What is your vision for your business?
My vision is to provide excellent service and exceptional events for my clients and attendees. My vision is to grow into one of Toronto’s most well known event planning and event marketing companies. Also to have my website – www.torontocityevents.ca – to be used as a constant resource and to be found easily by people looking for event planning companies using search engines.
Why did you start your business?
I started my business after working in the industry for a variety of organizations for over 12 years, I wanted the flexibility to work on a variety of projects, and bring my skills of networking and cross promotion to a variety of clients. I have a passion for the business, and in this industry am able to see the satisfaction first hand of my clients and customers. I wanted the ability to have more control over my destiny and my revenue capabilities, as well as be able to dedicate more time to non-profit and charitable events.
Tell us a story that demonstrates your commitment to growing your business.
I am committed to growing my business by working with a coach, joining an entrepreneurial roundtable, and increasingly reviewing our financial reports. I have brought on a new accountant to provide more frequent reports to help plan for growth. A common area of commitment includes working early mornings, late nights, weekends.
What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now while growing your business?
CASHFlow. Like many small businesses we experience cash flow issues while waiting for clients payment on incurred expenses. Better planning, taking on less risk, and having clients pay in instalments has improved this situation. Another would be time management of the multiple projects at a time, difficulty arises by the urgent needs of trying to execute events and deal with the details, when at the same time sell our services.
Tell us a story about how you have helped another entrepreneur or small business owner grow.
I have partnered with a few other small businesses by holding/hosting events where I invite my network. This has resulted in added profile for the business and some have gained multiple clients. I also created a networking series called FastLane www.FastLaneevents.ca, which provides a forum for small business connect with others and build alliances and business. I often speak candidly with people looking to start a business or who are in a growing business. This is a more personal one on one vs. a program. I often stress the importance of proper bookkeeping (outsourced) an how sales drives your business
Why is winning this Award important to you?
For me it would be learning from other business owners and the tips and tricks that the prize would involve. I feel that being around other entrepreneurs is very inspiring and I always learn from the different perspectives.
Vision:
We are growing MEFY Gifts into a recognized brand that connects businesses with their clients through corporate gift giving. Our vision is to create an experiential e-commerce site, ship everywhere and to Franchise the MEFY business model employing entrepreneurial spirits who want to make a difference.
Why they started:
I have a passion for gift giving, making the world a nicer place. A gift connects people. I have always been an entrepreneur, since I was 21. The sky is the limit, I love the autonomy and challenges of being self employed.
A story about commitment to growth:
When everyone tells you it doesn’t work or its not worth it. I am determined to make it work, we just need to “think outside the basket”. I enrolled in a program through the Center for Women in Business through the Mount called the “Advance program”. We worked with a Business Advisor to assess all aspects of our business. She made recommendations and we have implemented 80% of those recommendations in just over one year. We have seen dramatic changes for the better. Sales are up, costs are way down which all contribute to a better bottom line.
Biggest Challenge:
The biggest challenge right now is creating this new e-commerce website with limited funds.
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
I have invited many new entrepreneurs to a number of networking events I am involved in. I have referred their businesses to my colleagues and business associates, use their products or services, promote them in our MEFY Gifts and share as many resources as I can. I partake in a couple of Mastermind Groups that help each other grow our businesses through referrals, consulting, brainstorming and collaboration.
Why win?
I admire what Carissa is doing to empower women in business and helping entrepreneurs grow their business.
I consider it a privilege to be part of such a dynamic group of individuals who are trying to make the world a better place. An award is a reminder of our accomplishments and a celebration in giving back to others.
Vision:
Quality and afordable housing made accessable to everyone!
Why they started:
A vision of poor contruction practices leading to the high cost and low quality of homes in both rich and poor countries. A discovery of a technology to bring a simple solution to these problems really brought birth to Innovequity
A story about commitment to growth:
With a mechanical prototype to build and test and a price tag of $1.5 Million it seemed like a task that wasn’t going to be possible for 2 young entrepreneurs. After trying some of the traditional capital raises from local Venture Capital groups and even a couple of trips to both Toronto and Ottawa the prospects looked slim. We kept plugging along and started to map out all the municipal, provincial and federal grant money we could find. Some of them applied to us and some didn’t, there were countless meetings with different government agents and officials but each meeting put a piece of the puzzle together. After about a year of self financing from previous business ventures we were able to put a package together that require Innovequity to only come up with 25% of the total cash that was need and that was leveraged against public and grant funds. This raise was then found much easier to some to grips with and investor’s interests were peeked! After a few scares on som
e loan applications and some scary moments wondering if we were accepted but a couple of the grants it all came together and now 3 plus years after we set out to complete the prototype we are now building floors, walls, ceilings that are heated ventilated, plumbed, electrical and data comm. all done with out human involvement and allow us to build housing for people most in need such as disaster recovery victims in Haiti and Chile.
