Off the Ground Blog
Industry Overview: Video Production
Lights, camera, action! Video production involves the capture of moving images on various forms of electronic media. The video production industry has made headlines in British Columbia as the province is in the midst of a boom. We decided that now is an ideal time to spotlight the SBA’s resources for video production businesses.
Becoming a Better Manager
It's no secret that business owners need many different skills to succeed: they're responsible for everything from making strategic decisions to making sure the water bill is paid on time. But amid the daily bustle, one important skill is at risk of being overlooked: management.
Industry Overview: Graphic Design
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. The graphic design industry in Canada is slated to grow as high-quality graphic design services will become increasingly integral for companies seeking to develop brand awareness.
Emotional Labour and Your Business
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.
Original innovators: A profile of the First Nations Technology Council
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.
Take the #sbalibrary Summer Reading Challenge
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!
Accelerate Your Learning with Video Tutorials
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!
Support for Social Enterprises
What do British Columbians value? Making positive impacts—and the social ventures sector is certainly thriving in British Columbia. According to the BC Social Venture Sector Labour Market Study, 2015 study published by the Sauder School of Business, it was found that, “the social venture sector in British Columbia has grown by 35% since 2010.”
Making the Pitch: How Research Can Build Credibility
You’ve got “THE” business idea that you’re convinced will be a success. But how can you convince your audience? With research! Prove You Know the Competition A good starting point is identifying your competition within your industry. Do thorough research to find out what makes you different from the competition, and use that difference to explain why customers will buy from you. For example, if you think locality makes you stand out, why does that matter to your customers? What data suggests that this is an asset in comparison to your competition?
Industry Overview: Financial Industry
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.