Off the Ground Blog
Industry Overview: Specialty Foods – Organic Foods
Specialty foods refer to items that cater to a specific audience such as organic, gluten-free, halal or artisanal food products. However, this overview will concentrate on the organic food market, as it is one of the most rapid growing industry sectors in Canada.
Essential Resources for Social Enterprise and Non-profits
The fifth annual Canadian Conference on Social Enterprise takes place this week in London, Ontario. In honor of CCSE, we are highlighting some great resources for Canadian social enterprise and non-profits.
Business Research Resources for UBC Alumni
As alumni, UBC graduates have access to a rich source of business information by getting and registering their UBC Alumni A-card, which grants them access to Business Source Alumni Edition. If you are thinking of starting your own business and have obtained a degree from a UBC campus, consider the following to help you with your business research. Below we have highlighted some of the best ways to use the A-Card to access business research for recent (and not-so-recent) UBC graduates.
Industry Overview: Confectionery
The Canadian confectionery industry includes establishments engaged in the manufacture of chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery. Chocolates and chocolate confectionery, including chocolate covered candy and nuts, may be made from cacao beans or purchased chocolate. Non-chocolate confectionery includes candy, candied fruit, chewing gum, cough drops and lozenges, marshmallows, granola bars, and nuts.
Business Trends and Learning Resources for 2015
A big part of moving your business forward is knowledge of emerging trends and an ability to continually learn new skills as the trends evolve. This week, we’ve highlighted a few trends that are pertinent to various aspects of starting and growing your business, and have complimented them with some open educational resources (OER) to deepen your understanding of these fields of business.
Tip and Tools to Get You Through Tax Season
Filing taxes can be a stressful task. Do you know which forms you need? How to calculate your annual allowance? Or the deadline for filing? Here are some helpful links to get you through tax season.
Open Learning Opportunities for Business
As business trends and knowledge change at a fast rate in our society, the demand for lifelong learning increases. This week, we look at the growing number of online resources that can contribute to lifelong learning to help your business succeed.
Listen and Learn: Business School Podcasts
Did you know that some of the top-rated business schools in North America produce podcasts? The great thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them anywhere and whenever you have a spare moment- during your commute, or while exercising or running errands. The following podcasts feature a wide range of content, including interviews and lectures from successful entrepreneurs, business experts, CEOs, business school professors, and authors discussing entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and business trends.
Industry Overview: Construction
The construction industry is large and varied – wherever there is industry growth, there is sure to be construction to follow. It includes the builders of many different types of buildings as well as general contractors that are relied upon to complete specialised tasks, including electrical work, plumbing, heating, and roofing.
The Support You Need: Resources for Professional Guidance and Mentorship
Your business is a long-term commitment, with frequent surprises and questions along the way. Whether you're just starting out, in the early years of your business, or facing a major change, you'll need the support and guidance of someone who's been there. Use the resources here to find the right mentor for you. Featured mentorship programs: »Aboriginal Business Mentorship Program (Canada)