How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business in Canada
Starting a virtual assistant business in Canada offers a flexible way to work from home while building a successful business. Whether you’re looking for part time virtual assistant work or want to become a full-time remote administrative assistant, becoming a Canadian virtual assistant can be incredibly rewarding.
Our guide will explain how to get started, the types of virtual assistant roles you can explore, and how Ontario Business Central can help with business registration, incorporation, and setting up your tax accounts.
What is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who provides administrative or specialized services to clients remotely. A virtual assistant works remotely to handle a variety of tasks. Online assistant jobs can be anything from data entry and phone calls to social media management and customer service. Most virtual assistant jobs are work from home roles, making them ideal for those seeking flexible, remote opportunities.
Types of Services Virtual Assistants Can Offer
When potential clients consider hiring a virtual assistant, there are specific qualities they look for. As a virtual assistant, you can offer a wide range of services using your skill set, all from a remote location.
- Administrative Support: Data entry, managing email, and scheduling appointments. Knowledge of Microsoft Office would be an asset for these types of remote assistant jobs.
- Social Media Management: Creating and posting content, engaging with followers, and managing ad campaigns.
- Customer Service: Handling inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and responding to customer requests.
- Real Estate Support: Managing listings, scheduling viewings, and coordinating communication between buyers and sellers.
Specializing in a particular industry, like real estate, can help you stand out among the competition and charge higher rates for your expertise.
How to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant
Many businesses offer part time virtual assistant jobs to help manage administrative tasks, customer service, or social media. Companies often subcontract virtual assistant vacancies to freelance work from home virtual assistants.
Getting Started as a Virtual Assistant in Canada
Start your job search as a virtual assistant with our step-by-step guide:
- Define Your Services & Niche: Determine which services you want to offer and who your ideal clients are. This helps you focus on the skills you need to develop and sets a foundation for your brand.
- Register Your Business: Whether you’re a part-time virtual assistant or planning a full-time career, registering your business is an important step. Ontario Business Central makes it easy to register as a Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, or Corporation. We also assist with tax account set up to ensure your business has everything you need to start.
- Build an Online Presence: Create a professional online presence with a website or a LinkedIn profile. This will make it easier for potential clients to find and contact you. We can also help you register a domain name to start building your online presence.
- Set Your Rates: Decide on your pricing based on the services you’re offering and your experience level. Virtual assistant jobs are remote by nature which reduces operating expenses. Many VAs offer packages for ongoing services to provide clients with consistent support.
Starting as a Side Hustle
Many virtual assistant jobs in Ontario are part time side hustles. This allows you to gain experience and build a client base without giving up the security of your current job. If you choose to pursue digital assistant jobs as a full-time career, you can scale your business by adding more clients and team members or increasing your rates as you gain experience.
How Much Can You Earn as a Virtual Assistant in Canada?
The amount you can earn as a virtual assistant depends on the services you offer, your experience, and how many clients you have. Entry-level VAs typically charge between $15 and $25 per hour, while more experienced VAs with specialized skills can charge $50 or more per hour.
As your business expands, you might even consider hiring part time or full time employees to scale your business further. Expanding into an employment agency focused on filling virtual assistant positions is another great idea given the growing demand for online personal assistant jobs.
Many virtual assistants also offer package deals, where clients can purchase a set number of work hours per month. This arrangement offers more consistency and allows you to build long-term relationships with your clients.
Where to Find Clients as a Digital Assistant
Finding virtual assistant jobs online is important when growing your business. Building a solid client base ensures a steady stream of work and opportunities to expand your services. Here are some effective ways to find virtual assistant jobs in Ontario, Canada.
- Freelancing Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great places to find freelance virtual assistant jobs.
- Job Boards: Look for virtual assistant services jobs on Canadian job boards or global platforms like LinkedIn.
- Networking: Reach out to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and former colleagues to let them know about your services.
- Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to promote your services and connect with companies offering remote virtual assistant jobs in Canada.
Build a strong portfolio to highlight your skills, reliability, and past successes. With the rise in virtual assistant hiring, more businesses are looking for skilled professionals to handle remote tasks. A good reputation and portfolio will help you attract premium clients willing to pay more for your specialized services.
How Ontario Business Central Can Help
At Ontario Business Central, we make it easy for you to register or incorporate your business. Whether you’re looking for a Business Name Registration or Incorporation, our online platform offers a quick and simple solution. We can also assist with performing a preliminary NUANS name search, to ensure your business name is unique and available.
Our agents are available to assist you by phone, email, or by live chat with any questions you may have. With Ontario Business Central, you can trust that your business is set up for success.
Becoming a virtual assistant in Ontario is a rewarding opportunity to work remotely, set your own hours, and build lasting relationships with clients. Whether you’re starting as a side hustle or launching it as a full-time business, Ontario Business Central is here to help you get your business registered and set up for success!
If you’re ready to take the first step, contact Ontario Business Central today to register your business and begin your journey as a virtual assistant.
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.
Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.
