Export advisor for small Canadian businesses

Small manufacturers, food and drink makers, craft producers and service firms that have never exported or want to enter a new market.

Fixed fee for an export readiness review or market report, then hourly rates or monthly retainers for ongoing paperwork and compliance support.

• Knowledge of export or logistics processes
• Clear written communication
• Research and organizing paperwork
• Explaining rules in plain language

• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, since bad advice can be costly for clients
• Customs brokers need a licence from the Canada Border Services Agency, so check what you can do without one and refer clients on for the rest
• Rules for some goods (food, plants, controlled items) differ by product and destination, so confirm with the relevant agency
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Registering for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs of typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your insurance, website and tools. Professional liability insurance is worth budgeting for, since bad advice can be costly for clients.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the support they need. You can start with at least about 8 hours a week.

Check that customs brokers need a Canada Border Services Agency licence, so refer clients on for work you cannot do. Confirm product rules with the relevant agency, check any home-based business licence, and check GST/HST registration.