Small design agency with monthly retainers

Established small and mid-sized businesses, clinics, trades companies, real estate teams and franchise owners who want one team for design, website and marketing materials.

Project fees for brand and website builds, plus monthly retainers for updates, hosting, new print pieces and campaign design.

• Branding and web design
• Project management and quoting
• Client communication and selling services
• Working with freelancers or staff

• Check the municipal rules and zoning if you rent an office or studio space
• Commercial general liability and professional liability insurance, checked with a broker
• Registering for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check any provincial sales tax rules on digital services
• Contractor or employee status for team members, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Written contracts covering scope, revisions, ownership of work and late payment
• Quebec businesses should check French-language requirements for client-facing materials

Estimates typically run around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your office or studio space, software and equipment, insurance, and whether you start with freelancers or hire a small team.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the number of clients, your project and retainer prices, and the size of your team. Many owners work around 30 hours a week or more.

Check municipal rules and zoning for any office space, liability and professional insurance with a broker, and GST/HST registration. Also check contractor or employee status and WCB/WSIB once you hire, and French-language requirements if you work in Quebec.