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How to start a small business and set it up for success
By Accountant Calgary
Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.
Corruption and Procurement Fraud Training Programmes
By Global Risk Alliance Ltd
Our In-Person training programmes provide students involved at any stage of operational processes, projects or procuring goods and/or services within their organisations with the knowledge and skillset to identify and mitigate the threat posed by the breadth and multi-layered complexity of procurement fraud and corruption. Course objectives Our courses aims to increase and enhance delegates’ understanding of the various procurement fraud and corruption threats which impact upon them and the organisations, sectors and regions in which they operate and provide them with the tools necessary to risk assess and mitigate those threats.
Train the Trainer
By Elite Forums UK
Course Duration: 2 days (or modular format over 3–4 half-day sessions) Target Audience: New or aspiring trainers, facilitators, team leads, or subject-matter experts who deliver training or knowledge-sharing sessions. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adult learning and training design. Confidently plan and structure engaging training sessions. Deliver content clearly using effective facilitation techniques. Manage group dynamics and encourage learner participation. Evaluate training effectiveness and improve performance. Course Outline Day 1: Designing Training for Adult Learners Module 1: Understanding the Trainer’s Role Role and responsibilities of an effective trainer Differences between training, presenting, and facilitating Characteristics of great trainers Module 2: Adult Learning Principles How adults learn: motivation, barriers, and learning preferences Learning styles and engagement strategies Applying adult learning theory to real training contexts Module 3: Training Needs Analysis Identifying learning needs and performance gaps Defining clear learning objectives Aligning training outcomes with organisational goals Module 4: Structuring a Training Session Designing training using ADDIE or the 4MAT model Creating session plans and timelines Balancing content delivery with interaction Day 2: Delivering and Evaluating Engaging Training Module 5: Facilitation Skills and Training Delivery Verbal and non-verbal communication Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment Encouraging participation and managing learner resistance Techniques for in-person and online delivery Module 6: Using Training Tools and Technology Using visuals and presentation aids effectively Incorporating activities, case studies, and role plays Facilitating discussions, group work, and Q&A Tips for hybrid and online delivery (Zoom, Teams, etc.) Module 7: Handling Group Dynamics and Challenges Managing difficult participants or situations Reading the room and adjusting on the fly Building confidence as a trainer Module 8: Evaluating Training Effectiveness Gathering and using learner feedback (Kirkpatrick Model) Self-reflection and peer observation Continual improvement of training materials and delivery Delivery Style Practical, hands-on workshops with active participation Peer feedback, group work, and presentation practice Real-time coaching and confidence building Assessment and Certification (Optional) Mini training delivery by each participant with peer and trainer feedback Completion of a training session plan Certificate of completion (customisable to organisation) Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and templates Sample training session plans and evaluation forms Trainer’s checklist and facilitation guide Resource list for further development
Train the Trainer
By Elite Forums Events
Course Duration: 2 days (or modular format over 3–4 half-day sessions) Target Audience: New or aspiring trainers, facilitators, team leads, or subject-matter experts who deliver training or knowledge-sharing sessions. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adult learning and training design. Confidently plan and structure engaging training sessions. Deliver content clearly using effective facilitation techniques. Manage group dynamics and encourage learner participation. Evaluate training effectiveness and improve performance. Course Outline Day 1: Designing Training for Adult Learners Module 1: Understanding the Trainer’s Role Role and responsibilities of an effective trainer Differences between training, presenting, and facilitating Characteristics of great trainers Module 2: Adult Learning Principles How adults learn: motivation, barriers, and learning preferences Learning styles and engagement strategies Applying adult learning theory to real training contexts Module 3: Training Needs Analysis Identifying learning needs and performance gaps Defining clear learning objectives Aligning training outcomes with organisational goals Module 4: Structuring a Training Session Designing training using ADDIE or the 4MAT model Creating session plans and timelines Balancing content delivery with interaction Day 2: Delivering and Evaluating Engaging Training Module 5: Facilitation Skills and Training Delivery Verbal and non-verbal communication Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment Encouraging participation and managing learner resistance Techniques for in-person and online delivery Module 6: Using Training Tools and Technology Using visuals and presentation aids effectively Incorporating activities, case studies, and role plays Facilitating discussions, group work, and Q&A Tips for hybrid and online delivery (Zoom, Teams, etc.) Module 7: Handling Group Dynamics and Challenges Managing difficult participants or situations Reading the room and adjusting on the fly Building confidence as a trainer Module 8: Evaluating Training Effectiveness Gathering and using learner feedback (Kirkpatrick Model) Self-reflection and peer observation Continual improvement of training materials and delivery Delivery Style Practical, hands-on workshops with active participation Peer feedback, group work, and presentation practice Real-time coaching and confidence building Assessment and Certification (Optional) Mini training delivery by each participant with peer and trainer feedback Completion of a training session plan Certificate of completion (customisable to organisation) Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and templates Sample training session plans and evaluation forms Trainer’s checklist and facilitation guide Resource list for further development