Biggest Challenge:
International business and export for disater recover.
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
Aaron Batty was a childhood friend who later in life got his engineering degree and felt stuck in the rat race and wanted to start his own company. After a few attempts and looking into the steps needed he contacted me for advice and help. His approach to business was reactionary and he didn’t plan for the bumps that come with a startup company. We sat down and did a detailed business plan over a 2 month time period, the marketing plan was the first step to execute this was helping him establish a client base and when it came time to launch and be out on his own he would have cash flow for his business. He got him setup with space at NABI which is a business incubator in St. Albert. Aaron is now growing his company and recently hired his 2nd employee he is also doing some of the electrical engineering work for Innovequity and with that donating time to Habitat for Humanity with us to help make quality affordable housing for the less fortunate.
Why win?
An accomplishment of knowing that others recognize your efforts as an entrepreneur because quite often all the hard work is done behind the scenes and this award brings those backroom efforts to life. Also it is a great opportunity to surround myself with other like minded individuals.
Vision:
To be the Artisan Gourmet Biscotti of choice in the Maritimes with an online store that will reach everyone across Canada.
Why they started:
After my 2nd child (2001) I started baking as a form of relaxation…I created various cookie and biscotti recipes and would take them to our Mom and Tots group in Burkeville (Richmond, BC) The moms would tell me each week…you should sell these…”no, no, no, its just for fun”…but when adding up my creative pleasure…it was costing quite a bit to “relax”, so I looked into it and The Naughty Cookie Co idea was born in 2003. I now had 3 children and thought it would be great to be at home to work on this then be at home with them during those trying teenage years. I had to put everything on hold once I found out my Dad was very ill and after he passed away in 2004, we moved to the East Coast. After the company I was working for over the past 10 years made a decision to close all offices East of Alberta, I went back to school. In 2005 I became a part-time distance student at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, NS. It wasn’t until Feb 2008, that my professor said you
have a great business idea here, go for it! So I launched one month later…now with 4 kids (under 10 at the time), I was on my way to fulfilling my passion of my cookie company…my fifth child! My children were and still are my best little taste testers and that makes me smile that I can enjoy this with them.
A story about commitment to growth:
The commitment to growing my business probably starts with time…as an entrepreneur, there never seems to be enough with all the amazing ideas you come up with. With that being said, my kids and husband are so supportive in allowing me the time to create, be my taste testers and be involved, so I can enjoy what it takes to be an entrepreneur and small business owner. I am constantly looking to meet new people and brand my company and what I have to offer. I am a member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, The Centre for Women in Business (where I also sit on their advisory board), a charter member of Nova Scotia-Come to Life and various networking groups. I believe you need to invest in others to invest in your own success and this helps me to do just that.
Biggest Challenge:
The biggest challange I face is the same as most entrepreneurs trying to grow their business, lack of funds to grow as fast as you want. I have gotten over the challenge of doing everything yourself as a wise women told me, “you don’t know what you don’t know, so you shouldn’t be doing everything…hire others to do some of the things that take up the time you require to do what you do best for your company. Having said that, the lack of funds stunt the ability to hire for these other areas.
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
I am a firm believer that if you have a company that you are passionate about…tell everybody! You never know who may need/want to do business with you. Yes, you have your target markets but when meeting people talk to them, find out about them and see if it a good fits. I had met a woman who had started her own organizational business. We spoke at a couple of networking functions and she had commented how I always took the time to speak with other business owners to find out more about them. She appreciated the time I took to explain some simple marketing ideas for her business to draw some attention to it and get herself some clients. Her business is growing and she is busy gaining regular new business. I am very excited to see her business growing. I tend to do this with anyone I meant that puts enough information out there, that I can find a solution for.
Why win?
My biggest goal to date has been branding, educating and sharing with everyone what I do. To move ahead in my goal of being the Biscotti of Choice I require my own commercial kitchen space so that I can meet the demand I am starting to create. Winning this award is important as it shows people, other businesses that I am a serious business owner, who takes pride in what I do and continues to strive to be the best biscotti or the Biscotti of Choice.
Vision:
Our vision is to keep having fun and grow our company. We want to support small to medium businesses, create a sustainable business. increase our FTE’s. All while holding onto our values.
Why they started:
We really enjoyed technology. My partner and I started the company with 2 of use and we were passionate about what we could build and how we could provide solutions for business.
