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<< Continued from page 21 WTC Winnipeg's inaugural board of directors is led by chair Raymond Lafond. Board members are André Granger (Westeel), Bernard Clément (Pembcorp Automotive Group), Jean-Pierre Parenty (Parenty Reitmeier Inc.), Jean-Marc Ruest (Richardson International Ltd.), Alexander Malaket (Opus Advisory Services International Inc.), Don Boitson (Magellan Aerospace), Diane Gray (CentrePort Canada Inc.), Charlie Spiring (Wellington West), Leo Ledohowski (Canad Inns), Fiona MourantWebster (Manrex Ltd.) and Albert El Tassi (Peerless Garments). What are Your Insurance Goals? The WTCA's Dahl took a cue from Centrallia keynote speaker Malcolm Gladwell — author of The Tipping Point — in urging the business community to embrace the opportunities membership provides. "Maybe Winnipeg is approaching the tipping point. It's the point at which a number of factors combine and collectively create some momentum. And I think this is one important step moving you towards a tipping point. I think we all have a role to play," he said. "We are thrilled to Winnipeg as a member." www.wtcwinnipeg.com have Malcolm Gladwell Your Best Insurance is an Insurance Broker www.ibam.mb.ca Advice You Can Bank ON: Starting a business in Canada If you're new to Canada and thinking of starting a business, you're not alone. In fact, businesses owned by newcomers play an important role in Canada's economy. Whatever your motivation or type of business you're thinking of starting, the key to success is being prepared. Here are some tips to consider: << Do your research to find out what kind of market exists for your business or idea in Canada. Ask  yourself: • ill your business thrive in the Canadian marketplace? W • hat would your customers look like? Are there enough of them W to support your business? • ill your products and services you offer meet the Canadian W consumer need? • hat does the competition look like? How will you differentiate W from them to drive sales? << Create a strong business plan. Building a detailed business plan can help you answer these questions to determine how successful your business could be in the Canadian marketplace. << Consider that starting a business in Canada might be different from starting one in your home country. In Canada you'll need to become familiar with government regulations, business registrations, taxes, licensing and the Canadian business culture in general. A great place to start is the Canadian Business Service Centre at canadabusiness.gc.ca << And don't forget the importance of building a strong network to help you along the way. Any RBC branch is a great place to start. RBC advisors, with access to language line capability, will help assess your needs, provide banking and financing advice, and can refer you to resources and professionals to help you get your business started. Government agencies, accountants and lawyers, and your local community and business centres are great sources of information as well. For more resources and tips to start and grow your business, visit any RBC Royal Bank branch or visit www.rbc.com/tips online. - MBiz Business Profile MBiz November 2012 23

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