Small business IT support

Small business owners with 3 to 25 staff who have no in-house IT person, such as offices, dental practices, contractors and retailers.

Monthly retainer, often per user or per device, plus billable hours for projects like new computers or network setups.

• Networking, Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace administration
• Security basics such as backups, MFA and patching
• Clear communication and dependable follow-through

• General liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and ask a broker whether cyber coverage makes sense
• Some industries, such as healthcare and finance, have data privacy rules, so check what applies to your clients before touching their systems
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and register as an LLC or sole proprietor
• Being on call can eat into evenings and weekends, so set clear support hours in your contract
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire staff

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the tools, software and insurance you set up. Your costs will vary with how much remote management software and equipment you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many clients you support and the contract terms. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week, and set clear support hours so being on call does not take over evenings.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and which data privacy rules apply to clients in industries like healthcare and finance. Ask a broker about general and professional liability insurance, and whether cyber coverage makes sense.