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.
Build a rewarding career in content design Build a rewarding career in content design with a globally recognised, industry-approved qualification. Get the mindset, the confidence and the skills that will help you stand out in a rapidly growing industry. Why take this course: Be in demand. Certified qualifications will help you stand out in a fast-growing industry Build a career with impact. Design content experiences that will influence users worldwide Broaden your opportunities. Optimise your skills to get hired at leading companies Get qualified. Earn a university credit-rated certification approved by industry leaders Gain the confidence you need to succeed. Our mentors, career advisors and student community will support you all the way University credit-rated, industry-approved Our content design course is credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University and has been reviewed and endorsed by leaders in the tech industry. It covers everything you need to become a certified content design professional. Study method Online, self-paced Duration 10 weeks Access to content 12 months Qualification Professional Certificate in Content Design Awarded by Scottish Qualifications Authority trading as SQA Additional info Exam(s) / assessment(s) is included in price Tutor is available to students Description In this Professional Certificate in Content Design course you will learn: An introduction to content design. Understand what content design is and the role of a content designer. Principles of good content design Learn the core principles of content design and why it matters. Voice, tone and style Learn how voice, tone, and style can create a cohesive product experience. Understanding your users Uncover your audience's goals and content needs. Writing for interfaces Learn to write microcopy for buttons, notifications and other UI elements. The product mindset Develop a product mindset by learning about product design systems and tools. Testing content Learn how to test, evaluate and improve your content. AI for content design Learn how to use AI tools to become a more effective content designer. Working in content design Learn how to be the content champion within your organisation. Support at every step From day one, you’ll be part of a lively community of tutors, mentors and fellow students that support each other along the way. Student Success team Our friendly and responsive team will help you stay on track and keep you accountable. Course mentor Your course mentor is an expert content designer who brings years of practical insight. Student community Collaborate, share tips and build connections on our lively student Slack channels. Who is this course for? Writers and journalists who want to enhance their skills for the digital world UX and UI designers who want to become more rounded professionals Content designers looking for a formal qualification that validates their expertise Digital marketers who need content design skills to succeed in their roles Anybody with a writing, content or design background looking for a creative tech job Requirements Background You don’t need experience in design or technology to enrol in our courses. To get the most value from this course, you will need some experience in writing and a genuine interest in words and language. Commitment You do need to be motivated and committed. We set a high bar. Studying for one of our professional qualifications requires a certain amount of time, energy and focus. English language To take this course, you should be fluent in verbal and written English. If English is not your first language, you should have a proficiency of C1 as defined by the CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
The industry standard course in UX research Master the research skills that make UX professionals so valuable. Become a confident, credible and effective user researcher with a globally recognised qualification. Who is it for? UX professionals Aspiring UX researchers Duration 16 weeks Commitment 3 hours per week Format Online, self-paced with live support and mentoring Why take this user research course: Gain the most in-demand skills* and boost your career in a thriving industry. Learn a complete range of UX research methods. Expand your toolkit to conduct high-quality research at pace. Become an insights expert. Translate findings into actionable insights and communicate them with conviction. Showcase your expertise. Build a professional user research portfolio and earn a university credit-rated qualification. Get the confidence to succeed. Count on our mentors, career advisors and student community throughout your journey. *Research is one of the top 10 most in-demand skills globally (LinkedIn, 2023). A comprehensive, in-depth curriculum This user research course has been created and validated by experts in UX research. It is credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University. Self-paced learning gives you the flexibility to study in your own time. Monthly deadlines and submissions give you structure and accountability. The best of both worlds. Module 1 Introduction to user research Understand the role of a UX researcher. Explore the types, methods and ethics of research. Module 2 Planning the research Learn how to build a research plan, collaborate with stakeholders, recruit participants and manage data. Module 3 Fundamental user research skills Master the core skills of interviewing and usability testing. Learn how to moderate and take notes. Module 4 Expanding your toolkit Explore qualitative research methods like ethnography, contextual enquiry, service safaris and diary studies. Module 5 Analysing qualitative research Learn to analyse research data and translate it into user goals, affinity diagrams, personas and journey maps. Module 6 Quantitative research Learn to design, conduct and analyse online surveys, A/B tests and more. Module 7 Communicating the research Learn how to report and present your findings with confidence. Module 8 AI for user research Explore how AI tools can assist researchers. Project Portfolio project Build a professional portfolio to showcase your research expertise.
