Specialist business consultant (side hustle)

Owners of small and medium businesses, local non-profits and start-ups that cannot afford a full-time specialist.

Fixed fee per project (for example a review and action plan) or an hourly rate. Some clients may move to a small monthly retainer after the first project.

• Deep knowledge of one business area
• Clear writing and explaining
• Listening and asking good questions
• Organizing your own time

• Your current employer's rules on outside work and client conflicts
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and whether commercial general liability is also worth having
• Whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Registering for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and keeping money aside for income tax
• Do not call yourself an accountant, lawyer or engineer unless you hold the provincial designation

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on your equipment, website, insurance and any other set-up you need. Much of the work is done from home by video call, email and short written reports.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on your specialty, how many clients you take on and the hours you can offer. A minimum of about 5 hours a week is estimated alongside a day job.

Check your employer's rules on outside work and client conflicts, professional liability insurance, and any home-based business licence from your municipality. Also check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and avoid titles like accountant, lawyer or engineer without the provincial designation.