Online store setup for local businesses

Build and launch Shopify or WooCommerce stores for local shops and makers who want to sell online.

Person managing online store orders on a laptop at a desk.

Startup costC$300 to C$2k

Monthly revenueC$800 to C$5k

Time needed8+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

C$300-2k
Side hustle
From home

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

Project-based work building online stores: choosing a platform, setting up products, payments, shipping rates and taxes, and training the owner to run it.

Your first three steps

Build one demo store on Shopify or WooCommerce and a simple portfolio page showing it
Offer a discounted first build to a local business you know, in exchange for a testimonial
Write a clear package with set prices, what is included and how long it takes

Who pays

Local shops, makers, farms, restaurants and small brands that want to sell online but lack the time or tech skills.

How it makes money

Fixed project fee for each store build, plus optional extras like product photo uploads, a short training session or a small support package.

Skills that help

Comfortable with store platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce
Clear communication with non-technical owners
Basic design sense and attention to detail

Watch out for

Check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax (PST or QST) apply to your own services and to the stores you set up
Use written contracts that say who owns the store account, domain and content
Check whether your municipality needs a home-based business licence
Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and check privacy rules such as PIPEDA, and French-language rules if selling in Quebec

🔒 Full research report for Canada

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Other ways to run this business

Monthly online store management

Run day-to-day online store tasks for small businesses on a monthly fee, so owners can focus on making and selling.

C$200-1.5k
Part-time
Online

Similar tech services ideas

A security specialist analysing code and threat data on multiple computer screens.

Home computer security and malware clean-up

Remove viruses and set up protection for families, seniors and home workers, in person or by remote session.

C$300-2k
Side hustle
Out and about

Customer tapping a contactless card on a payment terminal at a counter.

Local payment terminal agent

Set up and support card terminals for shops, cafés and trades in your area, as a reseller for an established processor.

C$400-2k
Side hustle
Out and about

Local digital marketing for small businesses

Run Google and social media ads for local shops, trades and clinics from your home office.

C$300-2k
Side hustle
From home

A technician replacing a smartphone screen with small precision tools at a workbench.

Home-based phone repair bench

Repair phones from a bench at home, taking drop-offs by appointment and mail-in jobs.

C$500-2k
Side hustle
From home

A technician repairing a laptop on a workbench with tools and circuit boards.

Home workbench computer repair

Repair laptops and desktops from a home workbench, with drop-off, pick-up or mailed-in devices.

C$400-2k
Side hustle
From home

Independent card terminal reseller

Sell and set up card payment terminals for local shops and cafes as an agent for a payment provider.

C$400-2k
Side hustle
Out and about

Photo: Preis_King on Pixabay