Learn how to take blood ... train as a Phlebotomist Nationally Recognised Qualification No previous experience or qualifications needed OCN Accredited - Level 3 (advanced) CPD Accredited (The CPD Certification Service) Covers all steps up to live blood draw Practise on artificial arm and fake blood! Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS
Fed up with feeling fed up? Learn to be Happy and Get What You Want Live your dream life Achieve your goals Feel Happy on a more consistent basis Learn how to manifest Get what you want What people are saying: "I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience and left with plenty of food for thought. Sam is truly a wonderful person. Happiness Club is well worth anyone's time." "Found it beneficial to explore issues and obstacles around making time for selfcare and putting my needs first sometimes! Sammy is a welcoming host and facilitator." "I have worked with Samantha multiple times. I attended the Happiness Club for unlimited self-esteem online course, which was very helpful in identifying self-defeating beliefs and building new ones. I have also done a number of tapping sessions with Samantha to address deep seated issues that I was unable to shake off for years. The results were like magic! I could not believe how fast those aspects of my life changed. At the end of the tapping session, we did some impromptu coaching. Samantha is a very good listener. After hearing my problem, she guided me through the solution without imposing her own views. She helped me find the solution or new belief from within myself." Session Information Each session will include: · Setting goals to live your dream life. · This week’s topic. Programme of Sessions1 Part One – Design Your Dream Life Design Your Dream Life Free Masterclass (pre-requisite) Part Two – Basics of Happiness Thursday 9th January - Feeling the Pain Thursday 16th January - When Feeling the Pain Doesn’t Work Thursday 23rd January - Take Responsibility and Change Your Story Thursday 30th January - Meditation and Mindfulness Thursday 6th February - The Power of Silence Thursday 13th February - Gratitude Thursday 20th February - Journalling Thursday 27th February - Music for Manifesting Thursday 6th March - Healthy Lifestyle = Happy Lifestyle Thursday 13th March - Sleep Thursday 20th March - Try Easier Thursday 27th March - Create a Routine for Happiness and Success Thursday 3rd April - Integration/R&R Week Part Three – How to Get What You Want Thursday 10th April - How to Get What You Want Thursday 17th April - Affirmations Thursday 24th April - Visualisation Thursday 1st May - Manifesting Miracles Thursday 8th May - Manifesting Money (Incl. My Abundance Transformation and How I Got Out of Debt). Thursday 15th May - Manifesting a Soulmate Thursday 22nd May - Get What You Want Challenge Thursday 29th May - Integration/R&R Week Part Four - Life Skills part one Thursday 5th June - Home life incl. feng shui and decluttering Thursday 12th June -Maintaining healthy relationships incl. relationship check ins Thursday 19th June - Social Life Thursday 26th June - Overcoming Anxiety Thursday 3rd July - Dealing with Overwhelm Thursday 10th July - Overcoming Fear Thursday 17th July - Hoponpono Thursday 26th July - Releasing Limiting beliefs Thursday 31st July - The Power of Forgiveness Thursday 7th August - Decision making made easy Thursday 14th August - Random acts of kindness Thursday 21st August - Career, Life Purpose, and Personal Development Thursday 28th August - The Power of The Unconscious mind Thursday 4th September - Integration/R&R Week Part five life skills part two Thursday 11th September - Time management Thursday 18th September - Overcoming procrastination Thursday 25th September – Grounding, healing and protection Thursday 2nd October - The Power of Language Thursday 9th October - Shadow Work Thursday 16th October - Overcoming Shame Thursday 23rd October - Faith Thursday 30th October - Self-Care Thursday 6th November - How to Stop Overthinking Thursday 13th November - Dealing with Anger Thursday 20th November - The Dance of Life Thursday 27th November - Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Speaking Your Truth Thursday 4th December - Do You Need a Relationship to Be Happy? Thursday 12th December - Happiness is an Inside Job Thursday 19th December - Be Your Own Life Coach *Please note dates and topics are subject to change
This session will combine knowledge as well as practical interactive scenarios to work through to assist delegates in evaluating themselves to identify areas they might need to improve on. The course will cover: The purpose of the role (reminder) How the role has evolved What lessons can be gained so far How do you create a culture of compliance What good systems, policies and procedures look like Easy tips on what, where and how you should be looking Target Audience This online course is suitable for those new to the COFA role, those supporting the COFA and for those that would like a refresher of the role and their responsibilities. Resources An information pack including the course slides, scenarios and suggested answers will be provided to all delegates, which may be useful for ongoing reference. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Sarah Charlton, Consultant, DG Legal Sarah has a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting and is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants. Her career spans over 35 years working within the legal sector, fulfilling roles from COFA through to CEO. During her career she has worked with a number of legal regulators, professional bodies and government organisations. Sarah has been a member of the Institute of Legal Finance and Management throughout her career, qualifying as a Fellow member in 2005. Sarah also served as chairperson between 2010-2012 and continues to serve as an Executive Council Member.