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Show all 14557AM2/AM2E/AM2S Assessment
By Technique Learning Solutions
What is the AM2 assessment? The AM2 assessment is an industry recognised trade test designed to evidence that candidates have gained all relevant and safety-critical competencies during their training process. It provides a single standard that has been agreed upon by employers within the electrical industry, giving a reliable and trusted guarantee of safe, high-quality skills for the electrotechnical industry. Who is this for? This is aimed at apprentices who are coming to the end of their training for the JIB apprentice training scheme and the Installation of modern apprenticeships. This course is also for experienced electricians, specifically those who are looking at taking the experienced worker route (AM2E.) There are a range of assessments for candidates based on their level: AM2 – This is for candidates undertaking the JIB mature candidate assessments and those following the level three NVQ who isn’t an apprentice. AM2S – This is for electrotechnical apprentices who are training against the apprenticeship standard AM2E – This is for experienced workers who are completing the experienced worker assessment. Please note: this can only be taken once you have gained the experienced worker qualification, proof must be provided before booking the AM2 assessment. What does this assessment consist of? Overall, the AM2 is an in-depth assessment carrying out tasks to show what you have learnt on your training. It is a practical assessment with five sections (six for AM2E and AM2S) and a short online component. Candidates will be expected to install, connect, terminate, inspect, test, commission and diagnose faults, following installation specifications provided and any relevant statutory and non-statutory regulations on: A three-phase distribution board and subcircuit A central heating/sustainable energy system Lighting and power circuits A data cabling system A safety services circuit and device Installation of containment systems (AM2E and AM2S only) Candidates will complete timed tasks in equipped areas that contain typical electrical installation wiring systems – all work must comply with BS7671 Wiring Regulations, industry best practice, and meet the requirements of relevant health and safety legislation. The assessment will be carried out in strict exam conditions across 2.5 days. Do I need an AM2 certificate to work as an electrician? Apprentices must pass their AM2 test in their final year to complete their apprenticeship. Also, if the apprenticeship standard is not being followed, an AM2 certificate and a level three NVQ is required to gain a gold card. If you are already working as an electrician, you will not need an AM2 certificate. If you are training to be an electrician and are registering for your NVQ level three in Electrical Installation or Maintenance, the electrotechnical diploma now includes the AM2. The AM2 certification is an industry recognised and something that many employers will actively seek when hiring new staff. It can also be attractive to potential customers.
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) 5 day course
By SMC Safety Solutions
This five-day course is a must for anyone who is considering or already working in a role with site manager responsibilities. This course covers all relevant legislation affecting safe working in the building, construction, and civil engineering industries. It is endorsed by Build UK as the standard training for all construction managers. Aims To give a clear understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation that affects your management role. It highlights the need for risk assessment in the workplace, the implementation of the necessary control measures and adequate communication to sustain a health and safety culture within the workforce. Course Content To give a clear understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation that affects your management role. It highlights the need for risk assessment in the workplace, the implementation of the necessary control measures and adequate communication to sustain a health and safety culture within the workforce. Course Content • Health, safety, welfare and environmental legislation affecting your daily work • New guidance and industry best practice • Duties and responsibilities with regards to health, safety, welfare, and the environment • Safe working Prerequisites This course is for you if you’re considering, or already have management responsibilities for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling and administering groups of staff e.g. site manager. Assessment At the end of this course, all delegates will have a clear understanding of controlling health and safety on site from a manager’s role. Certificate The certification for this course is valid for 5 years and is endorsed by Build UK as a standard training for all site managers. To remain certified in this area, you will need to take a refresher course before the expiry date on your certificate, otherwise the full course will need to be retaken. Instructions Please note all online Site Management Safety Training Scheme courses with the venue “Online” will be delivered by a tutor over a video call. This training will be delivered and assessed in English language; therefore, a good standard is required to complete the course. Further attendee information will be sent in a separate email, please check your inbox.
