You awoke in the night with a brilliant idea for the greatest small business the world has ever seen. We can’t wait to see what you have in store! But first, to get your business up and running, you’re going to need some initial funding. Between startup costs, marketing, web design, inventory, lawyers, insurance, and […]
Cash flow management is crucial for any business. You need to know exactly how much money is coming in and how much is going out. A business bank account can help. But it’s not just a good idea. If you’re registered as a partnership or a corporation, you’re required to have a separate bank account […]
Crowdfunding — presenting an idea for a product to the internet community and offering rewards for helping fund its initial production — has spent the first five years of its life as a platform for people with good ideas to turn those ideas into a viable product. It’s how hobbyists and casual inventors have secured […]
Learn why equity-based compensation for entry-level employees can be a good thing for a startup while taking stock of the complexities and drawbacks. Weighing the pros and cons of equity-based compensation is essential if you want to structure your company properly.
Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular method for startups or small businesses to secure capital for launching a new business or new product, funding a special project, or financing business growth initiatives. However, since there is also a growing number of crowdfunding platforms, it may be challenging to select which one would be the best fit […]
Crowdfunding is proving to be a successful funding alternative for startups and growth companies. It can fill the gap for those who may not be able to get a loan or raise venture capital. Crowdfunding works by pooling money from a group of people via online platforms, using social and traditional media. Rewards-based crowdfunding mean […]
Crowdfunding, if you’re new to the concept, is a way to raise funding for a business, idea or project by letting your audience support you. It can be a great way to get the money you need, if you understand how it works. In this article we’ll get to the root of crowdfunding by explaining […]
Fundraising is the beating heart of non-profit organizations. It’s also a constant—a never-ending cycle of setting donation goals and donor outreach to meet fundraising objectives. All non-profits want the same thing: to maintain a consistent inflow of cash. And they look across donor categories to make this happen, including new prospects, lapsed and one-time donors, […]
Donor outreach is an integral and ongoing component of successful non-profit operations. And whether you’re speaking to prospective, lapsed, one-time or corporate donors, there is an art to effective fundraising efforts. Ultimately, successful fundraising is founded on thoughtful preparation and planning. This includes everything from adopting the proper mindset and developing your unique story to […]
Perhaps you’ve tried crowdfunding before, or maybe you’ve heard of it and are just starting to explore the option. Wherever you are in the crowdfunding awareness process, you probably are already aware of how valuable of a tool it can be and that it might be a very feasible avenue for you to get your […]
Alongside accounting basics, understanding how to create financial projections for your startup’s business plan is absolutely essential. Neither is particularly exciting—especially when you compare it to the idea at the core of your business. Yet to grow and scale, you’ll need capital. For external funding, financial projections help convince lenders and investors that your business […]
Finding funding and financial support when you are starting or running a small business can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re looking for start-up funds to looking to expand your business, there are many different ways to secure funding for your business. Learn more about how to secure funding […]
Learn about the Canada Small Business Financing Program, including who is eligible and what assets can be financed using it. Find out how it works in practice and how to get started.
Cash is king. You need cash to operate your small business, and many successful firms struggle to manage cash flow. You have to pay vendors and serve customers, while managing accounts receivable and collections. Sometimes, the payments don’t come in fast enough, and you need more cash to operate. A business line of credit may […]
In December of 2018, StatCan determined that banks authorized a whopping $238 billion in loans to small and medium enterprises. That’s a lot of money loaned out to businesses! However, this number also suggests that many financial institutions across Canada are happy to provide a small business loan to companies of all types. If you’re […]
You’ve probably heard the term “crowdsourcing”, but perhaps you were not entirely sure of its meaning. When a startup business launches a Kickstarter campaign, is it taking advantage of crowdsourcing? What about when an aspiring filmmaker makes a spec commercial and enters it in a contest? Is Wikipedia an example of crowdsourcing? Keep reading to […]
Making your startup pitch stand out to potential investors can be the difference between getting your great business idea off the ground and languishing in frustration at having a great idea but lacking the capital to make it a reality. Venture capitalists or other investors are pitched hundreds of business ideas during a year, but [...]
