Category: Canada
CDAP – Canada Digital Adoption Program
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) For small business owners, cost has always been a limiting factor in adopting new technology. Let’s face it, it’s expensive and can be a challenge to identify which tools and strategies will benefit your business in the long run. Luckily, the Government of Canada is implementing The Canada Digital…
Recruiting tips for Canadian SMB owners
In February, the economy added 336,600 new jobs (2/3 being part-time jobs) and the jobless rate fell to 5.5%, reaching pre-pandemic levels. Employment in Canada is gaining momentum and with your business quickly regaining traction due to Covid-19 restrictions being lifted, things are looking promising! But there’s one problem. You need to hire new staff…
Optimize your SMB for a post-pandemic world
With some countries already removing Covid-19 restrictions entirely and talks of learning to live with the virus, small business owners are now wondering how they can optimize their business to succeed in an eventual post-pandemic world. It comes with no surprise; small businesses were affected by the pandemic and experienced an unprecedented pace of change.…
Getting started on TikTok: Small business tips
What is TikTok and why should I join? As the most popular app downloaded in 2020, chances are you’ve heard of TikTok. Since its launch, the app has exploded in popularity and now has over 1.1 billion active users worldwide. TikTok is a short-video platform, where creators can share content on any topic from comedic…
What is collateral and do I really need it for a business loan?
Traditionally, collateral has been considered an important part of qualifying for a small business loan. In fact, it’s one of the Five Cs used by many traditional lenders to help them evaluate a potential borrower. The term collateral refers to “an item of value used to secure a loan”. Traditional lenders, like banks, typically look for secure…
5 tips to create a successful loyalty program for your small business
From phone companies to cosmetics brands to coffee shops, the business world is swimming with loyalty programs. In fact, more than 90% of companies have some sort of loyalty program in place. Why? Because customers love them, and businesses can profit from them. The average consumer belongs to 14.8 loyalty programs and, done well, these…
4 creative ways to increase your small business revenue
Over the last year many small business owners have had to think outside the box. Many found innovative ways to drive revenue while their regular business operations were impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. Although some of these innovations were born out of necessity, SMBs can continue to take advantage of these new revenue streams post-pandemic. Here…
Summer 2021: What to expect and how to prepare your small business
As summer approaches, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is sparking optimism for Canadian small businesses. According to Deloitte’s 2021 Economic Outlook Report, “the Canadian economy has proven more resilient than expected” and we can expect to see a surge in consumer spending as public health restrictions taper off over the next few months. SMBs can look…
4 things every business owner needs to run a thriving business
Author: Ty Kiisel Small business owners come from different backgrounds and, many times, different skill sets. Regardless of whether your background is in sales, marketing, or a technical background, there are some things I’ve observed every small business owner needs to learn to successfully run a thriving business. Over the course of my 35+ years…
Getting started with small business influencer marketing
Now a billion-dollar industry, influencer marketing has become the fastest-growing customer acquisition marketing method. With a return-on-investment 11x higher than traditional advertising campaigns, it’s clear that influencer marketing is a highly effective way of promoting and growing a business – yes, probably even your small business! What is influencer marketing? Influencer marketing is a form…
Going digital: Overcoming small business barriers
More than ever, the last year has highlighted the importance and urgency for SMBs to get online. Not only does going digital come with many real time benefits, but it can also help SMBs manage the impact of disruptions on their business. That being said, there are a surprising number of small businesses who are still…
11 questions you should ask before you get a small business loan
Small businesses have more financing options today than ever before. Yet, navigating this maze of options can make it challenging to choose the right loan and the right lender for your business. The days when the bank was the one-stop-shop for small business loans are over, and business owners need to be savvier about evaluating…
Small business funding: What are your options?
Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, but there is one universal experience: finding business funding. Whether it’s to aid cash flow or support operational costs, weather the storm through low sales or expanding for growth, owners need to acquire cash to support their business goals. The good news? The options for business funding vary greatly. The…
2021: The year of the compassionate consumer
The stress and uncertainty of 2020 has many of us re-examining our values as individuals and as consumers. The coronavirus outbreak has not only put a financial strain on most, but it has lead consumers of all incomes to consider their purchases more carefully. Consumers have become more empathetic and aware of the power of…
Why a business loan from Journey Capital may beat going to the bank
Whether you’re looking to expand your business, stock up on inventory or simply increase cashflow for daily operations, you’ve likely thought about securing financing for your business. Like many small business owners, your first thought may be to turn to your bank for funds. However, you might be missing out by overlooking other lending options.…