Category: Advice
How to acquire a business loan in Ontario
How to Acquire a Business Loan in Ontario? The Ontario province in Canada provides an excellent business environment for entrepreneurs and for small businesses to grow their company operations. According to recent surveys, Ontario is considered one of the top places in the world for companies to establish their headquarters and for investors to invest…
Business financing for retail stores in Canada
With Canada’s unique mix of cultures, history and modern innovation. It’s easy to see why the retail industry is booming. From province to province we can spot little shops in small local communities and huge malls that offer some of the best shopping experiences in North America. Running a retail store as a small business…
Can a business loan help my auto shop?
Injecting funds into any small or large business can be a great help if used properly. For auto shops, in particular, inventory management is a key ingredient to success. Since parts and equipment can be expensive, and revenue usually doesn’t come in until after the inventory is sold and the job is done. Hence it…
5 takeaways from Journey Capital’s first partner event
Providing Canadian small businesses with great service and access to capital is a top priority for Journey Capital. We greatly value our partner network that allows us to reach small businesses and we are always looking for innovative ways to bring you useful content. On Thursday evening, May 10th, we hosted our first Partner Summit.…
6 steps to help you think more strategically
Building a Business Strategy for 2019 Thinking strategically and building a business strategy is an important exercise for all businesses—large and small. Unfortunately, many small business owners aren’t sure where to start, how a more strategic approach will impact their business, or if it’s even worth the time away from the important work of meeting…
12 quick ideas to make the holidays work for your small business and your family
Separation between work and home lives is a myth for most small business owners. (You’re likely living proof of this constant battle.) Time is your most valuable possession and the holiday season makes the overwhelming demand of your time much more noticeable to you and to your family members. For many business owners, the holiday…
Small business budgeting for the new year
Even if your business is not what is typically identified as a “seasonal” business, your business likely ebbs and flows with seasonal fluctuations—at least that’s been my experience over the last 35 or so years. Fortunately, after a couple of years at the helm of your business, those fluctuations can be anticipated; making it possible…
Cash flow: What business owners should know
Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. Without cash, it’s hard to purchase inventory, pay employees, and ultimately keep the doors open. In fact, according to PreferredCFO.com, 82% of small businesses fail because of poor cash flow management skills or a poor understanding of cash flow. “While there are multiple factors to consider with…
Getting into the holiday spirit: Tips from an Ottawa restaurateur on preparing for the busiest season of the year
The holiday season is typically the busiest time of year for Canadian small business owners, especially those in the restaurant industry. A 2017 Canadian Holiday Outlook Report from PwC Canada found that 58% of Canadian consumers plan to shop with local and independent retailers during the holidays, estimating that they will spend an average of…
3 Unexpected Ways Business Owners are Wasting Time
Here you are, coffee in hand, ready to tackle your store’s to-do list. But before you know it, you’re dealing with an order that came in unexpectedly, recounting last night’s cash report because it doesn’t add up and covering for your cashier whose, once again, late. Sound familiar? That’s because, on average, business owners spend…
How to Motivate My Employees When They Return from Vacation
Employees Returning from Vacation? Here are 6 Tactics to Keep Them Motivated at Work. The end of summer can have a sad ring to it. For many business owners, it means time to get back to work and finish the year strong. It’s also is a time when your employees are returning from their vacations…
From Temp to Perm? How and When to Do it Right?
Should You Bring Your Temporary Employee on Full-Time? Hiring temporary employees is a natural course for many small businesses during the busier seasons. Temporary employees come in many shapes, sizes, and with different expertise. The most common reasons to bring on a temporary employee include: college interns on summer break, to have an extra hand…
Balancing Online and In-Person Sales
Tips for Balancing Between Online and In-Person Sales An Interview with Parth Sharma, Brand Breeders I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with Parth Sharma, the owner and founder Brand Breeders. Launched in 2011, Parth’s company helps consumer goods brands launch and scale their business. Part manufacturing, part consulting, Parth spends his days…
Steps to Get Back to Work and End the Year Strong
In August, the slow, quiet, feeling of summer fills the air in many offices around the world. Each week a different team member is on vacation, some offices have “Summer Fridays,” and motivation seems lacking. In many parts of the country, it’s HOT, which makes most people sluggish and want to be anywhere but inside…
Evalutate These Metrics for Small Business Success
Evaluate These Metrics for Your Small Business Growth In July, our blog focused a lot of on attention on different areas and metrics small business owners can use to measure their business. At OnDeck, to say we’re metrics obsessed is an understatement. This applies to how we approach our business in general as well as…