Many businesses can agree that the golden rule of budgeting is to not go over the budget. But what happens when you don’t have a budget, to begin with? Small business owners in need of a comprehensive budget can find what they are looking for here. Keeping reading to learn more about budgeting spreadsheets, and […]
Business owners in need of a solution for their budgeting issues should consider using software or applications to help them create and adhere to these financial projections. Once, businesses and individuals had to develop budgets by hand and pen, these days, thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to track and record your finances […]
For a lot of people, business budgeting can seem like a daunting task. A lot of small business owners don’t know where to start, and it can start to feel like a chore. However, when done right, a budget can help save time and money for the future, making it an invaluable tool for small […]
As a small business owner, you generally must take on the budget planner role of your company, as you manage the finances of your operations. If you’re looking for budget planning help for small businesses, then you have come to the right place, as we discuss various aspects of the budgeting process below. <<Back: What […]
Budgeting is an essential skill for both personal and business use. Companies, just like people, need to understand their finances to successfully operate. If you’re in need of a budget for your business, you’ve come to the right place. Learn what a budget is, why it should be essential to do, and what to include […]
Vesting is the process in which an employee gains ownership of employer provided benefits over a period of time. While there are varying vesting schedules that can be constructed, the general process remains the same. Read on to see why this is an important tool for small business owners to use, and see some example […]
Entrepreneurship and the gig economy are on the rise—which means small business funding is also evolving. If you’re trying to jump-start a business, you might need to get creative with your financing. The trick? Finding the funding source that best suits your company’s specific needs. By seeking a mix of traditional and emerging options, you […]
Utilize financial leverage to boost long-term profits. However, understand the increased risk exposure your company will experience.
Qualify for a fishery loan guarantee through a program backed by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Board to help you get the cash needed to grow your business. The money can be used to purchase licenses, boats and other equipment.
Discover a few platforms that host real estate project crowdfunding. By understanding how RealStarter, FundingNomad, Open Avenue, and NexusCrowd work, you can invest in real estate projects or get funding for the real estate projects you want to embark on.
Learn about debt covenants, and compare positive and negative debt covenants. Review examples of things you may be required to do or banned from doing when you take out a business loan. Find out what happens when you don’t follow the debt covenants of a business loan and how lenders keep tabs on these rules.
Borrow money more intelligently by understanding what a callable loan is. Learn what a bank or other lender can do if the loan you get from them is callable, and see how you can best protect yourself from getting the loan “called”.
Learn what a food incubator is, and find out how one of these facilities could help you or your business transition from idea to reality. Find out about some real food incubators currently operating in Toronto and how they’re helping bring healthy food to the local community.
Learn about the Canadian Investment Network, and discover how it connects entrepreneurs and small businesses to angel investors that are ready to provide funding. Whether you’re looking to start a new business or grow your existing company, the CIN may be able to help.
Learn how deducting losses from bad debts can help lessen your financial burden from the loss. Whether you suffer a capital loss or an ABIL, you need to know how to make the correct election in your tax return to get the full benefit of the deduction.
Learn how to get help dealing with debts through the Farm Debt Mediation Program. Review the criteria needed to qualify for this program. Find out how it helps you review your finances and negotiate payment plans with your creditors, and read about how the stay works for qualifying farmers.
Learn about what a certificate of discharge is and the steps that lead up to its issuance. Obtaining a certificate of discharge is one if the final steps in the bankruptcy process. It shows that you have met your obligations and that your old debts no longer legally exist.
Learn the meaning of the expression “leveraged buy-out,” or LBO, and see the advantages and disadvantages of using such a technique when buying or selling a business.
Picking the right business buyer is not easy. You should go through a process and consider hiring professionals to help you with this monumental task. The highest offer is not always the best offer.
Discover new business ideas, come up with fresh new ideas, develop relationships, and gain funding and new business partners by soliciting a reverse pitch from a large corporation, venture capitalist, or other prominent organization in your community.
Learn to proactively negotiate with your creditors to help your business survive. You can lower your debt balance or payments through open and honest communication by yourself or through a debt management company.
