A key theme that recurs in consultations and surveys of business owners conducted in my various roles with such organizations as the Small Business Roundtable of BC is that business owners don't know what they don't know.
There are many resources that could have helped these entrepreneurs but they simply didn't know these existed. In light of this, I have compiled some key resources that I feel all business owners should know about.
www.smallbusinessbc.ca
Tools and resources for those starting and growing their business. Entrepreneurs can get advice on business planning, importing and exporting, market research, how to register a company name or how to create a communications plan. Books and toolkits are available for purchase, and entrepreneurs can rent meeting rooms with video conferencing technology to meet with key clients. The seminars are either free or very affordable and include topics such as financing, human resources, tax, business contracts, social media and even exiting a business. They also host the annual Successful You Awards (www.successfulyou.ca/), which celebrate winners in six categories: best company, best concept, best employer, best green business, best online marketer and best community impact.
www.bizpal.ca
A free online service that helps business owners streamline the process of determining which permits and licences are required to operate their business. Users answer a set of questions and BizPal generates a list of federal, provincial, territorial and municipal permits and licences including links to more information and how to apply.
smallbusinessroundtable.ca/MBL/Pages/faq.aspx
If you have a business that operates in more than one municipality, you usually must get a separate business licence for each municipality. The mobile business licence allows businesses to operate across participating municipalities with the purchase of one licence. It is available in a number of regions but not everywhere. If you would benefit from a mobile business licence but you don't have an agreement in your region, speak to your local municipality and ask it to investigate.
www.bcchamber.org
The chamber represents a network of 125 chambers of commerce and 36,000 businesses across B.C. It acts as an advocate for local business on policy matters and offers benefits and networking opportunities. The Micro Business Training Program (www.bcmicrobusiness.com) offers $1,500 of training to micro-business owners (fewer than five employees) who have no recognized certificates or post-secondary credits.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
www.cfib-fcei.ca
An advocacy group for small business on topics such as taxation and reducing regulatory burdens on business. There are more than 109,000 member businesses across the country. Members can participate in "privilege programs" with reduced costs for payroll processing, courier, payment processing and more.
National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program
www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/irap/index.html
Provides support to Canadian small and medium-sized firms in the development and commercialization of technologies. Programs range from advisory services, funding for innovative research and development projects, youth employment programs and other services.
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/
SR&ED provides support in the form of tax credits and/or refunds to businesses that conduct research and development in Canada. Administered by Canada Revenue Agency, it offers a number of tools to assist potential, new and current claimants.
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
www.cybf.ca
The foundation supports entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39. Programs for startups or newcomers to Canada offer up to $45,000 in financing. A key part of this program's success is matching entrepreneurs with business mentors, among several other programs.
www.womensenterprise.ca
The centre supports women entrepreneurs by offering business advisory services, business loans (up to $150,000), skills development workshops and an award-winning mentoring program. The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (www.fwe.ca) provides education and support for women business owners. I'm not only a board member but also a graduate of FWE's E-series program ("E" for Entrepreneur) and can attest to its quality. FWE also has a mentorship program that has helped more than 500 mentees.
Boards of trade and industry associations
Your local board of trade offers resources, events and discounts on services for its members. Don't forget your own industry association formed to help support and advocate for businesses in your specific industry. Industry Canada has a comprehensive directory. •
