Boutique PR agency with a small team

Growing businesses, charities, professional firms, real estate and hospitality brands, and public figures that need steady PR support.

Monthly retainers per client, plus project fees for launches, events or crisis support. Margins depend on how well you manage staff and contractor time.

• PR and media experience
• Managing clients and a small team
• Pricing and scoping work
• Basic bookkeeping and contracts

• Commercial general liability and professional liability insurance
• WCB/WSIB coverage and payroll obligations if you hire employees, rules differ by province
• Check whether contractors could be treated as employees under CRA and provincial rules
• Check if a municipal business licence is needed if you rent an office
• Losing one large client can hit cash flow, avoid relying on a single retainer
• Quebec clients may need French-language materials and service

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on office space, equipment and how many staff or contractors you bring on. Also check your insurance needs, including commercial general liability and professional liability.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000 CAD, depending on your number of clients and the size of their retainers. Losing one large client can hit cash flow, so avoid relying on a single retainer.

If you hire, check WCB/WSIB coverage and payroll obligations, as rules differ by province. Also check whether contractors could be treated as employees under CRA and provincial rules, and whether you need a municipal business licence for an office.