Allow all shareholders to represent their opinions on important company issues with proxy voting options, including using an authorized person as a proxy and remote voting methods.
Look at the definition of a conventional mortgage. Review the differences between a conventional mortgage and a high-ratio mortgage, and learn why conventional mortgages are often easier for self-employed people or sole proprietors to obtain. Find out how the 2018 stress test rules affect conventional mortgages.
Learn what post-money valuation means and why it is an important concept for startups and small businesses. Also, see an example calculation of post-money valuation.
Taking out a business loan may mean you need to decide between a fixed-rate loan and a floating-rate loan. Learn what a floating-rate loan is and how it works, and see some of the pros and cons of this type of loan.
Learn the definition of a basis point, and find out how you can use the idea in business to calculate the fees you might pay or the returns you might gain. See examples of the calculation.
Launch a successful corporate sponsorship campaign for your nonprofit event by thinking about who to approach, what your sponsorship levels should look like, and what to offer in return.
Discover what APR is. Determine the cost of a loan using an Annual Percentage Rate (APR), see how you can use APRs to compare loans, and learn how to calculate the APR on a loan yourself.
Diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate holding. With crowdfunding, you can invest in commercial real estate even if you lack substantial capital or investing experience.
Learn about the National Crowdfunding and Fintech Association’s Canadian Online Funding and Investing Directory, and discover how you can use it to find crowdfunding resources for your small business.
Use a seed round to help your business secure the investments and partnerships you’ll need to fund the initial expenses your business needs to grow and become successful.
Secure music funding for your solo music career or band with these helpful tips that explain how to successfully apply for Canadian music grants. Read these quick guidelines for revealing information.
Fund a new service or product launch with an initial coin offering. This method of fundraising can help your company raise the funds you need and establish a new customer base at the same time.
Learn what a convertible note is and why it can be a useful tool for entrepreneurs who are raising funds for their businesses. Discover some of the advantages and disadvantages of convertible notes.
Apply to grow your entrepreneurial project with the help of a small business incubator, and take advantage of startup funding, coaching, mentoring, shared work space and other support and resources.
Learn the difference between equity and debt investments and the pros and cons of each investment type. Understand how to choose the best combination to provide your small business with stable long-term profits.
Gather business intelligence directly from consumers by using crowdsourcing methods. Your small business gets insights without spending a lot of money, so you can customize your marketing, pricing, and other product aspects.
There are dos and donts for a small business to mount the most effective crowdfunding campaign, and a variety of platforms to accomplish the goal of raising capital. Regulation changes that began in 2015 have opened the door to a bigger pool of potential investors for Canadian startups and small business concepts. These regulations involve […]
Social media helps you reach your target audience, and it can be a powerful tool in your fundraising campaign for your small business or nonprofit. If you already have a strong following on your preferred social media platforms, you have a captive audience that already supports your business or mission. Work that advantage to fly […]
The crowdsourcing fundraising model lets organizations utilize large numbers of people on the internet to gather necessary resources for a project. The subsets of crowdsourcing include things such as crowd voting, crowd creativity, crowd design, and crowd labor, with the advantage of gaining diverse input from genuinely interested people. Raising money with crowdfunding is a […]
If you’ve hit some roadblocks with your small business, you may find yourself in a cash flow crisis where you need some extra funds to keep your company afloat. Should you loan money to your business from your personal funds? There are several ways you can do this, but it’s important to consider the tax […]
Crowdsourcing funds can be a great alternative to traditional banking loan options for your business, but there are some risks and downsides to consider. If you’re not sure if peer-to-peer lending is the right fit for your business, weigh these cons against the pros so you can make an informed decision. Potential Loss of Intellectual […]
The Canadian Government offers a wide range of funding options to help alleviate small business struggles. With so much competition, though, you have to prove your small business is worth funding. Most of the government funding options for small businesses come with strict rules about who can apply and how the money can be spent. […]
