HP Canada has a great new offer to help out small businesses looking to invest in technology. There are two variations: the 0%, 12-month promotion plan allows small businesses to purchase their equipment for $1 at the end of the term. Alternatively, they can opt for the 0%, 30-month lease plan, which gives them a fair market value purchase option at the end of the term.
Both offers allow the financing of products between $5,000 and $150,000, and are available until April 30, 2009. The minimum amount is a bit annoying, but it’s still a good deal. As well, the promotion targets ‘established’ small businesses so start ups might not necessarily be eligible (though it doesn’t hurt to try). For more information, check out their site.
Tags: entrepreneurship, leasing, starting a business
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
As a follow-up to my previous post on mind mapping, I am going to bring to light one of its great applications: writing and delivering a speech. Before going further, I should mention that I have some prior experience in public speaking. In many of our business courses in university, presenting was a normal part of the curriculum. In addition, I spent some time as a member of a local toastmasters club, a great organization for improving one’s public speaking skills. However, I wish I had learned how to use mind mapping a few years back since I feel this simple technique greatly improves every part of a speech from writing / editing to memorization and delivery. It also cuts preparation time by at least 50%. Read more »
Tags: entrepreneurship, Productivity, speech writing, starting a business
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