Learn how to perform and read an ECG ... Nationally Recognised Qualification OCN Accredited - Level 3 (advanced level) CPD Accredited - The CPD Certification Service Introduces you to the fundamentals of setting up and operating an ECG machine Includes patient preparation Produce a valid (error free) ECG Learn and understand ECG traces Recognise recordings that require urgent attention Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS VIRTUAL CLASSROOM OPTION INCLUDES COMPREHENSIVE PRACTISE@HOME ECG TRAINING KIT Final interpretation of all ECG recordings is the responsibility of a medical professional.
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Our Virtual (via Zoom) course provide the same high-quality tuition as our classroom-based sessions. Quarterly meetings will take place at the Academy Dental Nursing Diploma with National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) is an internationally recognised qualification that will allow you to work as a Dental Nurse in hospitals, NHS and private dental practices. Successful completion of Dental Nursing Diploma course will enable you to register as a Dental Care Professional with the General Dental Council (GDC) and practice as a qualified Dental Nurse. Discover the exciting world of dental nursing and be a part of a growing field that offers endless opportunities for growth and development. How will you learn? In addition to our traditional class-based tuition, we also offer Virtual (via Zoom) Learning courses to cater to different learning preferences. Our Virtual Learning courses provide the same high-quality tuition as our classroom-based sessions. To participate, you will need a laptop, PC, smart phone or tablet with a built-in or external camera and microphone. From the comfort of your own home, you will have the opportunity to communicate with your tutor and classmates through video chat, using your phone or computer camera. This allows for seamless interaction, discussions, and collaborative learning. Quarterly meetings at the Academy To ensure a well-rounded learning experience, you will be required to attend face-to-face lessons at the Academy on a quarterly basis, which means every three months. These sessions serve several important purposes: Practical Units: Some aspects of the course require hands-on practical training. The face-to-face lessons will cover these practical units, allowing you to gain valuable experience and apply the knowledge you have acquired during the virtual learning sessions. Tests and Mock Exams: These assessments are important for evaluating your progress, identifying areas for improvement, and preparing you for the final exams. The Academy will provide a controlled and supervised environment to ensure the integrity and fairness of these assessments. Attending quarterly face-to-face lessons provides a balanced approach to your learning journey. It combines the convenience and flexibility of virtual learning with the benefits of in-person interactions, practical training, and assessments. By participating in these sessions, you will have the opportunity to reinforce your knowledge, receive personalized feedback, and build a stronger connection with your tutor and classmates. The Academy is dedicated to supporting your growth and success in dental nursing field, and the face-to-face lessons are an integral part of that commitment. Being a Dental Nurse can be an exciting and fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on people’s lives while enjoying a variety of work and opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll get to work with an amazing dental team and get to know patients, helping them to feel at ease and comfortable during their visit. You’ll be the one behind the scene making sure everything runs smoothly, and you’ll be the one that patients will turn to for assistance. You’ll also get to be a part of the latest advancements in dental technology and treatment. And on top of all that, you get to have a flexible schedule and a good earning potential, with the potential to advance in your career. All in all, being a dental nurse is one of the most exciting and fulfilling career that you can have, and you’ll get to leave work every day knowing you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others. The course is delivered by Team of Dental Professionals who are examiners, dentists and experienced Dental tutors with years of experience in teaching Dentistry. Dental Nurses are involved in a wide range of procedures, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries, which can make the job interesting and varied. Patient-centered care: Dental Nurses have a direct impact on the patient’s experience and can make a positive difference in people’s lives by providing them with quality care. Professional development: Dental Nurses have the opportunity to continue their education and expand their skills, leading to advancement and new opportunities in the field. No previous experience required – we will teach you from A to Z. Do you need a job? Yes, you will have 3 months’ time from the start of your course to find a placement. The Academy provides a list of Private and NHS Dental Surgeries, who are regularly contacting us when