Once you’ve made your pitch to potential clients, waiting for a response can be nerve wracking. You don’t have to leave everything up to the client at that point, though. Following up on your pitch keeps you on the customer’s mind and improves your chances of a positive response. Keep in Contact Shortly after your […]
If you’re looking for equity capital for your Canadian startup or small business, several options are available. It’s important for you to do the preparation work to convince potential investors that your business is worth the investment. Locating Equity Capital for Your Canadian Startup Among the primary sources for equity capital are venture capitalists, angel […]
If your fundraising pitch isn’t answering the questions potential investors are asking themselves, you’re going to have a hard time securing funds. You’re trying to get someone to invest their money in your company, so it’s important that you’re transparent and informative right from the beginning. Don’t make the people who may fund your venture […]
One of the most common tips you hear about budgeting and expense tracking for small businesses and freelancers is to keep your personal and business accounts separate. When you run your business expenses through a separate account, it’s easier to keep track of your expenses. That makes it so you don’t miss out on claiming […]
As a small business owner, if you are offering shares of equity to key employees, investors, or other company stakeholders, you need to be aware of the concept of voting rights and how they can help or hurt your vision of the business. Voting rights give power to the individual equity shareholders of a company […]
Freezing in terror isn’t the best way to impress clients and investors, so it’s vital to brush off anxiety before a sales pitch. Practice coping with triggers that shake your confidence to maintain a calm demeanour and win over your audience. Chances are you speak clearly and show enthusiasm when chatting with friends. Try to […]
An accredited investor is an individual, entity, or financial institution with a special financial status that enables them to invest in certain opportunities that are not legally available to ordinary investors. These investment opportunities are typically hedge funds, which are similar to private mutual funds with various investment requirements. Also, accredited investors can invest in […]
As profitable as the construction industry can be, plenty of expenses come with owning a construction business. You need to plan for labour costs, materials, heavy-duty equipment, vehicles, and insurance, to name just a few of the most common overhead expenses. To help small construction businesses take off, the government has several funding options to […]
Designing a new product is only the first step to launching it. Once you’ve got a great idea, it’s time to find funding so that production can begin. Kickstarter is a great tool for small business funding, especially short-term funding. This is particularly true if you have a brand or an idea with a strong [...]
Identify some of the most common loan source for small businesses, and compare them to determine which offers the best fit for your business.
Learn about the crowdfunding platform YouCaring and how you can use it to solicit donations for your nonprofit organization.
Learn the basic differences between common shares and preferred shares regarding voting rights, dividends, and rights upon dissolution.
Need a boost to your working capital? Check out the pros and cons of working capital loans. Decide if this type of funding is right for you.
Learn what makes business credit scores different from personal credit scores, and find out how to get a high score for your business.
Find out how to grow business credit in a few steps. Learn about types of credit to use and how credit bureaus calculate your business’s score.
Examine the advantages and disadvantages of using retirement account money to fund your small business.
Find out what to expect after you successfully pitch your business to a venture capital firm. The pitch deck is just the start of the venture capital process.
Raising capital for a small business involves several options; of these, bonds may be the most preferable for closely held companies.
Find out why a line of credit may be ideal for improving businesses’ cash flow, and learn how to qualify for a line of credit.
Learn what preferred shares of stock are and discover the many characteristics that make them different from common stock.
Learn the differences between nominal interest rates, real interest rates, and effective interest rates and see how to calculate them.
Operating a small business or farm in rural Canada does not exclude your endeavour from receiving governmental grants, loans, and assistance programs.
Find out how businesses can maximize their benefits by choosing the right rewards credit card for their spending needs.
Check out a list of Canadian agricultural grants and loans. Learn about federal programs and how to find information on programs in your area.
Need a loan to finance your small business? Learn about the documentation you need to convince potential lenders to take a chance on you.
Find out whether a peer-to-peer lending arrangement may be right for your business. P2P lets you borrow money outside of the traditional banking system.
Learn four different ways to estimate startup business’s valuation that you can use to prepare for investor meetings.
