Find out how your business can use the fundamentals of marketing to thrive in a downturn econonmy.   more »

There are several features that are unique to a corporation which make it the favoured legal structure for many businesses.   more »

Growing means marketing yourself like a pro, but some small businesses struggle with picking the right mix of marketing ideas to strengthen their brand, and build business.   more »

NEBS Canada business products give you 5 more great reasons to switch your cheque buying to NEBS.   more »

Employees of different ages and in varying levels of their careers require unique means of support and guidance. One new study says paying attention to this may help businesses retain top talent and be better positioned for after-the-recession growth.   more »

The Twitter revolution is the most recent social networking phenomenon to take hold in the small business world and companies are quick to extol the benefits of the popular micro-blog. An article from Entrepreneur.com touts the benefits the service offers home-based business to expand their marketing efforts and attract new clients.   more »

Business.gov suggests that by paying attention to existing customer relationships and taking a proactive attitude to encourage those customers to return to your organization could be good customer service and potentially free marketing.   more »

Securing financing for a new business venture is a somewhat daunting task - especially given current economic conditions. Entrepreneurs having trouble securing bank loans are increasingly turning to friends and family to borrow money or are connecting with willing investors over social networks on the internet.   more »

New businesses have a number of important tasks on their plate from registering a business name to setting up business systems to process payroll. But before any of those steps, financially savvy business owners are likely to consider tax ramifications of setting up their small business in one province or another.   more »

Some small business owners are interested in attracting new customers to boost profits in a down economy. To do so, many are considering expanding their current product or service offerings to attract a different client base   more »

Well over half of Canadian small businesses are anticipating some improvement in their own operations over the short-term, says a new survey.   more »

While many investors in new businesses are concerned with their financial return, a new trend shows that start-up capital is increasingly flowing to new ventures with a profound social mission.   more »

The common perception that a successful business needs to be run in a large urban area is quickly fading as more entrepreneurs opt to kick-off businesses in small and mid-sized cities. According to an article in Business Week, the lower costs of setting up a business and a potentially higher profile to attract skilled workers in a smaller city is very appealing to new business owners.   more »

Generally job loss and hiring reports are rather gloomy as large corporations let go of masses of talented workers. And although some small businesses are feeling pressure from the down economy to reduce payroll numbers, many are still on the lookout for qualified staff to help grow the business.   more »

Given the decreased demand for goods from some major trading partners including the U.S., one Canadian province is taking new steps to help businesses market their products.    more »

With the internet growing in popularity, particularly as consumers turn increasingly to the web for product research and shopping, small business advocates are urging business owners to take advantage of the online medium.   more »

The attitude at some Canadian manufacturers and exporters is showing optimism for business conditions over the short-term. According to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' March Business Conditions Survey, less than half of all firms polled foresee declining orders through June - a significant improvement on the 56 percent figure from February.   more »

As new small business owners go through a lengthy checklist of important steps to get their venture of the ground, some are considering if trademark registration is right for their shop.   more »

Today's economy means there are no "sure-thing" job opportunities for recent graduates of university and masters programs. Given a host of new economic challenges, some young adults are creating their own rules and own paths by starting a small business.   more »

Small business owners struggling for relief during the recession are hunkering down and finding ways to cut costs, retain employees and keep customer service levels high.   more »

Turning Slow Into Grow: Using Business Downtimes to Prospect for New Business, one of the most popular business Webinars presented by NEBS Canada is now available in a variety of formats.   more »

Most business leaders know that customer service and attention to customer needs is an important part of running a business and encouraging repeat visits - be it to a traditional store or to an ecommerce site.   more »

Times are tough and businesses are getting creative in an effort to boost revenue, retain employees and ultimately weather the recession. According to a new survey by Financial Executives International and Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, chief financial officers remain largely pessimistic about the general economy in the U.S., but are starting to feel more positive about their own business prospects.   more »

Keeping employees motivated and stress-free is the goal of many small business owners trying to run a business during a down economy. And while business owners are dealing with many responsibilities - customers, employees, cash flow - at the same time, trying to keep priorities consistent and lines of communication open is important.   more »

