Home-Based HR consultant for small employers

Owners of small and medium businesses such as trades companies, clinics, restaurants, retailers and local professional firms.

Monthly retainers for ongoing advice, fixed fees for projects like a handbook, or an hourly rate for one-off issues.

• Knowledge of HR practice and employment standards
• Clear writing and calm communication
• Handling confidential and sensitive situations

• Employment law differs by province and territory, so check the rules for each place your clients operate, and Quebec has its own requirements including French-language rules
• Check whether professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance suits you, as well as commercial general liability
• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence is needed
• Check whether your province has a regulated HR designation (for example CPHR) and how it affects the titles you may use
• Legal advice is not HR advice, so refer clients to an employment lawyer when needed
• Check when you need to register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on the equipment, insurance, software and marketing you choose. Because most work is done by phone, video and email, you work from a home office.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $7,000, depending on how many clients you take on, whether you work on retainer or project fees, and the hours you put in. Many consultants start part-time.

Employment law differs by province and territory, so check the rules where your clients operate, including Quebec's French-language rules. Also check for a regulated HR designation such as CPHR, home-based licensing, insurance, and GST/HST registration.