The Canada Job Grant – a Business Owner’s Perspective

The Canada Job Grant – a Business Owner’s Perspective

The Canada Job Grant (CJG) is finally here!  As a business owner myself, I want to help other business owners and managers understand what it is, how it works and what they need to do to make it a reality for their businesses. Canada Job Grant and “the Jobs Paradox” Canada has a Jobs Paradox…

Meet up with Mentor Works at Local Industry Events this Month

Meet up with Mentor Works at Local Industry Events this Month

In addition to engaging audiences at several conferences, seminars, and workshops each month, Mentor Works executives make their way to close to a dozen different events as attendees as well. This month, Mentor Works’ Founder and President, Bernadeen McLeod, Business Development Executive Alexandra (“Alex”) Barlow and Director of Business Development, Jill Schoolenberg will travel to…

FITTskills international trade training helps Canadian businesses succeed globally

FITTskills international trade training helps Canadian businesses succeed globally

By Ewan Roy, Marketing & Communications,  Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)  In a June 2014 CGA-FITT-Nanos survey, 97.7 percent of trade professionals responded that international trade is important or somewhat important to their company. Meanwhile, 71.4 percent agreed opportunities for Canadian companies to engage in international trade are increasing. This combination of necessity and…

There is Nothing Spooky about Canadian Food SMEs’ Export Success

There is Nothing Spooky about Canadian Food SMEs’ Export Success

The honorable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, marked Halloween with a visit to Winnipeg-based OMG’s Candy Inc. OMG’s Candy was launch last year by Chris Emery and Larry Finnson who operate a 12,000-square-foot plant in St. James run by 15 employees. OMG’s is well-known for its delicious chocolaty treats which are a mix of…

OAC Workshop: Sourcing, Selecting, Hiring and Training Employees

OAC Workshop: Sourcing, Selecting, Hiring and Training Employees

Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC) is holding a special workshop for presidents/ CEO’s, Human Resources Executives and Managers. The event will feature a number of experts that will provide non-commercial presentations and discussions to provide participants with practical information and considerations regarding the sourcing, selection, hiring, training, and retention of your employees in order to enable…

“The New Building Canada Plan” is Our Largest Infrastructure Plan Ever

“The New Building Canada Plan” is Our Largest Infrastructure Plan Ever

The New Building Canada Plan is the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in Canada’s history. The plan includes $53 billion over the next decade to support provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure that will improve economic growth while helping to create jobs and improve productivity. The Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Communities & MP for…

CRA Promises Concise, Simple Language in Notices to Canadian Businesses

CRA Promises Concise, Simple Language in Notices to Canadian Businesses

Since 2012, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has been working closely with several stakeholder associations in an effort to improve service to Canadians and cut red tape for small business owners across the nation. Stakeholders involved in the process include the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Chartered Professional…

Ontario Angel Groups Receive Funding through FedDev’s IBI

Ontario Angel Groups Receive Funding through FedDev’s IBI

The Southwestern Ontario Angel Group (SWOAG) will receive funds through the non-profit stream of FedDev Ontario’s funding program, Investing in Business Innovation (IBI). The investment of $500,000 will help the organization to increase its membership as well as its pool of investment funds to enhance its support of earl-stage, high-growth companies. FedDev Ontario Mandate to…

OCE SmartStart Seed Fund Start-up Funding for ONT Entrepreneurs

OCE SmartStart Seed Fund Start-up Funding for ONT Entrepreneurs

The Ontario Centre of Excellence (OCE) is looking to connect Ontario’s next generation of entrepreneurs with much needed start-up funding in order to help take their companies to the next level. The program is open to young entrepreneurs from the ages of 18 to 29, and provides seed financing and entrepreneurship skills training in order…

Government Funding Approval Times

How Long are Grant and Loan Application Approval Times?

A wide range of government funding programs are periodically available to support businesses’ various strategic initiatives. However, applicants should be aware of the turnaround time on submitted applications before committing to a specific Canadian government funding program. Unlike tax credits, which focus on retroactive reimbursement, small business funding grants and loans require applicants to pre-plan…