Off the Ground Blog
Industry Overview: Graphic Design »
Jul 11, 2017
Graphic design involves using both graphics and text to convey a concept or idea. The graphic design industry includes many activities, including corporate identity/branding, advertising, print production, and web design. Graphic designers create logos, posters, newsletters, brochures, signs, and other forms of visual communication.
Tags: Business, Doing Research, Industry Trends
Emotional Labour and Your Business »
Jul 4, 2017
Have you ever had to show confidence when you felt fear or express enthusiasm when you felt anxious? Maybe you’ve used a smile or a calm tone of voice to put someone else at ease. If so, you have performed emotional labour, and you’re not alone.
Tags: Books, Customer Relations, Work Environment
Original innovators: A profile of the First Nations Technology Council »
Jun 21, 2017
June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, which is an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Here at the SBA, we would like to recognize an important organization that is leading the advancement of digital technologies in First Nations communities throughout British Columbia: the First Nations Technology Council.
Tags: Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Applications & Software, BC Spotlights, Social Enterprise & Non-Profit
Take the #sbalibrary Summer Reading Challenge »
Jun 5, 2017
We’ve all heard it before – reading helps entrepreneurs keep up with trends, develop skills, and be inspired by innovation. But how do you decide what book to pick up next, and how do you motivate yourself to keep reading? The SBA has a solution for that!
Tags: Books, Business, Social Media
Accelerate Your Learning with Video Tutorials »
May 18, 2017
Want to learn how to define your business structure, use social media for your business or sharpen your Excel skills, but don’t have time to take a course? No problem! With the growth of online videos, it seems there are online video tutorials for almost any topic. And that includes business research!
Tags: Open Education, Videos
Support for Social Enterprises »
May 1, 2017
What do British Columbians value? Making positive impacts—and the social ventures sector is certainly thriving in British Columbia.
Tags: Social Enterprise & Non-Profit
Making the Pitch: How Research Can Build Credibility »
Apr 19, 2017
You’ve got “THE” business idea that you’re convinced will be a success. But how can you convince your audience? With research!
Tags: Events, Financial Matters, Growing, Ideation, Networking
Industry Overview: Financial Industry »
Apr 5, 2017
Tax season is upon us! We doubt many of you look forward to this period, except of course the accountants among us. It is a time when we reflect on our finances and whether someone can assist us in meeting our financial targets. This overview is for the financial savvy among us who dream of helping others meet their financial goals and build a safety net.
Tags: Doing Research, Financial Matters, Industry Trends
Open Education Sources for Small Businesses »
Mar 22, 2017
We are in the middle of Open Education Week, which lasts from March 27th to 31st this year. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about sources, uses and benefits of open education. We conducted some research to find open resources that will be helpful for a small business owner.
Tags: Growing, Open Education, Work-Life Balance
Want to Improve your Chances of Business Success? Get a Mentor! »
Mar 8, 2017
March 8th marks International Women's Day 2017! International Women's Day is a time to celebrate women and #BeBoldForChange as we rise together toward a better working world. Women in British Columbia looking to rise to their own entrepreneurial potential can find support with the Women's Enterprise Centre (WEC). For International Women's Day 2017, we have invited the WEC to share their tips for success:
Tags: BC Spotlights, Guest Posts, Networking