NEBS Canada Business Products is pleased to present a FREE 45 minute webinar on Wednesday, April 1st at 2:00 pm EST, where we will show you the key points on how to harness the power of search engine marketing to build traffic, brand awareness and sales. Part of NEBS dedication to providing excellent in Web Services, including Website Design, Web Hosting and E-commerce packages, NEBS is pleased to present a free Webinar to provide Canadian small business owners with tips, tools and insights on how to harness the power of Search Engine Marketing.   more »

Many expect that an improved U.S. economy will lead to a revitalized export business for Canadian businesses. The question is - will that economic recovery happen sooner or later? Canadian small business owners struggling with depressed sales may be happy to hear that their counterparts in the U.S. are expressing more optimistic views on the state of the economy in the near future.   more »

Some individuals who want to be in charge of their own professional destiny but do not intend to dream up a unique business plan are increasingly pursuing franchising as an alternate path. An article on MSNBC.com points to a growing trend of men and women who find themselves unemployed considering franchise ownership instead of conducting a more traditional job search.   more »

Many small businesses rely on their ecommerce portal as an increasingly important way - and sometimes the only one - to conduct business. Website design, hosting and site management are important yet time consuming duties. Many small shops look to professionals for help with these processes. But one way small business owners can help buoy website traffic on their own is by identifying and implementing key search trends.   more »

Although some small businesses are struggling to obtain financing for growth or even new ventures, those with financial backing are finding they can do much more with less in the current economy.   more »

NEBS Canada Business Products is pleased to present a FREE 45 minute webinar on April 1st at 2:00 pm EST, where we will show you the key points of why every business should invest in a Search Engine Marketing Campaign.   more »

According to the Microsoft SMB Insight Report, small business specialists from the Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, France and Brazil revealed how investments in hosted software applications and a focus on business intelligence are cutting costs and increasing profits at some small and medium-sized businesses.   more »

NEBS Business Products has – once again – been listed in the Huronia Business Times annual review of the Top 100 Employers in Simcoe County. NEBS, which has been operating out of Midland, Ontario since its inception in 1976, has created “an innovative work culture” states the article, published in the March 2009 Top 100 Edition of the newspaper.   more »

One small business expert says that the recession is making small businesses "stronger" and that plenty of opportunities still exist for them in the market.   more »

survey from the CFIB shows good news for healthcare services and positive signs for retail Given the unprecedented financial turmoil and subsequent government actions around the world over the last year, Canadian small and mid-sized business confidence has remained where experts might expect. New findings from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business show a small increase in its March Business Barometer Index although overall optimism remains below a historic average.   more »

Shimon recently completed a NEBS Online Survey on HR Services and provided all required contact information entering him into the draw with thousands of Canadian small and medium sized businesses.   more »

NEBS PAYweb.ca today announces the strategic alliance with the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA). The alliance provides NEBS PAYweb.ca customers with the opportunity to attend any of the CPA’s professional development seminars across Canada at the CPA member price.   more »

Some Canadians may be doing more shopping, making more major purchases and spending money on home and auto repairs in the near future. According to index data for March released by the Conference Board of Canada, consumer confidence showed modest gains climbing 2.7 points since last month and resting comfortably above the December low of 67.7.   more »

Retailers are increasingly turning to the web - on ecommerce sites or social networks - to reach out to consumers and build brand loyalty. A new study shows that the web-based environment may be just the place to connect with Canadian consumers.   more »

This is not the first time many small business owners have faced tough economic times, and likely will not be the last. To keep stress and worry in check, maintain perspective and share that measured vision with your employees, says a recent article in Family Business Magazine.   more »

Allocations to online merchandising tools and marketing are quickly surpassing the money spent on more traditional channels. Online tools that help customers virtually test products - like online demos, product selectors and buying guides - are growing in popularity and considered a "must-have" by some industry experts.   more »

Another industry expert is offering advice to individuals gearing up to start their own businesses - and saying that despite a down economy, many entrepreneurs will succeed. Ylisa Sanford Seymour, an Ameriprise financial advisor told U.S. News and World Report that while there is some risk associated with launching a small business anytime - but also during a recession - now can be a "really great time to start a business."   more »