A story about commitment to growth:
I’ll be honest, I dont’ have a specific story. All I can tell you is that I love my work and enjoy what we do. we are commited to making it better
Biggest Challenge:
Advertising, getting out brand solitified and out so people know who we are.
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
A guy that recently started his business had no clue how billing worked. how to expense items, what could be expensed. We talked it over and I showed him what can be done and how. It made a huge difference, because he was having problems finding to the point information on how to get things done.
Why win?
This is important to me for 2 reasons. One it would be nice to take a break from work. as an business ownere I have a tendancy to not take time out of life for myself. the second reason is the opportunity to meet with other people who do what I do. network and find people that are like me. It nice to talk with people, bounce ideas off others.
Employees:
4 in house employees plus 16 subcontracted employees
Vision:
JumpStart 720 is a coaching firm that focuses on business and leadership development. Our team is focused on building leaders from new start ups, to growing ventures. We also focus on our growing generations with leadership programs for young adults and young mothers..
Why they started:
To change lives by helping people gain the conifdence to make smart decisions so they are living fulfilled and fruitful lives..
A story about commitment to growth:
Founder Paula Morand, implemented a new coaching program written specifically for women in business three years ago. This program has impacted served hundreds of women now and has vastly changed the outlook and brought hope and confidence to women as they strive to raise families while pursuing their dreams. Using this information, Paula has travelled to Africa and Central Asia to work with women to bring hope and encouragement with the same teachings.
Biggest Challenge:
Cash flow and the ability to implement large scale plans for growth
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
I have been honoured to be involved and to have implemented many initatives in the last three years that support small business.
1, Trainer for the last 6 years for a monthly business series to grow entrepreneurs. Every month I get to train 20 – 40 new start ups in the Moncton area.
2, Assisted in the coordination and launch of a new business training program for Newcomers to New Brunswick and once again get to train new entrepreneurs who are newcomers to Canada on ways to help them launch their ventures.
3. Business Consultation and Coaching - Every month I have a caseload of clients that I work directly with as well as my firm has a number of clients who we journey with as they grow their business and tackle some key issues for growth.
4,Coordinated and implemented a Business Growth program to which I partner with the CBDC to help foster rural growth and build community capacity. Now in its third year.
5. Launched a Young Mothers in the Workforce program; a 14 week program that teaches employability skills using entrepreneurship as a training tool. Now in its 2nd year.
6. Coordination and implementation of YouthBuild NB, an employability skills training program in partnership with our local school district to expose young adults to the trades as a possible career option; thus assisting with the gap in future workers in this sector.
7. Executive Coaching Program for Women in Business – now in its 3rd year, serving almost 300 business owners to date. Men’s program to launch soon.
8, Entrepreneurship Expos - keynote speaker at 5 expos throughout Atlantic this year alone.
9. Professional Speaker – Have spoken to over 10,000 people over the last 5 years throughout Canada and is committed to engaging small business.
10, Partnerships – I am passionate about collaboration and have partnered with many organizations who are also passionate about impacting small business.
Why win?
I would love to be able to win this award to be an inspiration to other small business owners. I am applying for this award as I need to continue to believe in myself and the leadership qualities that I have in running my business. Belief in oneself is the hardest obstacle is the one area that most small business owners have to overcome. So today I am waving the flag and cheering myself on.
Vision:
To build a leadership institute that top employers flock to in order to stay current on the top trends of employee engagement, to keep their leadership skills sharp and to create massive positive change in their team and workplace! Jump Outta Bed will be the go-to resource for developing human capacity in the workplace.
Why they started:
To be truthful, I started my business because I felt dejected as a former employee of a large organization where I had lost my own drive to “jump outta bed” and head to work in the morning. Furthermore, I noticed that many of my colleagues found many other things to do other than the work at hand. It seemed that some people dreaded coming in on Mondays and the atmosphere only felt lively on Friday afternoons (quitting time!). I knew that were some simple strategies that could be put into place, that would assist team leaders/managers and their employees in creating a work environment that people actually looked forward to! And thus, the idea for Jump Outta Bed was born. It gives me great pride to serve organizations in furthering their leadership capacity and in developing unique strategies to engage their people.
I also was very excited about taking control of my destiny and building a business that would positively impact the community.
A story about commitment to growth:
The adventure of embarking on setting up my own business came with some serious decisions and consequences. Given the financial restraints that exist with start-up costs, foregoing salary for a few months and operational down time to develop products/services, I had to massively reduce my personal spending in many areas in order to make it feasible to dedicate both the time and the resources to the company. It meant few to no evenings socializing in restaurants with friends and foregoing many invitations to partake in other social events. It was challenging to restructure that social time, but I knew it would be worth it in the long run to stick to my business plan and focus on the goals of my business.
