Niche temp staffing agency from home

Local employers such as caterers, event companies, restaurants, small offices, warehouses and clinics that need flexible staff at short notice.

You bill the client an hourly rate for each worker and pay the worker a lower wage. The difference, after payroll costs and insurance, is your margin.

• Selling to local employers
• Screening and interviewing people
• Organising shifts at short notice
• Careful with paperwork and payroll

• Some provinces license temporary help agencies. In Ontario, check the current licensing requirements, including any security or application conditions, with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. In Quebec, check the permit rules with the CNESST. In other provinces, check with your provincial labour ministry before you place anyone
• As the employer you handle payroll, source deductions, vacation pay and workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB), so check the rules in your province
• Cash flow: you pay workers weekly but clients may pay in 30 days or more, so you need working capital
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether you need other cover
• Employment standards for temp workers vary by province, check what applies to pay, notice and fees charged to clients
• Check whether your municipality has home-based business licence or zoning rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your licensing, insurance, recruiting and the working capital you hold. Cash flow matters because you pay workers weekly while clients may pay in 30 days or more.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your niche, how many clients you win and how many hours your workers are placed. It can begin at about 15 hours a week.

Some provinces license temporary help agencies, so check before placing anyone. In Ontario, check current requirements with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. In Quebec, check the permit rules with the CNESST. Elsewhere, check with your provincial labour ministry.