CME-FedNor Assessments: Northern Ontario Manufacturing Grants

CME-FedNor Assessments: Northern Ontario Manufacturing Grants

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) provides federally sourced funds to businesses, organizations, and communities within the province’s northern regions. The agency supports the development and competitiveness of businesses to ensure the north grows and contributes toward the country’s economy. Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) also provides support to growing businesses across…

Hiring New Employees: 4 Practical Tips to Ensuring a Good Fit

Hiring New Employees: 4 Practical Tips to Ensuring a Good Fit

While I am not a certified human resources professional, I have had several opportunities throughout my career to screen, interview, and hire employees. I hired my first employee in 1991 and have gone through the process of finding the ‘right’ candidate several times since then. Although my background is geared towards science, research and development,…

Export Expansion Strategies: Funding and Market Development Services

Export Expansion Strategies: Funding and Market Development Services

Canadian businesses should evaluate the benefit of entering international markets to grow, as export expansion has been a key pillar to many businesses growth. Beginning to export, however, poses a number of challenges for small businesses within Canada. Often times, business leaders are successful within their industry however lack the expertise or connections needed to…

Manufacturing in the Age of Consumer-Level 3D Printing

Manufacturing in the Age of Consumer-Level 3D Printing

Manufacturing has traditionally required a dedicated infrastructure, production team, and resource management system. These barriers to entry have given businesses near-exclusive control over the type of products available to consumers. However, with the recent advancements in additive manufacturing, such as affordable 3D printers, consumers are now given the freedom to design and create tangible items…

Wellington Brewery: Pouring Success from Growing Forward 2 Ontario

Wellington Brewery: Pouring Success from Growing Forward 2 Ontario

Based in Guelph, Ontario, Wellington Brewery produces micro-brewed small batch beers made from fresh, all-natural ingredients. As Canada’s oldest independently owned microbrewery, the company is known for their award-winning selection of products and friendly team of over 60 employees. Wellington Brewery is determined to continue this success through consistent upgrades to their product selection, and…

Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit: Wage Subsidies for Business

Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit: Wage Subsidies for Business

During the spring and summer months each year, businesses across Ontario aggressively pursue government funding programs to hire students and post-secondary graduates. Among their many options, which include wage subsidies such as government grants and tax credits, businesses can strategically reduce their labour costs while also developing youth talent. The Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit…

Attend a Canadian Small Business Event in May 2016

Attend a Canadian Small Business Event in May 2016

Proactive small business owners and executives are beginning to fill their calendars for the month, however should keep some space for the following small business events. Across Ontario, business leaders can network with other industry professionals and visit live events to develop greater perspective on key industry issues. Mentor Works’ government funding professionals will be…

Workplace Training Success: Practical Strategies from Star Wars

Workplace Training Success: Practical Strategies from Star Wars

I know. I know. The Star Wars saga has been twisted for so many different purposes that it is fraying at the seams of its space pajamas. One could argue, though, that Star Wars is obsessed with training: the dynamics between learners and teachers, the universal benefits of excellent training, and the unfortunate consequences (to…

What is Social Selling? A Look at the Future of Sales

What is Social Selling? A Look at the Future of Sales

Cold calling, phone calls, snail mail, and networking events; the traditional components of a sales process were tried and true. Then the Internet was invented and sales processes were changed forever. This article will reveal the impact of the Internet on sales and how it can be used to improve a business’ reach through new…

What Canadian Businesses Need to Know About Carbon Taxes & Cap and Trade Policies

What Canadian Businesses Need to Know About Carbon Taxes & Cap and Trade Policies

Provinces and territories are working with the Canadian government to develop a low-carbon economy. The federal government’s current strategy is to let provinces develop a plan for how they will achieve individualized carbon-reduction goals. This regional approach, as opposed to a ‘one size fits all’ model helps provinces develop a tailored plan that respects industries…