Our pricing follows the consulting models published by BusinessConsulting.ca: hourly advice, defined projects, monthly retainers and a performance-based partnership. All prices are in Canadian dollars, plus GST/HST at your province's CRA rate (checked 2026-10-23), with GST and QST in Quebec. The initial 30-minute consultation is free, with no obligation.
Hourly consulting
$175–$350 /hour
Strategy sessions and expert advice by the hour.
Project
$3,500–$25,000 per project
Defined-scope work such as a plan, assessment or launch, with milestone payments.
Monthly retainer
$2,500–$12,000 /month
Ongoing advisory and execution support.
Growth Partner Program
Custom
Performance-based partnership: Ali invests time upfront and is paid on measurable results. Limited partnerships available.
Free initial consultation · no lock-in. The initial 30-minute consultation is free, with no obligation.
Prices in Canadian dollars. Sales tax is added based on the client's province (as of October 2026, CRA rates): 5% GST in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, NWT and Nunavut; 13% HST in Ontario; 14% HST in Nova Scotia; 15% HST in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and PEI; 5% GST plus 9.975% QST in Quebec. Provincial sales tax (BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) only where it applies to the service. See full pricing on businessconsulting.ca/pricing.
The four engagement models
| Model | Price (CAD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly consulting | $175–$350 /hour | Strategy sessions and expert advice by the hour |
| Project | $3,500–$25,000 per project | A fixed scope, like a 90-day plan, an assessment or a launch, paid at milestones |
| Monthly retainer | $2,500–$12,000 /month | Ongoing advisory and execution support |
| Growth Partner Program | Custom | Shared-risk option where Ali works first and is paid on measured results; places are limited |
The full published rates are on the BusinessConsulting.ca pricing page.
How our services map to the models
Each service usually sits in one model, though combinations are common.
- Fractional CMO leadership is a monthly retainer. The amount depends on how much of a marketing head's time you need and how many channels and vendors are involved.
- 90-day marketing plan and budget is a project, paid in milestones.
- Marketing operations is usually a setup project, then folded into a retainer for monthly upkeep.
- Team and agency management is normally part of a retainer.
- Marketing scorecard can be a short setup project or part of a retainer.
- Hourly consulting suits owners who want a senior second opinion on a specific decision, such as an agency proposal or a budget.
What drives the cost
Your price within each range depends on a few practical factors.
Scope of the role
A business that needs direction and a monthly review costs less than one that needs weekly vendor management, hiring support and multi-channel budget control.
Number of locations, brands or regions
Each location needs its own baseline, tracking and often its own calendar. Businesses working across provinces may also need French-language materials for Quebec, which adds coordination.
State of your data and tools
If tracking is already in place, setup is quick. If enquiries have never been tracked by source, the first weeks include fixing that.
Number of people to coordinate
Directing one agency is simpler than directing an agency, two freelancers and an in-house coordinator.
Fractional versus full-time: a worked comparison
Run your own numbers, but here is the shape of the comparison.
Suppose a full-time senior marketing hire would cost $120,000 a year in salary, before benefits, payroll costs, equipment and recruiting time. A fractional retainer at $5,000 a month is $60,000 a year, plus GST/HST for your province. Ask your accountant how GST/HST on consulting fees applies to your business.
The full-time hire gives you more hours. The fractional route gives you senior judgement sooner, with less risk and no recruiting delay. Our guide to fractional CMO versus a full-time hire explains where the break-even sits.
What isn't included
Our fees cover our time and expertise. They don't include:
- advertising spend on any platform
- software and tool subscriptions
- fees charged by outside agencies, freelancers, printers or photographers
These remain your costs and your accounts. Any other terms, such as notice periods and payment schedules, are confirmed in writing in your proposal.
Paying for results: the Growth Partner Program
Some owners prefer to share risk. Under the Growth Partner Program, Ali puts time in first and is paid on measurable results agreed at the outset. It suits businesses with clear numbers and real growth potential, and places are limited.
How to choose a starting point
- Unsure whether you need a fractional CMO? Book a few hours of hourly consulting or start with the free consultation.
- No written plan? Start with the 90-day plan project.
- Plan exists but nobody runs it? Go straight to a retainer.
- Want shared risk? Ask about the Growth Partner Program; partnerships are limited.
For common questions about contracts, timelines and ownership, see the FAQ, or go to the contact page to start the conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Which pricing model do most fractional CMO clients use?
Ongoing fractional CMO leadership is normally a monthly retainer, between $2,500 and $12,000 a month depending on scope. Many owners start with a project, such as a 90-day plan, and move to a retainer afterwards.
Is sales tax included?
No. Prices are in Canadian dollars, and we add GST or HST at your province's rate, or GST and QST in Quebec.
Is there a minimum term?
There is no lock-in. Notice periods and payment terms are confirmed in writing in your proposal.
Do your fees include ad spend or software?
No. Ad spend, software subscriptions and any outside vendors are separate costs paid by your business. Your proposal sets out exactly what is and isn't included.
What is the Growth Partner Program?
Under this model Ali Sedighi puts his time in first and is paid according to results you can measure. Each partnership is custom, and only a limited number are available.