Frequently Asked Questions

BrightHelp is a virtual assistant matching and workspace system that helps small businesses and freelancers work together more easily. Clients can find reliable VAs, and VAs get access to an organized workspace to manage their projects and communication.

BrightHelp was designed for two groups: small business owners who want trustworthy support, and virtual assistants or agencies who want a professional, structured way to manage their clients.

BrightHelp began in Canada, but virtual assistants from other countries are welcome to join and get their own BrightHelp Workspace.
At this time, client matching and the public VA directory are available only for Canadian-based VAs, but international members can still use the Workspace to manage their own clients. We do plan to expand matching and directory access internationally as the platform grows.

Once you complete the request form, I’ll review your needs and send you a shortlist of vetted Canadian VAs who fit what you’re looking for. I aim for a 48-hour turnaround, but timing can vary depending on your request, our available VAs and other factors.

Absolutely, many virtual assistants offer website support, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A VA can help with things like updating pages, adding new content, fixing small layout issues, organizing your menus, improving readability, adding forms, and keeping things running smoothly.
If you’re not sure what your website actually needs before bringing someone in, a small clarity step goes a long way.
You can start by checking whether Google (and AI search) can clearly understand your site; it’s one of the easiest ways to see where support might help most.
👉 Try the free 2-Minute SEO Visibility Quick Check to get a quick snapshot of how your website is showing up right now.
From there, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what kind of VA support would be helpful. And yes, you can absolutely hire a VA through BrightHelp who specializes in website tasks.

I wrote a full guide on why asking for help feels so hard and what makes it easier.

You pay your VA directly. BrightHelp doesn’t take a commission, we simply connect you and provide a structured workspace for communication, files, and updates.

The Workspace is your shared project hub for communication, tasks, and files. It keeps everything including, messages, deliverables, notes, and updates in one organized place so you don’t have to juggle a dozen apps or email threads. Every client and VA get a private workspace with clear structure, making it easy to stay on track and see progress in real time.

Absolutely. BrightHelp uses encrypted systems for all forms, files, and payments.
We never share or sell user data, and each Workspace has role-based access so only authorized users can view sensitive information.

You can still use the BrightHelp Workspace even if you already work with a VA.
Simply invite them to your Workspace to streamline communication, task tracking, and file sharing in one secure space.

Yes! The Workspace includes Kanban-style task boards where you and your VA can visualize progress in a clean, simple way.
You can create columns like To-Do, In Progress, and Done; drag and drop tasks between stages; assign responsibilities; and comment directly on each card. It’s a calm, visual system that helps everyone see what’s moving, what’s waiting, and what’s finished, no micromanaging required.

Most matches happen within 48 hours of submitting your Client Intake Form.
If you’re requesting a VA with a specific or niche skill set, it may take a bit longer, but we’ll always keep you updated on progress.

You can reach out anytime through the Contact Form on brighthelp.ca/contact.
We’ll respond within 48 hours, usually much sooner.

We don’t guarantee a match. Every client request is different, and you get full control over who you work with. If we have VAs who fit your needs, you’ll get a shortlist. If we don’t, we’ll be honest about it instead of pairing you with someone who isn’t a good fit.

BrightHelp is open to professional, reliable VAs who want to work with Canadian small business owners.
Right now, our VA Directory and Client Matching are available for Canadian-based VAs, but VAs from other countries are welcome to join and use the BrightHelp Workspace to manage their own client work.

Every VA membership includes:
-A directory listing so clients can find you
-Access to client introductions and matching (for Canadian VAs)
-A BrightHelp Workspace to manage communication, tasks, and files
-Templates and resources to help you run your VA business smoothly
-A “BrightHelp Founding VA” badge with locked-in lifetime pricing during prelaunch

During the prelaunch phase, you can join as a Founding VA Member for $15 CAD/month.
That includes everything: your listing, matching, Workspace access, and templates.
Once we move out of prelaunch, pricing may adjust, but Founding Members keep their lifetime rate.

Yes! Agency owners can request additional VA seats through the Agency Setup Form. Each seat gets its own Workspace access, directory listing, and folder structure under your agency umbrella.

Absolutely. Even if you don’t want matching, you can still use the BrightHelp Workspace to keep your existing client projects organized.
It’s perfect for managing communication, file sharing, and task tracking in one clean, professional system.

