Articles
Tech navigator: Tools for small business success
As a small business owner, managing everything from finances to marketing and customer relationships can feel like a juggling act. Fortunately, the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some of the top tools in three key areas to help your business grow. Financial management & accounting Managing your business finances efficiently is…
5 key advantages of incorporating your business
If you’re a small business owner in Canada, you’ve probably wondered at some point: “Should I incorporate my business?” While a sole proprietorship is the simplest way to start, incorporating can unlock several benefits that help protect and grow your business in the long run. Here are five key advantages of incorporation to consider. Limited…
5 tips to scale your small business
Scaling your small business is more than just expanding—it’s about building a strong, sustainable foundation for long-term success. Growth can happen quickly, but without the right systems in place, it can lead to inefficiencies and operational challenges. That’s where scaling comes in. Instead of just increasing sales or customers, you’re ensuring your business can handle…
How to embrace technology for small business growth in 2025
As we step into 2025, small businesses are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where technology isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Whether you run an auto repair shop in Markham or a casual restaurant in Calgary, embracing the right technologies can streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and help you stay ahead of the competition. Here…
Tying corporate values to employee recognition
We’re thrilled to announce a meaningful new tradition at Journey Capital, one that celebrates what truly sets us apart—our people. This year, we’ve tied our core values directly to our employee recognition awards, showcasing the incredible impact these values have on our culture and success. Reflecting on the past year, we’ve accomplished so much together.…
5 tips for small business success in 2025
Looking towards the future is essential for small business success. But if this next year is anything like the past few, it will be both challenging and unpredictable. So how do you set your business up for success moving forward? Getting insight on emerging trends is the first step. Here’s five tips for your small…
Five quick holiday tips to boost sales
The holiday season is a golden opportunity for small businesses to shine. With customers eager to find the perfect gifts or indulge in seasonal experiences, the key to success is standing out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a local shop in downtown Toronto or a boutique café in Old Montreal, there are simple strategies…
Journey Capital’s blueprint for employee-centric flexibility
Our remote working program stands out in the financial services industry due to its unique and innovative approach to work location flexibility. Unlike many traditional financial firms that maintain rigid work structures, we offer a balanced model that empowers employees to choose their preferred work setting. This level of flexibility is not commonly seen in…
Rebuilding our employer brand with employee insights: A journey of evolution and alignment
When we decided to rebuild the OnDeck Canada brand, it was driven by necessity and opportunity. Initially, the brand was designed to align with our current company’s culture with our new parent company’s during a major combination. However, survey results consistently highlighted a need to align better our vision, our mission, and our core values…
Internship insights: Shaping the future of fintech
Our internship program offers young talent the chance to gain valuable, real-world corporate experience. Our interns work closely with our fintech leaders and team members, learning through hands-on projects and collaboration. They become part of our team, contributing to meaningful work that supports our business. This experience helps them develop practical skills and gain insights…
Find success at trade shows
For small businesses, industry trade shows and conferences offer a valuable opportunity to connect with potential clients, showcase products and services, and gain industry insights. To make the most of these opportunities, it’s important to plan strategically and execute effectively. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your participation in trade shows and…
The hidden risks of loan stacking
Running a small business is no easy task, and sometimes, securing the right financing can feel like a challenge. In your search for capital, you might come across multiple lenders offering attractive loan options. It may be tempting to take on several loans at once to meet your immediate needs, but this practice, known as…
How to build a website for your small business
Establishing a strong online presence is paramount in our digitally driven era. While social media can be effective, owning a website offers additional opportunities to showcase and expand your business. With more customers online than ever, having a website allows you to connect with them more effectively. Follow these steps to build a website you…
Term loan vs. line of credit: How to decide
Choosing the right type of financing for your business is crucial. Two common options are fixed term loans and lines of credit. A fixed term loan gives you a lump sum of money to be repaid with interest over a set period, while a line of credit offers ongoing access to funds that you can…
Word-of-mouth marketing strategies for SMBs
Although digital transformation has brought us a variety of new marketing channels and tools, word-of-mouth marketing hasn’t lost its relevance. In fact, it’s arguably still the most powerful marketing tool out there. Word-of-mouth remains the most trusted form of marketing – with 92% of consumers trusting reviews and recommendations from their friends and family over traditional media.…