Millennials — generally defined as those born between 1980 and 2000 — are an important and large potential consumer base for new business owners. Unfortunately for some, research suggests they tend to be reluctant to purchase big-ticket products that require financing, such as cars, luxury goods, and homes. If you want to cultivate a millennial […]
Microloans are small loans, often less than $10,000, to help small businesses get started and grow. In many cases, microloan programs have a social bent and attempt to stimulate businesses in struggling communities or companies that are owned by women or minorities; there are other microloans that are available to anyone. If you are thinking […]
GoFundMe is a fundraising platform that is social media-driven, making it a great place to find small business funding when you already have a following. Unlike many crowdfunding platforms, GoFundMe isn’t all-or-nothing, which means that even if you don’t meet your funding goal, you still receive whatever funds have been pledged. However, if you don’t […]
When small businesses are starting out and reaching sustainable profitability, they commonly have difficulties with cash flow. If this occurs, a business may have issues with its short-term working capital, the money needed to take care of usual expenses associated with operating the business. Depending on the severity of the cash flow problem, business owners […]
There are grants and loans as well as unique crowdfunding opportunities designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. If you are trying to find funding for your startup, you may want to explore these resources. Canada Business Network The Canada Business Network provides advice and guidance to all kinds of entrepreneurs on Canadian business law, general business […]
Hard money loans are high-interest, low loan-to-value loans sometimes used by business owners as a short-term financing option. Typically, business owners who take out hard money loans have credit challenges and don’t qualify for financing through traditional lenders that offer more favourable small business lending terms. Private individuals sometimes offer hard money loans to business […]
A survey done by the Canada Business Network shows that Canadian millennial entrepreneurs overwhelmingly consider the acquisition of financing the hardest part of beginning or growing a company. There are many funding sources available for small business owners, including private sector loans and regional and national government grants. Futurpreneur Canada Startup Program Futurpreneur Canada program […]
The Canada Small Business Financing Act was introduced in 1999 as the modern equivalent of the Small Business Loans Act, first passed in 1961. It creates a de facto government guaranteed loan system through which financial institutions assume less risk. The purpose of the Act is to increase financing opportunities for Canadian small businesses. The […]
Anyone seeking a capital investment to get their startup up and running will inevitably have to make a pitch to investors. While there are many different ways to construct a successful pitch presentation, it’s smart to be aware of some of the most important and necessary elements. State the Problem Clearly Perhaps the most important […]
Obtaining start-up financing can be one of the most challenging parts of starting a new business, and it’s important to investigate a range of loans, grants, and other types of funding. Particularly for aboriginal entrepreneurs, there are many special programs that can help. Here’s a look at a few of the most popular options. Aboriginal […]
With several government financing programs working as a backstop, financial lending institutions in Canada are ready and willing to lend to small businesses. To position your business for the best chance of success in obtaining a loan, you need a well-conceived loan proposal. Lenders need to be confident your business is a sound investment with […]
Crowdfunding is the process of soliciting donations or contributions through a crowdfunding website. Many people use crowdfunding to raise money for personal purposes ranging from medical bills to vacations, but others turn to crowdfunding to raise startup capital for their businesses. If you accept crowdfunded donations for personal reasons, you typically do not have to […]
If you use crowdfunding to gather startup financing for your business, you must report the payments as business revenue on your tax return. (This rule doesn’t apply to nonprofits or charitable fundraisers, however.) Ideally, so you don’t overlook any payments, you should implement a tracking system such as noting the payments in your accounting software […]
New or expanding small business owners should always be aware of alternative forms of financing beyond standard bank loans. There are several institutions, organizations and public programs that provide loans or equity raises for small businesses. Government grants allow a business to increase its pool of capital without incurring debt or diluting ownership. Learn more […]
A pitch deck is a short presentation that gives angel investors and venture capitalists an overview of your business or idea. It is an essential tool in raising investment capital. While different experts have different opinions about what should be included in a pitch deck, it should definitely include these must-have slides. The Introduction Slide […]
Crowdfunding sites, such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, offer platforms where you can raise money for your small business through video. Some key things to consider when creating an effective campaign video are: Quality counts: Successful campaigns don’t skimp on audio, video or editing quality. Practice: Don’t wing it. Make sure to script the video and […]
