Ontario’s dynamic agriculture industry continues to grow and diversify thanks to key investments from federal, provincial, and local sources. Canadian government funding programs, in addition to advocacy initiatives for local food consumption, have helped agricultural producers and processors increase revenues and introduce new products and services. This approach has been a key factor in the…
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 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…
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…
Branding plays an important role in our capitalistic society. It takes a product or service and transcends it beyond its features and specifications into something that consumers form an emotional bond over. This bond leads to consumer loyalty, defending and endorsing brands, and a willingness to pay more solely for the brand. Apple has evolved…
Tourism has had a profound impact on Ontario’s reputation as one of the most economically successful, culturally diverse, and geographically beautiful regions on earth. By hosting large-scale tourism events, Ontario has an opportunity to bring long-term improvements and sustain this reputation. The Government of Ontario provides grants for events, festivals, and cultural organizations that host…
Canadian businesses looking to scale their operations and grow into new export markets can access CanExport funding for marketing and sales projects. Available for startups to medium-sized businesses, CanExport supports projects such as modifications to product packaging, conducting market research, and participating in international trade shows. Businesses can receive cost-sharing support from CanExport for up…
2015 showed Canadian business owners and executives that uncertainty is the new ‘normal’ for operating a firm. With major shakeups in the Canadian economy, federal government, and international business factors, nothing can be taken for granted, and businesses must be willing to go beyond expectations to stay alive. Having reported major trends affecting business during…
My six-year-old son recently went through a period where he rejected picture books in favour of stories that I made up for him. I can’t say I embraced this impulse with adequate enthusiasm—composing a story on the spot is much more difficult than reading “Murmel, Murmel, Murmel”. However, it quickly became apparent that what he…
The Greenbelt Fund is an Ontario not-for-profit (NFP) organization which works with a variety of food producers, processors, and government organizations to increase the amount of locally grown and processed food options available to Ontario consumers. In doing so, Greenbelt Fund has provided Ontario government funding to over 111 projects which has assisted in more…