Off the Ground Blog

Going Green: Small Steps for Your Business

Jan 1, 2013

There are lots of actions you can take, for little or no cost, that can save your small business money and be good for the environment too! We’ll start off with some small and simple changes that you can think about implementing today. 

Becoming a Better Business Leader

Jan 1, 2013

Whether you’re managing an office or starting your own business, good leadership is an essential ingredient of business success. But what makes a good leader? According to John Baker, president of the organizational and leadership development firm READY Thinking, “Leadership is accomplishing things that reach beyond solitary abilities by acting — and getting others to act — with a maturity that surpasses limited self-interest.”

Get Inspired

Jan 1, 2013

Happy New Year from everyone here at the SBA! The beginning of a new year is always a time of thoughtful reflection. It's also a time for setting goals. One of our new year's resolutions is to incorporate more inspiration and motivation into our lives. Below we've listed some of our favorite inspirational thoughts. Check out our new SBA Pinterest board for even more quotes to get you inspired for 2013.

Women in Entrepreneurship (Part 3 of 3): Changing Paradigm

Dec 12, 2012

As times change and resources are consumed at rapid rates, we begin to realize that growth cannot continue indefinitely and the way that we carry out our daily live is unsustainable.    It’s a global problem, a problem that impacts many aspects of our lives (including energy, environment, health, politics, education, jobs and the economy) which will require new shape-changing perspectives to resolve.  Women offer fresh perspectives and unique contributions that will benefit society as a whole. 

The Evolving Workplace (Part 1 of 2): Managing Employees in a Virtual Environment

Dec 12, 2012

The work environment is rapidly changing, incorporating new and innovative models. For the entrepreneur these new models can present both challenges and benefits. One recent development, facilitated by technology, is a growing trend toward employees to telecommuting from a home office.  In this blog post we have collected useful advice for managing employees online and some great tools to ensure your virtual office runs smoothly.

Small Business Profile 2012

Nov 11, 2012

What do small businesses in BC actually look like? BC Stats recently published the latest edition of their Small Business Profile 2012: A Profile of Small Business in British Columbia.

Watch & learn: Video tips and tricks for startups

Nov 11, 2012

  Are you looking for inspiring success stories? How about leadership tips from established business owners? In today’s post you will find all of these and more. We will share some of our favourite sources for videos and webinars to inspire the entrepreneurial mind.

Hot Business Books: Starting a Business Without an MBA

Oct 10, 2012

Lots of business owners feel outmatched by individuals who went to business school. While there are some excellent benefits of getting a formal business education, it’s not necessarily a requirement for success. Some of the most successful business men and women have achieved greatness without any formal training. You can learn many important business skills on your own using the internet, books, workshops and seminars. Some of the most essential skills can’t be learned in the classroom at all.