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

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

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Small businesses are often touted as the backbone of the economy. Many argue that it takes detailed financial planning and organization to be a successful small business owner.   more »

With ongoing financial stability causing chaos worldwide, a number of industries are hampered by a cloudy outlook for when recovery is expected. Two experts weigh in on the 2009 forecast for the retail sector in Canadian Business magazine.    more »

In an effort to ease tight credit markets, the Bank of Canada slashed its overnight lending rate to its lowest level ever. The central bank lowered its lending rate another 50 basis points to 0.5 percent. Since December 2007 the bank has cut the rate by 400 basis points.   more »

Although 41 percent of small businesses believe that data hackers would not target their business because of the size, many have taken a number of security measures to protect the business and its customers. According to new data from a Visa survey of 885 small business owners, 94 percent of respondents believe that securing data is meaningful to customers.    more »

New indicators show small business owners in Canada remain concerned about the deteriorating economy. Data released this week from the Small Business Research Board shows that business owners anticipate economic decline in the near term and over half of survey respondents cite economic conditions as their chief concern.   more »

Given the increasingly difficult economic conditions, programs sponsored by small business advocates are a good way for existing businesses or those contemplating setting up shop to get tips from the pros.   more »

The Ontario government-sponsored Summer Company program gives students an opportunity to flex their entrepreneurial muscle and earn funding for a 12-week small business venture. The program, which anticipates between 300 and 400 student participants this year, provides practical business training and mentoring to accepted applicants.   more »

Some experts are urging businesses to invest in technology despite a lingering recession. Now, they say, is the time to implement processes and systems that enhance efficiency and productivity. Businesses may be better poised to take advantage of economic recovery activity when it begins.   more »

With economic indicators showing deteriorating conditions, one business advocate is taking a stand on behalf of small business owners.   more »

Tough economic times are forcing small businesses to be resourceful, and often times they turn to one another for sales leads and advice.   more »

Slowly, but hopefully surely, Canadians' optimism is creeping higher. Reuters is reporting that a new poll shows that 16 percent of respondents see the economy improving - up 2 points from three months ago.   more »

In an effort to foster an entrepreneurial culture and keep business talent local one Niagara family is offering an incentive.   more »

Multi-Generation Small Business in Southern Alberta follows the success stories of 11 businesses in the area and divulges their secrets to longevity and profitability.   more »

Tax relief and better access to loans were two positive outcomes for the food services sector from the federal budget announcements last week.   more »

Tips on gathering and utilizing competitive intelligence
Knowing the market and perceived competition can help a small business grow in ...   more »

The majority of Canadian small business owners say the economy is in a good place and they are not preparing for a downturn, according to a new survey by the Bank of Montreal. Small business owners remain optimistic despite economic volatility.   more »