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) Refresher
By SMC Safety Solutions
Our Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) refresher training courses, available both online and in-person, are designed for managers and individuals in positions of authority who completed their original SMSTS training program less than three years ago. Aims Participants will undertake a concise yet equally engaging training program covering all essential aspects of enforcing health and safety codes of practice at construction sites. Topics include in-depth discussions on risk assessments and effective methods for monitoring and managing industry-specific hazards. Instructions For online courses labeled “Remote Learning,” a tutor will deliver the training via video call. All SMSTS courses are delivered and assessed in English. Participants must have a good command of the language to successfully complete the program. Additional attendee information will be provided via email. Please ensure you check your inbox.
Site Supervisor Training Scheme (SSSTS) - 2 Day Course
By SMC Safety Solutions
This two-day course is a must for anyone who is considering or already working in a role with supervisory responsibilities. This course provides an understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues. It highlights legal responsibilities and the need to promote health and safety to supervise effectively. It is endorsed by Build UK as the standard training for all supervisors working on Build UK sites. Aims To give a clear understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation that affects your supervisory role. To help you fulfil your responsibilities regarding health, safety, welfare, and the environment. To help you implement new guidance and industry best practice affected by changes. Course Content • Health and safety law and how it will apply to supervisors. • Your supervisory responsibilities in controlling site safety. • Risk assessments and the need for method statements. • Effective site inductions, toolbox talks and method statement briefings. • Monitoring site activities effectively. • Timely intervention when bad practice is identified. Prerequisites This course is for you if you are considering, or already have, supervisory responsibilities. Assessment At the end of this course, all delegates will have a clear understanding of controlling health and safety on site from a supervisor’s role. Certificate This certification for this course is valid for 5 years and is endorsed by Build UK as a standard training for all supervisors. To remain certified in this area, you will need to take a refresher course before the expiry date on your certificate, otherwise the full course will need to be retaken. Instructions Please note all Site Supervisor Training courses with the venue “Remote Learning” will be delivered by a tutor over a video call. This training will be delivered and assessed in English language; therefore, a good standard is required to complete the course. Further attendee information will be sent in a separate email, please check your inbox
TIEM 10
By Technique Learning Solutions
This industrial electrical maintenance course is designed to enable candidates who have a small amount of electrical knowledge to gain recognised qualifications and skills to enable them to enter an industrial environment and work as a industrial electrician. The industrial electrical maintenance course will include a large amount of practical, enabling the candidate to install, fault find, design and wiring up control panels, using a variety of different methods. Industrial electrical maintenance course Aims The aim of the industrial electrical maintenance course is to provide solid foundations upon which the participant will be able to build and develop. Emphasis is given to providing the necessary skills, which will allow the participant to carry out routine electrical tasks. It is also made clear that a participant needs to identify and know their own limitations, allowing tasks to be carried out in a safe manner, not giving rise to danger.
