IT support for small businesses
Keep local offices running with monthly support for their computers, network, email and backups.
- C$1k-5k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Ongoing IT support for small organisations such as clinics, trades firms, shops and non-profits: user help, updates, backups, email and Wi-Fi setup, and new staff devices, done on site and remotely.
Your first three steps
- Choose a niche, such as dental offices, accountants or contractors, and write a simple service package with a monthly price
- Get insurance and set up a remote support tool and a simple ticketing and invoicing system
- Offer a free or discounted IT health check to a few local businesses and turn good results into monthly contracts
Who pays
Small businesses and organisations with roughly 3 to 30 staff and no in-house IT person.
How it makes money
Monthly retainer per user or per device, plus billed projects like office moves, new computers and network upgrades.
Skills that help
- Networking and Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace admin
- Basic cybersecurity and backup know-how
- Clear communication with non-technical staff
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability plus errors and omissions or cyber liability insurance
- Privacy rules for client data, which differ by province and sector (health and legal clients may have stricter ones), so check before you start
- Clear written contracts covering response times, what is excluded and liability limits
- Being on call: agree realistic support hours so the work does not take over your evenings
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: iT support for small businesses
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an IT support business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the tools, software and insurance you need and how you set up remote and on-site support for your first clients.
How much can small business IT support earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many clients you support and the contracts you agree. This is revenue, not profit. Plan for at least about 15 hours a week.
What should I check before offering IT support to Canadian small businesses?
Check insurance such as errors and omissions or cyber liability, and privacy rules for client data, which differ by province and sector. Use clear written contracts covering response times, exclusions and liability, and agree realistic support hours.
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