How to Develop an ‘Always Recruiting’ Strategy

How to Recruit Effectively with an ‘Always Hiring’ Mindset

Building a team of top talent is one of the greatest challenges facing business leaders. Deloitte’s 2017 Global Human Capital Trends report suggests that talent acquisition is the third most pressing challenge for companies to solve, and PLANT Magazine’s 2017 Outlook survey revealed that five of the greatest challenges businesses face all stem from recruiting…

Top 5 Canadian Small Business Challenges

The Top 5 Canadian Small Business Growth Challenges

Despite a strong business environment, Canadian businesses must navigate considerable challenges to grow and drive profit each year. Attracting customers, increasing revenue, developing a skilled workforce, and driving innovation are just some of the areas where businesses feel the most strained. As identified in the Future of Business Survey, led by the Organization for Economic…

Canadian Small Business Trends: Fall 2017

Canadian Small Businesses Trends: Optimism in Fall 2017

The Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey is a quarterly summary of interviews conducted between the bank and approximately 100 senior managers from businesses across Canada. The report’s purpose is to gather the perspectives of business leaders on topics such as demand, capacity pressures, and other economic indicators. Although it is a small sample size,…

VC for Technology Companies: IAF vs. BDC Capital

BDC Capital and IAF Capital: Venture Capital for Technology Companies

Canada’s technology sector is a cornerstone of the booming knowledge economy. It’s supported by some of the world’s top post-secondary institutions and is also favourably impacted by immigration policies, which see some of the world’s top technology entrepreneurs come to Canada to launch new ideas. At a time where technology’s importance is surging globally, Canada…

Strategic Partnerships

Growing Canadian Businesses through Strategic Partnerships

How strategic partnerships provide synergistic benefits and access to government funding. When strategizing ways to grow and boost competitiveness, very few companies consider working with external organizations. But whether for short-term projects or long-term relationships, collaborations can build synergistic benefits for all who’re involved and greatly improve the potential for success. Partnering with other businesses…

OESA Automotive Tooling Event: Nov 2, 2017

EVENT: OESA Automotive Tooling Update: Nov 2, 2017

Canadian automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 automotive suppliers must adapt to changing market conditions and consumer trends. With the tooling and manufacturing industry shifting so dramatically as new innovative technologies are released, remaining up-to-date on top automotive manufacturing trends is the only way to support long-term success. Being proactive in your approach…

Canadian Government Grant Resources for Business

Canadian Government Grant Resources and Information for Business

Creating a plan for accessing Canadian government funding is a critical component of proper cash flow planning for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although this is one of the most important phases of the government funding process, the variety and complexity of programs requires businesses to have accurate, up-to-date information and resources in order to…

Agri-Food Research Grants for Academic Collaboration

Innovating Food with Universities & Canadian Government Funding

Innovation is critical to the long-term success of agri-food producers and processors. Whether it’s developing a new disease-resistant strain of crop, modifying product ingredients, or redesigning packaging, consistently innovating products or processes will help to remain competitive in an increasingly complex marketplace. Although large agri-food companies can innovate internally, smaller food businesses often lack the…

Workforce Development & Skills Shortage Trends in Ontario

Ontario Employers Experiencing High-Skilled Employment Shortage

The Government of Ontario has projected that by 2019 a total of 323,000 jobs will be created, but many of these positions will go unfilled. This is mainly attributed to employers’ inability to find properly trained and/or educated candidates to fill their roles. This growing challenge has made it difficult for business owners to develop…

Startup Branding: 5 Ways to Improve Your Website

Startup Branding: 5 Tips to Create a High Performing Website

If you’re launching a startup or expanding your small business, the ground rules are much the same: you need to be highly visible online, and you must build a brand that people connect with. Instant recognition of a logo and developing global brands can take millions of dollars to achieve, but you can grab a…