Recently, after spending the first 1.5 years in a home office to reduce overhead, I made the transition this fall to office space. It was a daunting decision for me given a quiet summer, but I knew that moving into an office environment and being surrounded by like minded colleagues would add tremendous strength and support to my business. It was a lonely year and half in a basement home office, and I’m glad that I reflected on what changes I had to make in order to move my business forward. Taking action despite the worries and fears was really important to me. With every risk, there are great rewards and so far the decision has paid off!
Biggest Challenge:
The biggest challenge I’m facing is finding the right mix of messages and the right communication channels to reach my potential customers. I am constantly looking at different business development ideas to implement, and diligently measuring their effectiveness. Being still fairly new in the industry, it has been a steep learning curve to understand how best to speak with prospective clients. It has also been challenging to find cost effective strategies to reach those consumers given limited marketing dollars. Thankfully, Silver Lining has been instrumentally in assisting me with some of these challenges.
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
Prior to launching my business, I enrolled in a local small business program and received an assigned mentor for 4 months after the launch of my business. I now actively participate in the mentoring program serving as a mentor. I have worked with 5 new business owners aiding them to navigate the challenges of a start-up, develop personal accountability, brainstorm marketing and sales ideas and support their journey. It’s very fulfilling role for me, as I’m not so far removed from the experience myself and can share my contacts, experiences and knowledge with those that come after me. It’s a great cycle – and I’m very grateful to be able to support the entrepreneur community.
My bold move to go out on my own has inspired others to develop other entrepreneurial pursuits – and it thrills me to support them in their journey. As I move forward and gain knowledge and tools from courses and programs I’ve invested in, I freely share that information with my circle of entrepreneurial contacts. It’s a very supportive community in Edmonton.
Why win?
Winning this award would mean so much to me and my business. The past two years have certainly been filled with tremendous ups and downs, and to be honoured and celebrated by this award would be a truly humbling experience. I know this award draws attention from extremely successful and qualified entrepreneurs across the country.
Often it feels like I’m out there on my own trying to build and grow my business, and to have the external recognition for the accomplishments I feel so proud about, would be the crowning achievement to celebrate my second anniversary!
Being a recipient of this award would further my courage and commitment to tackle my third year of business with confidence and pride. As a solopreneur, I can never receive enough support in this journey!
Started business in:
I officially started my business in March of 2010 as it was put off a few months due to the death of my dear mother
Employees:
7
Vision:
Our primary vision is to enable fitness for everyone. We do this by inventing and supplying equipment that allows just that.
Why they started:
I was a personal trainer in 2004 and had alot of clients with injuries that were unable to work out the way they wanted to. They would get so frustrated on the equipment choices facilities they were signed up to made. I took the challange in inventing, patenting and launching my own equipment line along side promoting the large brands available today that have similar options and visions. This equipment allows all users to participate in exercise and achieve their goals.
A story about commitment to growth:
Well for starters writing 3 business plans was not easy but it was the smartest thing I could have done! I am now a huge distributor of fitness equipment and supplies and my customers are always needing more. I go out of my way to find and research each product that they require and if I don not offer it, then I find the manufacturer and become a distributer for my customer and I lean as much as possible about that company and the products they offer and why. When we install the fitness equipment we go even further by rearranging the current equipment that they have to make the facility look cleaner and more organized as per my personal training experience. We do not charge extra for this amazing service however it goes along way with what the customer thinks of my company. The referals I get are what have made me achieve such a large client base in a short time period. I do what ever it takes to make sure my customer is satisfied, educated on purchases and I show how they will see a return on their investment. Most suppliers today just drop ship these huge 500 lb products and expect the customer to figure everything out on their own. This is not a good way of doing business as if the customer is not educated on what they purchase and how to properly use it, well it leads to injuries for their members and then it turns into a liability . So my commitment to growing my business really revolves on what my customers need and understand. I cannot grow without my customers and making sure they are educated is what makes the difference. Also involving a team in what you do also helps. Knowing when to ask for help and working together only makes us stronger and more powerful.
F.E.I.I. is also committed to growing by inventing, designing, patenting and bringing to life new fitness products and ideas which allows us to enable fitness for everyone as there are too many people that have been forgotten about such as people with disabilities and those with injuries. We also promote in our sales, effective ways to assist fitness centers in their floor plan and purchase decisions to make their facility more effective for ALL end users and members. This is why our Vision is to enable fitness for everyone. We will continue to invent a new products each year to do just that! Biggest Challenge:
Keeping up with the high demand of fitness equipment. I have become overloaded with customers in a very short time period and keeping up with sales has been a challange but not a road block. Again, this is where team work applies once again!
