The Government of Canada offers a range of export-focused funding programs to support small businesses who are poised for international growth. Recently, the federal government announced more support for export market development activities, including renewed support for the trade commissioner services. Trade Commissioner Service – Export Market Development Services Prime Minister Harper recently announced expansion…
On a beautiful cloudless sunny day, we packed our gear early in the morning and eagerly awaited the transportation vehicle. Today was a special day. We were planning on diving in one of the most magnificent cave systems in the world; the Cenotes of the Riviera Maya. We were a diverse group comprised of myself,…
The Canadian federal government’s fiscal cycle officially started on April 1, 2015, which means that several Canadian business funding grants and loans have been replenished and more are expected to launch in the upcoming weeks. Mentor Works is offering complimentary online funding webinars on some of the most popular programs. Businesses are encouraged to register…
What does it take to be a machine shop Top Shop? Adopting lean practices? Working in a highly specialized niche? Being flexible to produce a variety of products? Cost leadership? More importantly how do you get to be a Top Shop if you aren’t already? In this post I review some strategies for becoming a…
At over $500 billion in 2014, Canadians’ consumer debt levels are cause for alarm. Consumer debt encapsulates the outstanding debt of consumers that funds consumable goods which do not appreciate in value, including vehicle loans, item purchases, etc. Canadians’ debt related to mortgages represents $1 trillion, though this can be viewed as an appreciable investment….
Sorry for the pun up there, but I couldn’t help myself; it is actually a very accurate depiction of what Excel can do for your career and your business. I’ve been working in the financial sector for over 10 years. During the course of my career I’ve managed to develop many skills, but Excel is…
The Canada Media Fund’s (CMF) Experimental Stream offers repayable business funding for digital media projects that are intended for use in the Canadian media industry, or public use by Canadians. This Canadian government funding program offered through the Canada Media Fund is provided to eligible applicants through a low-interest loan (prime + 1%). In the…
Have you ever given much thought to how you handle the challenges presented to you? We’re all faced with daily challenges, whether it be: Your health; Your family and friends; Work, time management; Financial issues; Car trouble or accident; or Starting a new business. The list really has no ending, and it always feels like…
Established food and beverage manufacturers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have access to a special event at Microsoft’s Canadian headquarters related to business software to improve productivity, as well as small business funding grants to support the costs. This round table event will feature business executives sharing how a best practice approach can help…
We live in a 24/7 world. A seemingly limitless number of to-dos and mindless distractions are almost always within reach whenever, wherever. From extended work hours, to near bombardment of social media, or the Netflix content vacuum, one can easily find themselves overwhelmed with a plethora of distractions. Due often to feelings of confinement and…