I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I have failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
- Unknown
I ran into a friend of mine a few weeks back. The last time we had talked, he was still finishing up his PhD program in Political Science. As he explained, since our last discussion, he had grown tired of academic life. He put his doctorate on hold and wanted to get some real work experience. The tricky part was finding a related job in his field. Teaching jobs were hard to come by and the current recession definitely didn’t make things easier. Read more »
Tags: entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, failure, perseverence, success
A recent survey by Visa revealed that 41% of small businesses surveyed believed they wouldn’t be targeted by hackers and data thieves due to their small size. A surprising 24% didn’t know where to obtain information on how to secure their business and 52% never sought information on how to secure their data.
All these facts in light of a recent warning by the Competition Bureau that fraudulent activity tends to increase during recessions. Small and medium sized businesses are especially vulnerable since they tend to be more aggressive in cost cutting measures in an economic downturn.
Don’t take security lightly. Whether it means changing your passwords or encrypting your data, do what you can to protect your business, even if it means spending a few extra dollars. It will pay off in the long run.
Tags: entrepreneurship, fraud, starting a business
The Federal Budget was unveiled by the government a few weeks back. A few items of importance to small business owners include:
- An increase of the small business corporate income tax threshold from $400,000 to $500,000.
- A temporary CCA allowance rate of 100% for computers purchased after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2011. In addition, there will be an extension of 2 years of the temporary 50% CCA rate for any investment in manufacturing or or processing machinery and equipment.
- Greater access to credit through increasing loan amounts made available by Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada.
Tags: entrepreneurship, federal budget, starting a business
Last week, a few of us aspiring entrepreneurs launched our newest networking group called Edge Networking. It was attended by close to 30 people, an impressive feat considering Christmas is just around the corner. The idea for the group came to us during a workshop at Yes Montreal. We realized that attendees didn’t have a way of keeping in touch (aside from plain old email). A few people also remarked on the lack of networking opportunities for the English speaking minority in Montreal.
I mentioned that although French was not a barrier for me (having spent part of my childhood in Montreal), there was a definite need for a networking group catering to people who are not bilingual. A few of us took the lead and the end result was Edge Networking. Though we conduct our events in English, it is by no means restricted to only English speaking members of the community. Our platform has the following goals: Read more »
Name: Adil Rahman
Company: Second Cup Ltd.
Website: www.secondcup9017.com
Location: Ottawa, Ontario (St-Laurent Shopping Centre)
How long have you been in business? Who is your target customer?
I’ve been in business since 2006. Anyone passing by my café is a potential customer. A special attention is given to impulse buyers as they’re a group that is willing to spend if the pitch is made properly. Read more »
Though I am growing more and more attached to Montreal, I have to say that I’m still relatively new to the city. Naturally, when a Montreal’er “de souche” (which essentially means ‘born and bred’) tells me something, I put a lot of weight on their words. A twenty something I met not too long ago told me that the young people in Quebec lack the entrepreneurial spirit. The school system in the ‘belle province’ teaches them to conform and be content with being just a ‘good worker’. I didn’t tell him that I thought conformity was a key lesson in pretty much any school. Regardless, his comment left its mark on me. Read more »
Tags: creativity, young entrepreneurs
When we think of entrepreneurship, we typically think of the bold, courageous individual who, without a penny, overcomes great obstacles in order to create something of value. I’m sure there are many examples of this ‘rags to riches’ type story, but I’m convinced that ‘flying solo’ is not the best approach.
The fact is, entrepreneurs, whether they want to admit it or not, are at least partially subsidized by public money. Imagine trying to set up a business in a place with no financial backing, crumbling infrastructure, little or no public transportation, no access to adequate health care, limited means of communication, etc. I don’t care how brilliant you are. This lack of public investment will take its toll on your plans. Here are some of the things that have helped me in the last few months as I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship in Montreal, Canada: Read more »
Tags: entrepreneurship
