Group benefits advisor for small businesses

Insurers pay commission on the group plan, and the employer pays the premiums. Clients are local businesses, clinics, trades firms and non-profits with a handful of employees.

Ongoing commission, usually a percentage of the group's premiums, which continues while the plan stays with you. It takes time to win each client, but they tend to stay for years.

• Building relationships with business owners
• Comparing plans and pricing carefully
• Follow-up and account management

• Licensing differs by province, and Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements. Check with your regulator.
• Errors and omissions insurance is usually expected, so check what the insurers or MGAs require
• Sales cycles can be long, so plan for months with little income
• Insurers often set minimum group sizes, so check what small employers can qualify for
• Employee health data is sensitive, so check the privacy rules that apply to you
• Larger brokers compete for the same clients, so decide on a niche, such as one trade or profession

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $6,000, depending on your licensing route, insurance and how you set up. Treat this as an estimate and check what insurers or MGAs require before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you sign and the plans they choose. Sales cycles can be long, so plan for months with little income at the start.

Licensing differs by province, and Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements, so check with your regulator. Also check errors and omissions insurance requirements, insurer minimum group sizes, and the privacy rules covering employee health data.