Off the Ground Blog
Twitter for Small Business - Cheat Sheet
Interested in growing your business through social media, but not sure where to start? For business owners new to Twitter, micro messaging, and social media networking, we've put together this introductory guide to help get you started.
Be There! Small Business Events in BC
If you run (or aspire to own) your own business, you've probably by now discovered the value of face-to-face networking and in-depth information made available through small business seminars, conferences, meet-ups and other events. If not, here's a quick briefing. To help you identify, plan for and attend small business events happening in and around BC (and Canada) here are a few key pointers and event directories you might want to take note of:
Small / Medium / Large (Industry Share in Canada/US)
Big business or small business? A new Statistics Canada study takes a look at the Small/Medium size business contributions to Canadian GDP for each sector.
Getting to Yes (Books for Small Business)
With the re-release in paperback of the classic negotiating tactics guide Getting to Yes, we present a quick refresher on why this book is a must-read for business owners (big or small) for dealing with employees, partners, customers or vendors.
Start-up Idea Generation
For would-be entrepreneurs who have the desire to start a business of their own, but still haven't found the perfect business concept, here are a few ways - and websites - to help with the brainstorming process.
Global Business Resources from Consulting Firms
If your business interacts with non-Canadian markets, an up-to-date and accurate information source about host countries is a valuable resource. UHY 'Doing Business Guides' are a quick and easy way to learn about business in countries around the world.
Hot Industries for Starting a Business in 2011
Every year Inc. Magazine releases its list of the top industries for startup businesses. The list for 2011 has come out, and you might be surprised to learn what's big for 2011.
Business without borders: Import/Export
Buying and selling on international markets allows small business to grow beyond regional or domestic limitations. The SBA Import/Export guide can help get your research and planning started if you're thinking about doing business in foreign markets.
BC's Minimum wage set to rise - What does it mean to start-ups?
With the minimum wage in BC set to rise from $8.00/hour to $10.25/hour by early 2012, many are asking the question: what does this mean to small business owners who will now be expected to bear this increased cost?
Fair Financing for Female Entrepreneurs?
Building on an Oct 2010 report by the SME Financing Data Initiative, Globe & Mail reporter Marjo Johne examines the issues of gender discrimination towards female entrepreneurs seeking business financing. From the article: