Wildfires are a persistent threat in Canada, but they have increased significantly over the last few years, putting small business owners and their commercial properties at greater risk than in decades past. Unfortunately, not only are wildfires becoming more ferocious and frequent, but the Canadian wildfire season also starts earlier now than it used to – in Alberta, the province declared wildfire season started on February 20 instead of the usual start date of March 1. Meanwhile, Natural Resources Canada (NRC) says the annual average area burned by wildfires has more than doubled since the ..read more

A professional career coach can help any professional transform their careers by helping them maximize their potential. Career coaches are trained specialists who can create an effective résumé to target specific industries and employers, provide career counselling and planning, and empower their clients by boosting their confidence and interviewing skills.  Anyone who hires a career coach wants to gain a competitive edge over other applicants while developing a personal brand that differentiates them and, ideally, leads them down a more successful career path. However, any professional ..read more

The business world is abuzz with generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, like ChatGPT, DALL-E, DeepAI, and IBM Watson Studio. But AI isn’t just another buzzword. In 2023, the abbreviation of artificial intelligence – AI – was declared the word of the year by lexicographers at the Collins Dictionary, showing how prominent the technology has become in a relatively short time. After all, we’ve entered a new era of technology. Moreover, data highlights how business owners are thinking of integrating select AI tools into their operations if they haven’t already done so. For instance, S ..read more

A new national survey conducted by Zensurance finds that most Canadian consumers (69.3%) would sue a small business if injured in a slip-and-fall accident, and 84.7% would sue for damages if involved in an auto accident with a business vehicle. Although 33% say it’s ‘un-Canadian’ to sue a small business owner, the majority of respondents found something they would sue a business owner over. Furthermore, a combined 83.6% of Canucks believe that Canadians who are financially struggling are more likely (56.2%) or may be more likely (27.4%) to sue a small business for a slip-and-fall accident ..read more

Not long ago, a close friend of mine hired a local handyman in their community to do a few minor repairs around their home. The man he hired had done work for a few of his neighbours, and when my friend asked them about his work, all of his neighbours highly recommended him for his attention to detail, craftsmanship, and fair prices. Interestingly, while doing a walk-through of his home and describing the work he wanted done, my friend asked him if he had business insurance. The handyman turned to face my friend, crooked an eyebrow, and replied, “Business insurance? No. Why would I need insu ..read more

Regularly selling and serving alcohol at your establishment or temporarily for a party or event presents numerous liability risks for business owners and hosts. In either scenario, a business owner or event host can be liable for accidents, damages, and injuries to someone or others that are caused by an intoxicated person who consumed alcohol on your premises or at your event. For example, data from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) states that 391 Canadians were killed in an impaired driving crash, accounting for 26.5% of all fatal road crashes in 2021. TIRF survey data from 20 ..read more

Shoplifting is a seemingly small act, but it is a crime that has significant consequences for retailers. By taking merchandise without paying, individuals deprive small businesses of their rightful revenue and disrupt our economic chain.   Shoplifting and theft from retail stores can lead to consumer price hikes, reduced employee hours, and even store closures, impacting the local job market and the overall economy. That puts the onus on retailers to increase their security measures. According to data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, an estimated 57% of small b ..read more

There are countless reasons why pregnant couples turn to a doula to support and assist them throughout their pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas are trained professionals who serve as trusted companions and provide personalized care, emotional support, and guidance to couples regarding their childbirth options. Doulas do not perform clinical tasks, diagnose medical conditions, or give medical advice, but they support pregnant women and their partners before, during, and after childbirth.  Although the services doulas provide can positively impact the wellbeing of their clients, they also i ..read more

Caterers serve a wide range of clients and events, including office parties, corporate conferences, team-building seminars and events. According to IBISWorld, catering industry revenue in Canada is forecast to rise by 5% to be worth an estimated $3.9 billion in 2024. Rising consumer spending before 2020 also saw increased spending on private events such as weddings and birthdays.  As caterers’ clients become more discerning, the demand for higher quality products, such as organic and locally produced foods, has come to the fore. Those demands are among the many reasons why it’s imperati ..read more

For new and aspiring small business owners, becoming a franchisee could be the perfect stepping stone for your entrepreneurial journey.  Imagine having a well-known brand name, a proven business model, comprehensive training, ongoing support, bulk discounts on supplies and marketing materials, national advertising campaigns, more accessible financing, and an established customer base from the get-go. It’s a great option if you’re looking to be your own boss with the security and benefits of a proven system. But just like any business, a franchise isn’t immune to costly unforeseen incide ..read more