PLC 5 Day
By Technique Learning Solutions
We have an extensive range of PLC training courses available covering all PLC manufacturers and levels of expertise from the complete novice to the advanced. ALL of our training courses can be tailoured to your own requirements. ALL our courses will be based on the relevant software and hardware. We aim to make ALL our courses as practical as possible, leading to ‘real world’ skills and not just theoretical skills. No prior knowledge is required for this course as it starts from scratch and assumes no previous experience, you will reach the skilled level where you can look at becoming a programmer, get into engineering maintenance in an industrial environment, fault find or make amendments to programs, this is the course for you. The ‘Typical’ 5 day course usually covers 2 or 3 of the major manufacturers, Siemens S7, Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi (This can be amended to other manufacturers if you have a particular requirement). The course aims to be 90% practical, as we believe the easiest way to learn is to do it! Every student works on their own dedicated training rig and computer, enabling you to get the most from the course. A full set of course notes and a USB drive full of other manuals is provided at the end of the course. We can also cover a wide range of manufacturers including : Siemens Step 5 PLC Training (Using Step 5, Quadriga or Others) Allen Bradley PLC 3 & 5 Training (AB6200 Software) RSLogix 5 PLC Training SLC PLC Training (RSLogix 500) ControlLogix PLC Training (RS Logix5000) MicroLogix PLC Training (RSLogix 500) S7-200 PLC Training (Step 7 Micro) S7-300 PLC Training (Step 7 or TIA Portal) S7-400 PLC Training (Step 7 or TIA Portal) Kuhnke PLC Training (Kubes) Omron PLC Training (Syswin) Modicon PLC Training (ProWorx and Others) Mitsubishi PLC Training (Medoc, GX Developer, GPP & Others) Toshiba PLC Training GE Fanuc PLC Training GEM 80 PLC Training Telemecanique PLC Training Most other PLC manufacturer training undertaken. We also cover a wide range of SCADA Systems to enable engineers to modify and add to existing screens, fault find through systems, set up communications etc.
PLC 10
By Technique Learning Solutions
We have an extensive range of PLC training courses available covering all PLC manufacturers and levels of expertise from the complete novice to the advanced. ALL of our training courses can be tailoured to your own requirements. ALL our courses will be based on the relevant software and hardware. We aim to make ALL our courses as practical as possible, leading to ‘real world’ skills and not just theoretical skills. No prior knowledge is required for this course as it starts from scratch and assumes no previous experience, you will reach the skilled level where you can look at becoming a programmer, get into engineering maintenance in an industrial environment, fault find or make amendments to programs, this is the course for you. The ‘Typical’ 10 day level 3 course usually covers 2 or 3 of the major manufacturers, Siemens S7, Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi (This can be amended to other manufacturers if you have a particular requirement). The course aims to be 90% practical, as we believe the easiest way to learn is to do it! Every student works on their own dedicated training rig and computer, enabling you to get the most from the course. A full set of course notes and a USB drive full of other manuals is provided at the end of the course. We can also cover a wide range of manufacturers including : Siemens Step 5 PLC Training (Using Step 5, Quadriga or Others) Allen Bradley PLC 3; 5 Training (AB6200 Software) RSLogix 5 PLC Training SLC PLC Training (RSLogix 500) ControlLogix PLC Training (RS Logix5000) MicroLogix PLC Training (RSLogix 500) S7-200 PLC Training (Step 7 Micro) S7-300 PLC Training (Step 7 or TIA Portal) S7-400 PLC Training (Step 7 or TIA Portal) Kuhnke PLC Training (Kubes) Omron PLC Training (Syswin) Modicon PLC Training (ProWorx and Others) Mitsubishi PLC Training (Medoc, GX Developer, GPP & Others) Toshiba PLC Training GE Fanuc PLC Training GEM 80 PLC Training Telemecanique PLC Training Most other PLC manufacturer training undertaken. We also cover a wide range of SCADA Systems to enable engineers to modify and add to existing screens, fault find through systems, set up communications etc.
PLC 18
By Technique Learning Solutions
We have an extensive range of PLC 18 training courses available covering all PLC manufacturers and levels of expertise from the complete novice to the advanced. ALL of our PLC 18 training courses can be tailored to your own requirements. ALL our PLC 18 courses will be based on the relevant software and hardware. We aim to make ALL our courses as practical as possible, leading to ‘real world’ skills and not just theoretical skills.
PLC 13
By Technique Learning Solutions
We have an extensive range of PLC 13 training courses available covering all PLC manufacturers and levels of expertise from the complete novice to the advanced. ALL of our PLC 13 training courses can be tailored to your own requirements. ALL our PLC 13 courses will be based on the relevant software and hardware. We aim to make ALL our courses as practical as possible, leading to ‘real world’ skills and not just theoretical skills.
PLC 15
By Technique Learning Solutions
We have an extensive range of PLC 15 training courses available covering all PLC manufacturers and levels of expertise from the complete novice to the advanced. ALL of our PLC 15 training courses can be tailored to your own requirements. ALL our PLC 15 courses will be based on the relevant software and hardware. We aim to make ALL our courses as practical as possible, leading to ‘real world’ skills and not just theoretical skills.
