Small business IT support consultant

Small offices, clinics, shops, trades businesses and non-profits that are too small for an in-house IT person.

Hourly rate for call-outs and projects, plus optional monthly retainers for regular check-ins and priority help.

• Solid troubleshooting across Windows, Mac and networks
• Explaining technical things in plain language
• Reliable and organized with client follow-up

• Commercial general liability insurance, and ask an insurer about errors and omissions (professional liability) cover
• Written agreements covering scope, data access and who is responsible if data is lost
• Privacy rules when handling client data, such as PIPEDA or provincial health privacy laws for clinics; check what applies to you
• Registering for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and checking your provincial rules

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on the tools, software and insurance you choose. Your own figure will depend on what equipment you already own and how much you carry to client sites.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $6,000, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you work. The starting estimate is about 8 hours a week, so results vary with your availability.

Check commercial general liability insurance and ask an insurer about errors and omissions cover. Also check privacy rules such as PIPEDA or provincial health privacy laws for clinics, use written agreements covering scope and data loss, and check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.