A business credit card can be essential in helping growing businesses to meet their short-term financing needs. While there are less expensive forms of small business financing, a business credit card offers a small business greater flexibility in meeting temporary needs while providing additional cash management capabilities. Keep Business and Personal Finances Separate Many small […]
Equity stakes owned by founders, investors, and employees are important to a business because they help determine the it’s value. For small business founders, deciding how much equity to share with investors and employees is often a difficult decision. There are some factors that can make this decision a little easier. What is Equity, How […]
The number of women entrepreneurs is growing across Canada, which is good news for the country, as companies led by women create jobs four times faster than the national average. Unfortunately, it can be hard for women to access small business funding. Nevertheless, there are a range of special loans and grants to foster the […]
There are many sources to tap when securing capital for your startup business. In the absence of adequate personal savings, you may turn to conventional financing through a bank or ask a friend or family member for a loan. Angel investors offer funding for a considerable return on investment, and don’t overlook Canadian government funding. […]
A microloan is a small, short-term loan typically obtained by small business owners who may otherwise fail to qualify for a traditional bank loan. Due to the more relaxed requirements to qualify, microloans are especially appropriate for those individuals with limited resources and little business credit history. Microloans can be an ideal source of funding […]
Starting a new business often requires a hefty outlay of cash, so how can you get funding for your startup? We spoke to Mike Lee, CEO of Fundica, an organization that helps small business owners find funding opportunities. For a small business owner starting out, it can be difficult to sort through the many available […]
A critical element to starting and developing a business is gathering enough funds to finance operations. When starting out, this is vital in developing the company’s infrastructure. As your company grows, funds are also important to expand and further develop your business. Based on the age and market position of your company, different financing opportunities […]
Financial Literacy Month is a good time for Canadian startup entrepreneurs and small business owners to think about how to keep their investors invested. It can be a challenge to keep your investors satisfied, particularly in the early stages of your business when it may be difficult to meet projections on schedule or when you […]
Every startup that intends on securing investors’ funding absolutely needs an elevator pitch. The ability to provide a compelling pitch and follow it up with a persuasive presentation separates funded entrepreneurs from their cash-poor counterparts. You never know when the perfect investment opportunity may present itself within an elevator, at a cocktail party or when […]
As a small business owner, you should verify each customer’s credit prior to shipping your goods. If a customer pays cash or submits a credit card when placing the order, you have been paid in advance, and, unless he charges back on his credit card, there are no worries. However, if you extend credit prior […]
Need to know how to claim business expenses, when to collect HST, or the quickest way to invoice and get paid? Intuit #FinanceHub at Ryerson University’s DMZ has come to the rescue, providing an on-the-spot expert to answer all your finance questions free of charge. At the DMZ, Canada’s leading business incubator for emerging tech start-ups, […]
Canada is becoming world-renowned for its startup-friendly ecosystem and through continued government support, Canada can only continue to shine globally. Here are five government resources and destinations for entrepreneurs to check out for funding, mentorship, and more. Industry Canada Industry Canada, which is part of Canada Business, works with entrepreneurs at various stages of the business […]
Deciding how to finance a small business can be a complicated and challenging task for many entrepreneurs. There are multiple equity and debt funding options that can be used to kick-start a business and all of them have pros and cons. When it comes to small business loans, the following list of considerations should be […]
Pitching to potential investors is one of the most critical points in a startup’s life. Financing is the fuel your new business needs to start growing. As a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Ottawa-based Hosted PBX provider Versature, now in our 12th year of business and ranked 5th largest Canadian service provider by revenue […]
While everyone loves the concept of “free money”, it is important for entrepreneurs to take the time to understand the different sources of funding and their key factors. Be efficient in identifying and validating the appropriate funding opportunities available for you. While your thoughts might get clustered with all that money on your mind, ask […]
On Wednesday, April 9th from 12pm – 1pm EST Intuit Canada, Fundica and INcubes participated in a popular #StartupChats on Twitter to discuss financing for startups. Read the recap below. [View the story “Wed, April 9: Where to Get Funding For Your Startup” on Storify]