All VA applications are reviewed manually to ensure quality and fit. (No stress! I just want to make sure you’re real and trustworthy).
You’ll receive your welcome email and Workspace access within 48 hours of signing up.

Yes. While client matching and the public directory are currently limited to Canadian VAs, international assistants can still access the Workspace and tools to manage their clients.
Expansion to other regions is planned as the platform grows.

You invoice and collect payment directly from your clients.
BrightHelp doesn’t take a commission, we simply connect you and provide a secure, structured workspace for collaboration.

If you ever need help, reach out anytime through the Contact Form on brighthelp.ca/contact.
We’ll usually reply within 48 hours.

BrightHelp was built to feel human, not transactional.
Instead of quick-match algorithms or job boards, we personally review every client request and VA profile to make sure it’s a good fit.
Our focus is on trust, structure, and clear communication, so every project starts on the right foot and runs smoothly from there.

No. BrightHelp doesn’t take a percentage of your income or charge commission fees.
Clients pay their VAs directly. BrightHelp simply provides the structure, workspace, and systems that make collaboration easier.

Yes. BrightHelp uses encrypted systems for all forms, files, and payments.
Each Workspace is private. Only you, your VA, and BrightHelp’s admin can access the information you share inside it. We never share or sell data, and all stored information follows secure best practices for cloud-based collaboration.

Yes. Agencies can apply for multiple VA seats through the Agency Setup Form.
Each seat includes full Workspace access, directory options, and structured client folders under your agency umbrella.

Yes, both clients and VAs have access to Kanban-style boards inside the Workspace.
You can create visual task lists like To-Do, In Progress, and Done, assign owners, and track progress at a glance.
It’s designed to bring calm structure to your day-to-day workflow.

Yes! While client matching and the public directory are currently focused on Canadian-based VAs, expansion to other regions is already on the roadmap. VAs from other countries are welcome to join now and use the Workspace to manage their own clients.

You can always reach out through the Contact Form on brighthelp.ca/contact.
We aim to reply within 48 hours and often much sooner.

No, everything runs in your browser. You simply log in and start working.

Yes. You can send messages, upload files, and check tasks from your phone just as easily as on desktop.

BrightHelp works best on Chrome, Safari, and Edge.
Older browsers may still load, but performance can vary.

Yes, but it takes only a few seconds. When you invite a client, they receive a link to access their private Workspace with you.

All communication and files stay inside your private client areas. Each client can only see their own Workspace.

Yes. File uploads are supported and saved right inside the client Workspace so everything stays organized.

You can reset your password anytime from the login page.
If you’re still stuck, just reach out and we’ll help.

No, you need an internet connection to access your Workspace.

Yes. You’ll receive email notifications for new messages, file uploads, and client activity.

Yes. When you or your client update a task, status, file, or comment, changes appear instantly.

Yes. You can download any files or messages you need, and you’re welcome to export everything before canceling your membership.

No. Each client has their own separate area. They cannot see anything from other clients or your internal setup.

Not at the moment. BrightHelp is intentionally simple, so you don’t need multiple apps, and so your clients aren’t overwhelmed by integrations.

No practical limits. You can work with as many clients and projects as you want.

Nope. If you can write an email, upload a file, and click a few buttons, you can use the Workspace comfortably.

After you have been added to the BrightHelp Workspace as a VA/Client/Agency you can go to https://portal.brighthelp.ca to login to your Workspace on a computer or mobile device.

The safest way to share access with your VA is to use the built-in delegation tools that platforms already provide, not by handing over your personal login. This keeps both you and your VA protected, and it makes offboarding or changing passwords easier.

Here’s what BrightHelp recommends:
🔐 Passwords & Logins (Use Bitwarden Shared Vaults)
For tools that don’t offer official delegation, a password manager is the safest option.

I recommend Bitwarden, because:
-You can share logins without revealing the actual password
-You can remove access anytime
-It works on every device
-It’s free (with optional upgrades)
This keeps everything secure, traceable, and much easier than emailing passwords back and forth.

📣 Facebook / Instagram (Use Meta Business Suite)
Never share your personal Facebook login.
Instead, use Meta Business Suite to give your VA safe, permission-controlled access.
You can choose exactly what they can do:
-Post and schedule content
-Reply to messages
-Manage comments
-Run ads (or not)
And you can remove access anytime with one click.

