Articles
How to make your SMB sustainable
More and more, we’re seeing small business owners and entrepreneurs wanting to contribute to a sustainable economy. Small business owners and their employees are now in a position to make a difference and to seize this opportunity to build and grow an economy that’s sustainable. By doing so, they will cater to a larger audience,…
Content to enrich your SMB’s social media
Where do I Start? Social media is continually changing the way that we communicate and consume information. Today, quality content is the foundation and at the heart of any successful social media strategy. As a small-business owner, it can be challenging to dedicate time creating engaging and entertaining content. It’s also extremely competitive, 93% of…
Term loan vs. line of credit – How are they different?
A fixed term loan provides a lump sum of money that a borrower pays back with interest over an agreed-upon period. A line of credit, meanwhile, provides access to a sum of money that you can use as needed. Both options can provide you with funds in advance so that you can use them immediately. As…
3 key tips to building a successful business
In a recent interview by Smarter Loans, David Souaid, CRO at Journey Capital, was asked to share some advice on building a successful business. Although there is no exact recipe for creating a successful company, there are some things every entrepreneur can do to build a strong foundation for their business. David shared 3 key…
Getting started on TikTok: Small business tips
What is TikTok and why should I join? As the most popular app downloaded in 2020, chances are you’ve heard of TikTok. Since its launch, the app has exploded in popularity and now has over 1.1 billion active users worldwide. TikTok is a short-video platform, where creators can share content on any topic from comedic…
What is collateral and do I really need it for a business loan?
Traditionally, collateral has been considered an important part of qualifying for a small business loan. In fact, it’s one of the Five Cs used by many traditional lenders to help them evaluate a potential borrower. The term collateral refers to “an item of value used to secure a loan”. Traditional lenders, like banks, typically look for secure…
5 tips to create a successful loyalty program for your small business
From phone companies to cosmetics brands to coffee shops, the business world is swimming with loyalty programs. In fact, more than 90% of companies have some sort of loyalty program in place. Why? Because customers love them, and businesses can profit from them. The average consumer belongs to 14.8 loyalty programs and, done well, these…
4 creative ways to increase your small business revenue
Over the last year many small business owners have had to think outside the box. Many found innovative ways to drive revenue while their regular business operations were impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. Although some of these innovations were born out of necessity, SMBs can continue to take advantage of these new revenue streams post-pandemic. Here…
Summer 2021: What to expect and how to prepare your small business
As summer approaches, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is sparking optimism for Canadian small businesses. According to Deloitte’s 2021 Economic Outlook Report, “the Canadian economy has proven more resilient than expected” and we can expect to see a surge in consumer spending as public health restrictions taper off over the next few months. SMBs can look…
4 things every business owner needs to run a thriving business
Author: Ty Kiisel Small business owners come from different backgrounds and, many times, different skill sets. Regardless of whether your background is in sales, marketing, or a technical background, there are some things I’ve observed every small business owner needs to learn to successfully run a thriving business. Over the course of my 35+ years…
Getting started with small business influencer marketing
Now a billion-dollar industry, influencer marketing has become the fastest-growing customer acquisition marketing method. With a return-on-investment 11x higher than traditional advertising campaigns, it’s clear that influencer marketing is a highly effective way of promoting and growing a business – yes, probably even your small business! What is influencer marketing? Influencer marketing is a form…
Going digital: Overcoming small business barriers
More than ever, the last year has highlighted the importance and urgency for SMBs to get online. Not only does going digital come with many real time benefits, but it can also help SMBs manage the impact of disruptions on their business. That being said, there are a surprising number of small businesses who are still…
Why should I buy from you? Creating a small business sales strategy
As a small business owner, you may be uncertain about how to articulate your value proposition. You may even be unclear on the concept of just what a value proposition is. Simply put, a value proposition is a marketing statement that describes why a prospective customer or client should choose your company over a competitor.…
11 questions you should ask before you get a small business loan
Small businesses have more financing options today than ever before. Yet, navigating this maze of options can make it challenging to choose the right loan and the right lender for your business. The days when the bank was the one-stop-shop for small business loans are over, and business owners need to be savvier about evaluating…
Small business funding: What are your options?
Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, but there is one universal experience: finding business funding. Whether it’s to aid cash flow or support operational costs, weather the storm through low sales or expanding for growth, owners need to acquire cash to support their business goals. The good news? The options for business funding vary greatly. The…