Back-Office Support for Small Businesses

Small business owners, contractors, clinics, real estate offices and e-commerce sellers who are too busy for admin but not ready to hire an employee.

Monthly retainer for a set number of hours or a fixed task list, or an hourly rate for ad hoc work.

• Accurate and organized
• Comfortable with spreadsheets and common office software
• Clear written communication
• Reliable with deadlines

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and any HOA or lease rules
• Consider general liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Handling client data carries risk: use secure passwords and storage, and check any privacy rules that apply to your clients' industry
• Contractor status: confirm with the IRS guidelines or an accountant that clients treat you as an independent business
• Relying on one or two clients is risky, so spread your work

Estimates put startup costs typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your computer, software and any insurance you choose to take out. It is a home-based service, so premises costs are usually not part of the picture.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you work. Relying on one or two clients is risky, so spread your work.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and any HOA or lease rules. Also consider general and professional liability insurance, privacy rules for clients' industries, and confirm contractor status with IRS guidelines or an accountant.