Federal Budget 2016: A Shift in Government Funding Priorities

Federal Budget 2016: A Shift in Government Funding Priorities

As previously explored by a fellow Mentor Works team member, Alex Barlow, the Liberal Government presented their first budget, and with it has come significant reflection on the election campaign and the direction this government will take the country. Throughout the campaign and early days of his government, Prime Minister Trudeau made it clear that…

Why Hiring a Recent Graduate Makes Sense for Many Canadian Businesses

Why Hiring a Recent Graduate Makes Sense for Many Canadian Businesses

Editor’s Note: Details of the Canada Summer Jobs program are subject to change at any time; details on this page were accurate as of the posting date. To learn about current program details, please contact Mentor Works or visit canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/youth-summer-job. Spring is just around the corner and that means that hiring season is about to kick…

Why Europe Should Be Your Next Export Market

Why Europe Should Be Your Next Export Market

With the relative weakness of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, many Canadian small businesses have ramped up exporting activities south of the border. The lower costs of buying from a Canadian company has made it very attractive for American businesses to purchase from Canadians. This trend is even impacting consumer markets with many…

Scope Creep: The Unplanned Cost of Complex Projects

Scope Creep: The Unplanned Cost of Complex Projects

Project Management Professionals (PMPs) were once commonly sought out for niche fields such as ICT and construction, but many businesses are beginning to utilize project management and product management standards to help run their business more efficiently. The benefits of utilizing standardized and centralized processes for managing projects goes beyond efficiency gains. Some small businesses,…

Understanding the Internet of Things and what it could mean for your Business

Understanding the Internet of Things and what it could mean for your Business

The “Internet of Things”, or “IOT”, is a phrase that’s being used a lot these days. Many bloggers, commentators, and analysts are trying to pin-point what the Internet of Things will mean for specific industries, business in general, and even how it will change our personal lives. The goal of this post is to explain…

Agricultural Businesses Benefit from Multiple Funding Sources

Agricultural Businesses Benefit from Multiple Funding Sources

Canada has an abundance of agricultural focused businesses. From the farmers and producers that feed our cities, to the processors who modify food, to the organizations who help support food and agricultural research. As a result, and given Canada’s position as a leading agricultural producer, it’s not surprising to see the abundance of funding options…

Social Media and Business: An Awareness and Engagement Tool

Social Media and Business: An Awareness and Engagement Tool

Social media offers businesses an opportunity to engage directly with customers in a cost-effective way. Businesses can now advertise their products or services on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other smaller social media platforms. For many companies, however, they don’t know where to begin, or how to use each platform effectively. As much as social media…

Nearly 50% of Businesses Don’t Leverage Canadian Government Funding

Nearly 50% of Businesses Don’t Leverage Canadian Government Funding

According to a recent report from PwC, nearly 50% of all small businesses do not leverage any government funding sources.  At the same time, their research shows that access to funding is a key barrier to business growth. For many SMEs obtaining funding is out of reach for a variety of reasons – companies may…

Update: Canada-Ontario Job Grants for Training Expected to Grow by 2017

Update: Canada-Ontario Job Grants for Training Expected to Grow by 2017

The popular Canada-Ontario Job Grant has helped over 21,000 Ontario workers receive training, improve their skill sets, and help companies grow their business. The Government of Canada expects over $115M to be allocated to companies through this popular training grant by 2017. Mentor Works has helped hundreds of companies across Canada take advantage of the…