Small business owners setting up the foundation for a successful operation have a number of start-up tasks to complete which may include incorporation, registering a business name or trademark registration. Entrepreneurs also have to navigate the murky waters of new business financing - ask family and friends for help? Apply for loans from a traditional bank?   more »

Attracting clients to ecommerce sites and intriguing them with clever website design and relevant content are important for small businesses. But a new marketing study says that a welcome email for new subscribers may be "the single greatest opportunity to engage subscribers" and retain their interest in the longer-term.   more »

A new survey shows that small and mid-sized Canadian businesses are not shying away from conducting business globally amid economic uncertainty. In fact, they see opportunities abroad as a way to grow their business, according to an HSBC Bank Canada survey of 250 small and mid-sized businesses.   more »

NEBS recently launched its full line product and service catalogue designed to help Canadian small business owners start, manage and grow their business. The NEBS Business Products catalogue is available in both English and French and was recently mailed to a variety of Canadian small businesses.   more »

Consumers are increasingly thrifty when evaluating purchases these days and a number of small businesses are anxious to move inventory off shelves. One small business counselor is suggesting a few ways for small businesses to attract customers during times of low demand.   more »

A new study shows that small and medium-sized businesses are spending an increasingly significant portion of their marketing budget for online advertising. Borrell Associates research on the interactive spending habits of over 14 million small and medium-sized businesses revealed that last year over USD6.7 billion was allocated to online advertising.   more »

Many experts agree that an ongoing marketing effort during an economic downturn is a good strategy for small businesses to pursue. Keep your product and service at the front of a customer's mind and build a relationship that might make them return to you when the economy picks up, some marketing experts advise. But with budgets tight, many small businesses are seeking cost-effective ways to get their news out to customers.   more »

Some small businesses can do more to ensure the security of online shoppers' personal information when visiting a company website, says a new survey. But those small businesses that maintain a strong privacy policy may find they have an edge over competitors.   more »

Credit card bills, the possibility of layoffs and managing a budget are problems stemming from the economic crisis and affecting both business owners and individuals at home. With so many stressors in the work and home environments, some experts suggest setting priorities to help better manage the work/life balance.   more »

It's never been tougher for small, independently-owned companies to do business. Between super malls, discount warehouses and boutique franchise operations, the competition has become fierce. Many small business owners have become lost in the shuffle. In some areas, entire downtown districts have gone under. The silver lining: for some small businesses, however, life has never been better. That's because they've learned how to do more than just survive in the shadow of the giants ...they've learned how to thrive.   more »

Necessity, opportunity and ingenuity are driving small businesses to meet changing market needs and consumer demands, says one new study. According to the Intuit Future of Small Business Report small business owners are "natural innovators."   more »

As tracked by The National Federation of Independent Businesses, 25% of small business owners are citing poor sales as their #1 concern. This is the highest this figure has been in 22 years. These concerns are not being fueled by fear, but by actual results. However, small businesses are perhaps the best positioned to be able to take advantage of the slower times in business life-cycles to develop and implement a strategy to grow business and eliminate slow periods in the future.   more »

Growth trends in mobile advertising suggest that it is a new emerging trend worth investigating. The Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada has released statistics that show explosive growth of mobile advertising since 2006. According to the IAB Canada, mobile ad revenue in Canada was $1.1 million in 2006 and grew to $2.7 million by 2007. Forecasts show that 2008 revenue could double and top $5.2 million when actual figures are released.    more »

Despite suffering from the effects of an economic windstorm, a number of small business owners remain optimistic on the future and reflect on their original decision to branch out on their own. Inc. magazine recently asked a number of its readers and business owners, "What's the best part of owning your own business?"   more »

Perhaps the most daunting task on an entrepreneur's to-do list these days is obtaining funding for a new business. Business owners often turn to online business solution providers for help with business name registration, trademark registration and even designing a company logo. However, the art of asking for money requires a good business plan and typically some face time with the small business owner for financiers to feel comfortable giving them money - especially during a recession.   more »

Consumers may be curbing spending habits, but small business owners are also on the lookout for ways to cut costs - both to keep their businesses afloat and to pass savings on to the customer. When it comes to replacing technology products or buying tools for the first time, some business owners and experts agree - it is acceptable to buy refurbished or secondhand goods.   more »

