Every year, an average of 130,000 new Canadian small businesses are established. But despite this entrepreneurial drive, only 35% survive their first five years. While startups are critical to Canada’s innovation and overall business competitiveness, they face extreme pressure to maintain tight cash flow and survive streamlined operations. It can be tough, but entrepreneurs aren’t…
Technology firms are among the largest and fastest growing companies in Canada. In 2015 alone, Canada’s advanced technology industry consisted of over 71,000 firms who contributed over $117 billion in economic output. This is largely based on their willingness to take risks and invest in research and development activities. There are, however, some regions in…
Ontario’s economy is expected to achieve a 3% growth in GDP based on the province’s performance this year. Previous growth projections expected a 2.6% increase to the province’s GDP, however favourable conditions enabled businesses to increase their competitiveness and drive sales, both domestically and internationally. This is just one of the many trends identified in…
In order for Canadian businesses to develop innovative products and processes, a generation of skilled researchers and labourers must be raised. But despite the clear connection between research, engineering, and success in globally-competitive industries, 35% of Canadian manufacturers and exporters are unable to find and retain skilled labour. This disconnect is limiting growth potential and…
Ontario’s economic health is largely affected by manufacturing exports. In 2015, Ontario manufacturers generated nearly $290 billion in revenue; approximately $197 billion of this was from international customers. Manufacturers who export their products play a valuable role in boosting the province’s economy, from creating high value jobs to generating wealth that fuels future investments. But…
The Canadian manufacturing industry lacks a clear identity, and it’s hindering our ability to be competitive on a global stage. In 2015, Canadian manufacturing sales totalled $610 billion. As of September 2016, sales are on pace to hit $571.9 billion. This $38 billion decline in sales further compounds losses from 2014-15 and continues to jeopardize…
A large majority of our clients are producers in one form or another – manufacturers, assemblers, etc. – most of them make or modify a widget. For these types of operations, defining and improving your competitive advantage typically comes down to a combination of product and service. Companies are able to define themselves on innovative…
Many Canadians – especially younger generations who have grown up with internet access at their fingertips – are moving away from traditional media as their primary method to consume radio/television broadcasts. Online streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and online radio channels are capturing more and more users who are driven by accessibility…
Disclaimer: This article does not endorse either political party or presidential nominee. Today is the American presidential election. We’ll soon know who the next leader of the United States is, and with that knowledge, we can begin looking at the new administration’s incoming changes. Yesterday’s blog reviewed Trump’s platform; and in an effort to analyze…
Disclaimer: This article does not endorse either political party or presidential nominee. The American presidential election is tomorrow, and Canadians are anxious to see who wins. While Hillary Clinton has led in the majority of polls until now, slim margins could make for a close race. Either candidate could win, and we must be must…