Understanding your core processes is critical to managing the growth and development of your company. As you grow, you need to be able to understand how your company can take on additional sales (what’s your capacity, do you manage all aspects of production internally, how does the company interact with customers), develop new products (what…
Over the past several years there has been a big shift in marketing. Businesses used to be able to rely on traditional outbound approaches – cold calling, mass mailers, etc. – to reach existing and prospective clients. These techniques worked in a selling environment where the customer had limited access to information and resources to…
Update: In response to COVID-19, the fourth intake period of SWODF/EODF is October 19, 2020 – December 1, 2020. The Community Economic Development Streams of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) and the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) provide support to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for projects and investments that spur economic development in southwestern…
Government funding for research and development (R&D) activities is widely popular. There are many different funding programs and mechanisms available to help businesses offset the costs (and risks) of engaging in R&D. This helps Canadian businesses to reduce the time it takes to develop a new product or service. Many businesses that we work with…
Many businesses that Mentor Works deals with have heard of the two most popular research and development (R&D) funding programs: NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) and the SR&ED tax credit program. Both are valuable programs that support innovation and commercialization efforts. However, most of our clients are unaware of the wider range of programs…
While the transition to full autonomy will be gradual, technology developers and manufacturers need to be well ahead of consumer demand to push the technological readiness of autonomous vehicle systems. Constant research, development, and testing will help ensure that autonomous and connected vehicle technologies can be deployed once market and regulatory conditions support implementation. Having…
Does your business plan to exhibit at international trade shows this year? Trade shows provide an opportunity to grow your business in new markets and drive higher global revenues. They diversify your client base and can serve as a launching point for sustained international success. Yet, for many businesses, researching international trade shows can be…
Entering an election period always brings about change in the funding landscape as the incumbent government looks to continue to push their main economic development approach and a potential new government looks to establish their economic development priorities. Nearing the end of 2019, it’s time to reflect on the trajectory of government funding for small…
There are over 200 unique funding programs available to Canadian businesses. Mentor Works has been supporting Canadian businesses in accessing and securing funding for growth for over 10 years and has, to-date, secured more than $1B in total funding for our clients. Our experience and expertise has helped our clients grow, create new jobs, and…
DISCLAIMER on July 12, 2021: The Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) is no longer in operation and as their website now directs to the general Ontario government’s Business and Economy page. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) – businesses with fewer than 500 employees – represent the overwhelming majority of economic activity in Canada. These businesses…