The next time an employee gets his or her pay stub, it could be as easy as clicking onto the internet. When businesses think "green" these days, it's not surprising that this thought can be attributed to both the environmental aspects and the cost-savings of paperless systems.   more »

Competition is fierce and to succeed will take a lot of hard work and business savvy. Here are some tips to consider before launching that successful new start-up.   more »

Economic uncertainty has left Canadians wavering about the state of the economy. According to results from the TNS Canadian Facts' Consumer Confidence Index, despite feeling more confident in February, consumers have wavered in their economic optimism during March as the index dropped.   more »

Consumers are logging more hours online these days - some for online shopping - but largely to do research on products and find discounts. According to a new report by eMarketer called Search Marketing Trends, online search is rising in importance to marketers given how increasingly selective customers are becoming.   more »

As marketing materials and tactics continue to go digital, industry experts are advising business owners to increase their online presence. Consumers are interested in saving money by surfing for coupons online, but now business can cut costs too by reaching out to customers on a variety of social networking sites.   more »

Consumers opening their wallets these days are often doing so with increased trepidation. However a number of businesses are making offers they hope consumers cannot refuse. Forbes reports on the growing trend of marketing to the masses of unemployed consumers who are increasingly taking their time and waiting for discounts before making many purchases.   more »

Though not a new concept, the idea of buying local products - from a nearby farm, for example - has grown increasingly trendy in recent years. Some independent businesses that advocate the buy local mantra now say it has helped them fare better than the average business during the recession.   more »

A number of experts agree that remaining relevant to customers during a recession is important to retaining their business down the line. Whether they see your company logo on the web, on branded clothing at a tradeshow or even on a social networking site online, customers are reminded of your product or service. Given the limited resources many businesses are struggling with in today's economy, marketing can remain effective on a shoestring budget say some industry insiders.   more »

In the upcoming quarter, 15 percent of Canadian employers expect to increase payroll numbers while only 9 percent are planning to reduce workforces. According to the lasts Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, 73 percent of survey respondents plan to maintain current staff levels indicating a "quiet hiring climate for the second quarter of 2009." Manpower explains that hiring confidence numbers in Canada have dropped from previous quarters, but there are some businesses eyeing growth.   more »

You may have a brilliant idea, product or service that needs financing however with no business plan it's hard to convince investors to sink their hard-earned money into your venture. There is a tremendous amount of information available on how to prepare a business plan.   more »

Industry experts say small businesses, not just large corporations, may benefit from the insight offered by an advisory board. According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, an advisory board can be "particularly helpful for a small business" and business owners may be surprised at the number of willing participants ready to help.    more »

One of the first and most important steps for every business is the selection of a name. Choosing the name of your business will have a lot to do with its success. People will make snap decisions simply based on their first impression of your business name. You want a name that will attract potential customers, help clients identify your businesses and build your business identity. How can you choose a good business name? What are the considerations when making your selection?   more »

Significant website traffic and ecommerce capabilities offer small businesses an important advantage when competing against larger companies with more resources. When setting up a website or establishing a web presence for an already existing business, remember that keywords in the domain name are critical to long-term success, says one tech-savvy blogger on Dot Weekly.   more »

Projections indicate that cheque fraud will grow by 25% each year. It is estimated that commercial fraud, including cheque fraud, costs North American business in excess of $20 billion CAD annually. Recent industry studies show that nearly two-thirds of Canada’s top businesses have been hit by fraud. What used to be a crime targeted to large and mid-size companies is now shifting to unsuspecting small businesses.   more »

As management looks for ways to cut expenses and increase efficiency amid ongoing economic uncertainty, many still consider outsourcing a viable option for a number of business services. A survey of 450 businesses by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals at a recent conference revealed that greater contract flexibility is a top concern when pursuing outsourcing relationships.   more »

For the second year running, PROFIT Magazine and Rogers Cable Communications are recognizing small businesses making a big impact. The two organizations sponsor the Innovations@Work Award program which distinguishes Canadian small businesses "whose big ideas move their businesses and their industries forward."   more »