Measuring Business Success through KPIs and Team Feedback

Balancing Your Business’ Definition of Success: KPIs and Team Input

I’m a big advocate for metrics and key performance indicator (KPI) driven workflows. I believe in the value of data-driven processes, and have seen first-hand the impact of KPI focused process improvement projects. For many manufacturers, the increased use of software systems that document all of their processes has allowed them to identify even more…

SWODF Ontario Government Grants for Small Business

Southwestern Ontario Manufacturer Awarded Over $800k SWODF Grant

Kromet International is a leading engineer and manufacturer of finished metal components and assemblies. Their range of customized products serve the household appliance, automotive, LED lighting, health care, furniture, and transportation industries. As a multi-continent manufacturing network, the company provides low-cost manufacturing capabilities in addition to local, specialized support. For over 45 years the business…

Canadian Green Funding for Business Cleantech Greentech Energy Efficiency

New Ontario Clean Technology Incentives for Business

New details have been released regarding the Government of Ontario’s commitment to green energy grants and incentives for business. The low-carbon economy that is being proposed by Ontario’s government will seek to raise funds from a variety of carbon-emitting activities and reinvest those funds into the economy by supporting clean technologies. Businesses in Ontario, especially…

Fierce Founders Accelerator Supports Women Tech Entrepreneurs

Fierce Founders Accelerator Supports Women Tech Entrepreneurs

Female entrepreneurs are becoming an increasingly powerful and vocal group of influencers within Canada’s business community. A growing number of women are becoming entrepreneurs – 950,000 women were self-employed as of 2012, accounting for nearly 36% of all entrepreneurs in Canada. Still, two main challenges face women who are starting and growing their own business….

CDMN Soft Landing Program for Tech Startups and SME Expansion

CDMN Soft Landing Program: Export Market Expansion Grants

As a technology startup or small business, it can often be difficult to consider your growth potential outside of your current Canadian market. Tech companies have reason to look outside of Canada though. In the artificial intelligence field alone, global investments have risen by over seven times from their 2010 levels. This market is now…

Strategies to Improve Workplace Training

Workplace Training Success: Practical Strategies from Star Wars

I know. I know. The Star Wars saga has been twisted for so many different purposes that it is fraying at the seams of its space pajamas. One could argue, though, that Star Wars is obsessed with training: the dynamics between learners and teachers, the universal benefits of excellent training, and the unfortunate consequences (to…

Canadian government funding for innovative expansion projects via Automotive Innovation Fund AIF

Canadian Automotive Industry Grants: Automotive Innovation Fund

The Canadian automotive industry is enjoying a surge in vehicle sales so far in 2016. Compared to March 2015, the market grew by 9.3% and saw over 175,000 light vehicles being sold last month. These types of increases are expected to remain, or even grow, further into 2016 as Canadian consumers continue to receive reduced…

Strategic Planning Considerations When Upgrading Business Information Technology

Selecting Technology: 5 Key Factors When Upgrading Your Business’ Tech

Selecting a piece of technology to incorporate into your business can be a daunting task. If you don’t keep up with technology, you can easily be left behind in a world of capabilities you know nothing about. I recently went through this process when purchasing a new printer for our office, and thought I would…

Canadian Tooling and Machining Association Apprentice Bursary Sponsorships

CTMA’s Apprentice Bursary Awards Reduce Manufacturing Labour Gap

The Canadian economy’s success is heavily dependent on the contributions made from the manufacturing industry. Creating high-value, high-paying jobs in manufacturing (especially advanced manufacturing jobs) will ensure that Canada is able to remain competitive with other nations in coming years. However, before Canada reaches this vision, it must ensure that there is enough skilled labour…

Build in Canada Innovation Program BCIP First Procurement Program for Canadian Businesses

How to Qualify for the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP)

The Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) is a first-procurement program developed and supported by the Government of Canada. Through BCIP, the Canadian government will evaluate applicants’ innovations for the opportunity to have first access to new technologies and other innovative products/services from Canadian sources. Likewise, businesses across Canada will have the ability to test…