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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.
Tackling Financial Corruption
By Global Risk Alliance Ltd
This course will provide delegates involved in tackling the financial underpinning of corrupt behaviour with the knowledge, concepts and practices necessary to understand and mitigate illicit financial flows.
Online Options
Show all 7656The UK's first and only Level 4 qualification in Phlebotomy (equivalent to Ireland Level 6) FDSc (Foundation Degree Level) qualification Nationally Recognised certificate Dually accredited: Open College Network and CPD Covers both aspirated and evacuated systems Covers specialised blood collection systems & methods Classroom or Virtual Classroom learning options Comprehensive Training Kit is provided when booking our Virtual Classroom option (yours to keep) Complete your training from beginner to advanced level This course either follows on from our Introduction to Phlebotomy Course or can be combined with our introductory course as part of a course package (see below) Available to candidates who have completed (or are currently enrolled to complete) our Introduction to Phlebotomy Course or have previous phlebotomy practical experience.
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
Health & Safety Awareness (for Green CSCS)
By SMC Safety Solutions
This one-day course is a must for anyone considering or already working within a construction or civil engineering environment. This course provides Health and Safety awareness and is endorsed by Build UK as a standard training for all operatives on site. Aims To give a clear understanding of Regulations & Legislation that applies to construction work and is an ideal refresher for any operative that has previously completed training in Health & Safety. Course Content • Accident prevention • Health & Safety law • Control and management of the site and your how your role fits in with this • Risk assessments and method statements • Performing safely on site • Reporting unsafe acts to prevent an accident • Individual & employee responsibilities • What to do if you think anyone’s Health and Safety is being put at risk Assessment At the end of this course, all delegates will have a clear understanding of the requirements of Health and Safety Legislation and their responsibilities to comply with them. Candidates will need to complete a multiple-choice exam at the end of the CITB course. They will also need to engage and interact with others throughout the day. Certificate This certification for this course is valid for 5 years and is endorsed by Build UK as a standard training for all operatives. The certificate is part of CSCS Green Card requirements. To remain certified in this area, you will need to retake the course before the expiry date or have completed an NVQ2 or higher in your skills set. Instructions Please note all Health & Safety Awareness 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.
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) treatments Nationally Recognised Qualification No previous experience or qualifications needed Open College Network Accreditation Level 4 (as required for minimally invasive procedures) Covers standards set by HEE Employed (salon) or Self-Employed opportunities Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS
Take your phlebotomy qualifications to the next level ... Nationally Recognised Qualification OCN Accredited - Level 3 (advanced) CPD Accredited Covers specialised and advanced phlebotomy techniques and practices Comprehensively covers Peripheral IV Cannulation Advanced qualification - additional credits Download a digital certificate on completion Basic understanding of English language required LOOKING TO ADD PRACTICAL TRAINING? ALSO AVAILABLE AS SEPARATE CLASSROOM OR VIRTUAL CLASSROOM COURSES: 1: Advanced Phlebotomy Course - Level 4 2: Peripheral IV Cannulation Course - Level 3 COMPLETION OF INTRODUCTION TO PHLEBOTOMY COURSE RECOMMENDED BUT NOT ESSENTIAL
Specialised techniques and skills associated with neonatal and paediatric blood draws Nationally Recognised Qualification OCN Accredited - Level 3 (advanced) CPD Accredited - The CPD Certification Service Follow-on from Introduction to Phlebotomy Course Complements our Advanced Phlebotomy Course (Level 4 - FDSc level) Expand your horizons and add new skills Covers neonates, infants and child draws Legal framework and consenting Download a certificate on completion of your online course FOLLOWS ON FROM INTRODUCTION TO PHLEBOTOMY COURSE BUT ALSO OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS
SOLD OUT! 6th August Ciara Finan #Agent121. Looking for: ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION
(3)By I Am In Print
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION Upon joining Curtis Brown in 2018, Ciara Finan worked with senior agents Jonny Geller and Sheila Crowley on their lists of bestselling and prize-winning authors such as Lisa Jewell, Susanna Clarke, David Nicholls, Jojo Moyes and Nigella Lawson. Now as an agent she is representing a wide range of fiction and non-fiction writers. Ciara would consider her reading tastes to be quite broad and ever-growing, but is constantly drawn to books that have a decisive voice, unforgettable characters, an unexpected story, or can subvert and reconstruct the conventional narratives of love, friendship, family, loss and coming-of-age. In particular, she is looking for Adult and YA fantasy and romantasy, rom-coms and book club romance. In the wider fantasy genre, Ciara is keen on finding romantasy, cozy fantasy, dark/light academia, and anything with political intrigue. She seeks novels that will keep her reading into the early hours of the morning. She wants to be consumed by the world, the plot and the characters. Think authors like Leigh Bardugo, Tamsyn Muir, R.F. Kuang, Sangu Mandanna, Hannah Nicole Maehrer, Deborah Harkness, Chloe Gong, Ava Reid or Sabaa Tahir. In romcoms and romance, Ciara is looking for something that explores the complicated nature of romantic relationships - think Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston or anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid. She would love to find a brilliantly witty workplace romance or anything that will leave her in tears. Ciara would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 -2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Ciara is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Wednesday 30th July 2025
Learn how to cannulate ... Nationally Recognised Qualification OCN Accredited - Level 3 (advanced) - Ireland Level 5 CPD Accredited - The CPD Certification Service Classroom or Virtual Classroom options Covers all steps for cannulating in arm or hand Practise on artificial arms and fake blood! Essential qualification for all IV therapies Phlebotomy training desirable but not essential Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS
Level 3 Law Diploma & Family Law
By Kingston Open College
Premium Bundle of all Time | Ofqual Regulation + ATHE Awards + QLS Endorsement | Assessment & Tutor Support Included
Level 3 Law Diploma & Contract Law
By Kingston Open College
Premium Bundle of all Time | Ofqual Regulation + ATHE Awards + CPD Accreditation | Assessment & Tutor Support Included