looking for more Trainee Dental Nurses, so you can contact them directly as a registered student at the Academy. This is a paid job, unless you would like to work voluntary for personal reasons. We also provide a reference letter to the employee in case you need it. The course is ideal for you if: You are looking for a qualification that leads to employment You intend to participate within dentistry and make a positive contribution to the dental health You wish to learn how to maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, health & safety You enjoy interacting with multidisciplinary team and different people The curriculum is based on the GDC (General Dental Council) registration requirements for dental nurses. It sets out the knowledge, skills and behavioural requirements that should be developed and demonstrated. These are set out in terms of professional competencies, with the assessment method clearly outlined (e.g. how the skills and knowledge will be assessed in the final examinations – via written questions such as multiple choice (MCQ) or extended matching questions (EMQ) or via Objective Structured Clinical Examinations – OSCEs). We are proud to announce that our Dental Nursing students has the highest examination pass rate in OSCE examinations! Free services– workshops, mock exams, eRoE marking and internal moderation. Earn while you learn could be another benefit for doing this course. We provide a list of Private Surgeries who have been working with us for the last 14 years and looking to recruit more Trainee Dental Nurses. Working together – At our Dental Department, we prioritise working together with our learners every step of the way. We firmly believe in providing unwavering support, equipping you with the necessary tools, skills, and assistance to ensure your success. We take immense pride in the achievements of our students, with a long list of graduates boasting remarkable success stories. Our commitment to your success serves as the foundation for our own accomplishments What Can You Expect to Earn as a Dental Nurse? Compared to other caring professions, Dental Nursing is well paid and offers plenty of opportunity for continued training and development. This is great for those looking on a the long-term plan for their career and those who wish to work their way up the ladder through continued learning, experience & hard work. Trainee Dental Nurse salary for standard working week will be around £23,000 per annum. Average wage for a qualified Dental Nurses between £40,417 to £42,350 p.a. When are the exams? There are two exams: 1. Multiple choice theory exam. November and March. 2. Practical exam. January and June. Record of Experience (eROE) To be eligible to sit your first exam, you have to complete your electronic Record of Experience (eROE). The eROE has to be submitted to your tutor by 31st Jan for March exam, and 31st August for November exam. London Waterloo Academy supports Mouth Cancer Research Foundation and encouraging learners to raise the awareness and participate in annual 10k walk. Study mode – virtual (via Zoom) live stream lessons combined with a quarterly meetings Saturday/Sunday at the Academy Duration – 1 year (part time) Virtual (via Zoom) classes – once a week Quarterly meetings at the Academy – date are discussed with the group in advance Next Intake/start dates (please choose one for your course to start): 21 September 2024, Saturday classes from 9am to 11am Registration fee – £300 (includes: administration, workshops, mock exams, RoE marking, internal moderation of RoE) Tuition Fees – £1,400 (we offer payment plan, and accept instalments) Exam fee – £510 will be charged at the point of candidate registration with NEBDN One day introduction course – for those who are considering/not sure whether to step up into the Dental Industry £50.00 Call us +44 (0) 7484 014980 or email to info@waterlooacademy.co.uk or Facebook – London Waterloo Academy Office location: The Foundry, 156 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8EN (Southwark Station (2-3 min walk) and Waterloo/Blackfriars Station (10 min walk))
THIS COURSE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1: INTRODUCTION TO PHLEBOTOMY COURSE (GPT003) - Level 3 (Ireland Level 5) 2: ADVANCED PHLEBOTOMY COURSE (GPT005) - Level 4 (Ireland Level 6) 3: GEOPACE COMPETENCY CERTIFICATE - CPD Certified (optional with Virtual Classroom) Learn how to take blood ... train as a Phlebotomist FAST-TRACK YOUR PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING WITH OUR COMPLETE TRAINING PACKAGE 20% off - Multi-Course Discount Cover all stages from beginner through to Level 4 Available as Classroom or Virtual Classroom Complete your beginner to advanced training in 2 days Awards 2 accredited qualifications - Introduction to Phlebotomy and Advanced Phlebotomy qualifications Both courses are dually accredited (OCN & CPD) Geopace Certificate of Competency included with classroom attendance or available as an option when booking virtual classroom Covers all steps up to live blood draw Learn advanced skills and techniques Virtual Classroom options include comprehensive Practise@Home Training Kits (yours to keep) Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS