Office and small business cleaning

Small businesses, professional offices, gyms, clinics and property managers who want a reliable cleaner on a set schedule.

Monthly contract or fixed price per visit, usually several visits a week. Steady recurring income, with extras like floor polishing or window cleaning charged separately.

• Reliable and consistent
• Working independently after hours
• Quoting jobs and managing a schedule
• Professional communication with business clients

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether clients ask for proof or bonding
• Key and alarm code handling, so agree access rules in writing
• Registering for GST/HST, which you will likely need to charge business clients once past the threshold
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and check your province's rules
• Late payments from business clients, so set clear payment terms
• Whether a municipal business licence applies to you

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your equipment, supplies and insurance. Check commercial general liability insurance, and whether clients ask for proof of cover or bonding before they sign.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many contracts you hold and their size. Late payments from business clients can happen, so set clear payment terms.

Check GST/HST registration, which you will likely need to charge business clients once past the threshold. Check WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and your province's rules. Agree key and alarm code access in writing, and check whether a municipal business licence applies.