📧 Gmail / Google Workspace (Use Gmail Delegation)
If your VA helps with email management, use Gmail Delegation instead of sharing your password.
This lets them:
-Read and reply to emails
-Stay inside your inbox
-Keep everything organized
But they cannot change your password or access your Google account settings.
It’s the safest way to collaborate.

📁 Google Drive (Use Shared Folders)
Create shared folders, not shared accounts.
Each person keeps their own login, and access can be removed instantly.

✨ BrightHelp Principle:
Share access through tools, not passwords.
This protects your business, your VA, and your accounts, and keeps the whole working relationship stress-free.

Yes, absolutely!
BrightHelp isn’t limited to Canadian clients at all.
Anyone you work with, anywhere in the world, can be invited into your Workspace.

Here’s how it works:

🌍 International clients get their own private Workspace
Every client, Canadian or not, receives:
-Their own secure project space
-Messaging
-File sharing
-Task boards
-Notes and updates
Nothing changes for you or them.
It all works exactly the same.

💬 But what about payments?
You handle all billing directly with your client (BrightHelp never takes a cut), so you’re free to charge in any currency you prefer using any tool you prefer.

Absolutely, you can work with clients from anywhere in the world, and there are several easy, secure ways to get paid internationally.
Virtual assistants typically use one of the following options:
💳 Stripe (Most Professional & Automated)
Stripe is the most common choice for VAs who want clean, automated invoicing.
You can accept payments from any country, set up monthly retainers, send branded invoices, and even accept credit cards without your client needing an account.
It also handles currency conversion automatically.

🌍 Wise (Lowest Fees for International Clients)
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is fantastic for cross-border payments.
It gives you “local” bank accounts in multiple countries (like a U.S. or U.K. account), so your client can pay you like a local. Fees are low, and exchange rates are very fair.
This is a great option for larger invoices or international clients who prefer bank transfers.

🟦 PayPal (Fast & Familiar)
PayPal works almost everywhere and is simple to use.
Some clients prefer it because they already have an account, and you can accept credit cards through PayPal even if the client doesn’t.
The fees are higher, but it’s convenient.

🟡 Shakepay (Crypto Option, Optional but Popular With Tech-Savvy Clients)
Some VAs choose to accept payment in cryptocurrency, especially if they work with tech-oriented or international clients who prefer it.
Shakepay is a Canadian crypto platform that allows you to receive Bitcoin or Ethereum and instantly convert it to CAD if you don’t want to hold crypto long-term. Once your crypto is converted to CAD, you can instantly send it to your bank account using E-Transfer.
Why some VAs use Shakepay:
-No traditional transfer fees
-Payments can arrive faster than bank transfers
-Clients in any country can send crypto easily
-You can convert to CAD immediately to avoid price swings
This option is totally optional, but it can be a nice perk if you have global clients who already use crypto.

🌐 What currency should I invoice in?
You can invoice in CAD, USD, or your client’s local currency, whichever you prefer.
Stripe and Wise handle conversion for you, so you don’t need to do anything special.

✨ BrightHelp Note
You’re completely free to choose whichever payment system works best for you.
BrightHelp doesn’t process payments or take a commission — you invoice your clients directly and keep 100% of what you earn.

We review applications within 48 hours. If we need additional details or samples, we’ll reach out before activating your Workspace or directory listing.

Yes. You can cancel from your account at any time. Your Workspace access remains active until the end of your billing cycle.

Because membership includes immediate access to Workspaces, templates, and digital tools, all payments are non-refundable. You can still cancel future renewals whenever you like.

Your clients will lose access to your shared Workspace once your membership ends. Before cancelling, you’re welcome to download any files you’d like to keep.

Not yet, pausing isn’t available at this time.
You’re welcome to cancel and rejoin whenever you’re ready.

No. BrightHelp never takes a commission.
You set your own rates, invoice clients directly, and keep 100% of your earnings.

Yes. Directory listings and client matching are currently for Canada-based VAs only.
VAs from any country can still use the Workspace and all included tools.

Absolutely. You can edit your skills, services, links, and experience anytime.
Your profile is meant to grow with your business.

No limits at all.
You can bring in as many clients as you’re working with, the system is built to scale with your business.

Yes. Every VA should have a service agreement for their clients.
BrightHelp doesn’t provide legal contracts at this time, but you’re welcome to use your own templates or ones you already rely on.

You can archive their Workspace area anytime. Archived spaces are private and no longer visible to the client.

Yes, the same cancellation, billing, and access rules apply to agency seats.
You can add or remove seats at any time.