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
I participated in the MNP program here in Winnipeg and they supply all of us with a list of other entrepreneurs and what they do. I use this list and focus on using as much local support as possible to show my appreciation and respect for Manitoba based companies. Everyone I have worked with is by referal and were participants in the same program. I believe strongly in supporting new business ventures! I also offer my time to brainstorm ideas and I am there when they need someone to talk to about their business. Each person I have worked with because of the MNP program now plays a significant role in my corporation thus growing each business of theirs.
Why win?
Winning this award is important to me as it will show that it IS possible. Dreaming ideas and bringing them to life does happen and I have worked on the development of my corporation for 6 years before I launched it. So a pat on the back here and there is so rewarding and fullfilling! It isn’t necessarily only important to me but it is important to my team as it is shows just how much team work pays off. I believe my hard working team deserves it as they made me who I am today! Go team F.E.I.I.!
Employees:
4 employees on payroll, 9 contract staff
Vision:
Winning the race against abuse!
We provide tools, training and momentum to leaders to help them create winning environments for kids. We are a one-stop shop for child and youth protection and abuse prevention. Our desire is to equip community groups to make a difference in the lives of children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Why they started:
The Plan to Protect manual was written in 1996. It was widely recognized as the only child and youth protection manual for churches. In 2005 when I was on the re-write team for the 3rd version, I saw an opportunity to start a business to help organizations implement Plan to Protect, as it is a huge undertaking if much of the management is volunteer leadership. I knew there was an opportunity to also adapt the manual for schools, daycares, camps and clubs. I could envision providing tools to assist with the implementation of the manual, i.e., on-line training, certification, webinars, etc. The more successful an organization is in implementing Plan to Protect, the safer the environments will be for the kids.
A story about commitment to growth:
Early on I determined that the key to growing the business was to enter into partnerships with insurance companies, associations and denominations, granting them the right to private label the manual for their family of organizations and/or churches.
We have entered into five sub-licensee partnerships to date. We have also forged strong partnerships with insurance companies that see that our resources will help their clients achieve a high standard of protection. This has increased our customer base from 1500 to 5000. When private labeling Plan to Protect, the head offices are able to add to the manual their own logo, call to action, statement of core beliefs, etc. They are completely onboard as it resources their entities with great tools, and demonstrates Due Diligence on behalf of the head office. We encountered a challenge however when we found that they were hesitant to share their mailing lists with us which limited our availability to assist with the implementation. We have now pre-recorded a webinar that we make available to all of their affiliates. This webinar provides an overview of the manual, an understanding of insurance standards, and success tips for implementation. It also allows us to promote our services, memberships, tools and training while building our database of organizations using Plan to Protect. This has been truly successful.
Biggest Challenge:
Marketing with an eye on capacity building! We have grown to be a national organization. Most of our marketing is done by word of mouth. We need a much more strategic marketing plan.
Story about helping other Small Businesses:
Most of our clients are small businesses that we assist with policy and procedure writing, recruitment and screening, and training etc. The business owners, Administrators and Board of Directors of the daycares, camps, parishes, sporting leagues, schools, dance and music studios draw on our expertise to help them mitigate risk.
During the last 18 months I met two entrepreneurs who have small consulting organizations. I have opened doors for them, shared resources, and have provided coaching on business ideas. They requested the opportunity to contract with us to provide our resources as an add-on to their businesses. This has been a win-win. I have heard it said that they feel it has given them momentum with building their reputations in their communities. Another early retiree came to me as she wanted to start a business consulting and training for disability initiatives. She admitted she may not have the business savvy to do it on her own. In the end, we agreed to open a division under Winning Kids, which she is completely responsible for. We do help her with marketing, quotes, accounting, etc. She loves it and it fits into our vision and mission.
Why win?
Winning Kids Inc. is very much about protecting children, youth and vulnerable persons. It is about protecting volunteers and staff members. It is about protecting organizations. I love my work! I love my team! I truly love what we are doing. Winning the award would provide recognition to Winning Kids Inc. and the efforts of our team. Starting a business has small financial remuneration initially. Having extra monies to book a vacation on the beach isn’t on my short term goals (though it would come as a wonderful diversion), but networking with other entrepreneurs is. Winning the award would certainly help with raising our visibility — I would have real fun twittering that one!
