Consultant reviewing export documents with shipping containers in the background.

Online export coach for ecommerce sellers

Coach online sellers through selling to the US and beyond: shipping, duties, labelling and listings.

C$200-1.5k
Side hustle
Online

Tax help for the self-employed and small firms

Prepare returns and handle year-round tax paperwork for sole proprietors, freelancers and small businesses.

C$1k-5k
Part-time
Online

Online payroll for trades and contractors

Offer remote payroll to one niche, like contractors or restaurants, with fixed packages and online onboarding.

C$1k-5k
Part-time
Online

Ice cream machine and parts reseller

Sell ice cream machines, display freezers and spare parts to cafes, shops and small makers, working from home.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Community money transfer service

Run a small registered transfer service for one community and country route, taking orders by app, phone or in person.

C$40k-150k
Part-time
Online

Small claims paperwork and evidence organizer

Help people fill in court forms, organize evidence and understand the process, without giving legal advice.

C$300-2k
Side hustle
Online

Online paper shredder shop for offices and schools

Sell office and departmental shredders online to small businesses, schools and home offices, with advice and basic support.

C$1.5k-6k
Side hustle
Online

Remote operations advisor for small manufacturers

Offer fixed-price process reviews and coaching by video call to small plants that can't afford a full consultancy.

C$500-2.5k
Side hustle
Online

Small business financing broker

Match local business owners with equipment loans, lines of credit and working capital, paid by lenders.

C$500-4k
Side hustle
Online

About these ideas

Others are product-based, like an online branded merchandise store for businesses or an online office accessories wholesaler. Before you choose, think about who will pay you and how you will reach them. Decide whether you want to sell your time or stock products, since that changes your costs and your workload. Check whether your idea needs a licence, insurance or registration in your province, and start by testing it with a few paying customers before you build anything large.

More ideas

Questions

What should I check before starting an online business services company in Canada?

Check which business structure suits you, whether your province or municipality requires a business registration or licence, and whether you need to register for GST/HST. It is also worth confirming insurance needs and how your chosen idea handles client data under Canadian privacy rules.

Can I run a service business online without much money?

Many service ideas, such as coaching, consulting or sales agent work, can begin with a laptop, a simple website and a clear offer. Product-based ideas like wholesaling usually need stock money, so compare start-up costs, shipping and supplier terms before committing.

How do I find my first clients for an online business service?

Start with people who already know your work, such as past employers, colleagues or industry contacts. Then test one clear offer aimed at a specific type of customer. Check which online channels your buyers actually use, and ask early clients for feedback and referrals.