Small Business | 2024

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

OCTOBER 2024

MONTH

Manitoba’s outstanding entrepreneurs offer expert advice on how small businesses can survive — and thrive — during these challenging times.

View online at winnipegfreepress.com/fp-features

Inquiries: 204-697-7390

Report workplace injuries on time. It’s good for business.

If your employee is hurt at work, we’re here to help. Learn more at wcb.mb.ca/report-an-injury

2

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

Cote (left) and Martin (right) say their amazing staff consistently delivers top-notch customer service. SUBMITTED PHOTO

CALCULATED MOVING ADDS UP TO ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS

Long ago, Plato famously said, “necessity is the mother of invention.” F or Winnipeg entrepreneurs Evan Martin and Kade Cote, the necessity to pay for higher education inspired them to meet their need by launching Calculated Moving, a company specializing in residential and commercial moving services. “We are a moving company that started in 2018 as two friends who needed to find a way to pay for university tuition,” says Martin. “What started as two friends and a pickup truck has since turned into five crews running daily, serving Winnipeg and its surrounding area.” The six-year-old company employs 20 to 30 people, depending on the season, including two owners, three managers, an administrative assistant, and general moving staff. While its main service area is Winnipeg, Calculated Moving has successfully performed moves as far west as Victoria, BC, as far north as Thompson, as far east as Thunder Bay and as far south as Emerson. Cote is well familiar with the experience of moving

as he says his own family moved about 15 times by the time he was college aged. Martin says that earned sensibility, combined with a dedicated staff, benefits the company’s growing clientele. Considering the moving industry’s generally high staff turnover rate, the pair recognized the value of investing in quality staff members who share the company’s commitment to outstanding service. Moving can be physically demanding work, so retaining skilled and talented employees via competitive salaries has been key to the company’s success. “When you hire movers, you’re trusting them with a lifetime’s worth of memories and belongings, so you want to have a good team that cares and makes sure each customer is treated and respected like family,” says Martin. “We never let a client leave dissatisfied and stand behind the high quality of the work we provide.” Their commitment to transparency and willingness to resolve any client concerns has not only helped them build a reputation for reliability but has also helped the company grow through referrals and repeat business. Six years into their venture, with initial tuition goals long since met, it appears their formula for success is working.

What started as two friends and a pickup truck has since turned into five crews running daily, serving Winnipeg and its surrounding area.”

— Evan Martin

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CAN SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

Programs and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in residential buildings.

GET IN TOUCH TO START SAVING efficiencyMB.ca/ smallbusiness

3

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

Moving can be physically challenging. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

“We have a great network of loyal clients and supports who have brought us to where we are today,” says Martin. “We’re proud to boast perfect or near-perfect reviews on every platform.” All you need to do is look on social media to find those great reviews. “If you look in any social media of someone in Winnipeg looking for a recommendation for movers, you can bet Calculated Moving will come up as highly recommended. We’ve come this far with a minimal advertising budget and have grown the business almost exclusively on referrals.” While a shared commitment to customer satisfaction is highly valued, the management and staff of Calculated Moving fully understand and appreciate the significant supporting role they are playing in their clients’ life stories. “The most satisfying part of our work is getting to be a part of our customers’ journey as they move through life,” says Martin. “Moving can mean taking that first step to living on your own or buying that larger home for an expanding family. So many of life’s key moments start and end with a move.” The idea, he adds, is to make the moving experience as seamless as possible. “We want our clients to enjoy the moving experience, so being able to make that transition a stress-free and positive experience is amazing. The five-star review that often comes after is the icing on the cake.”

Calculated Moving’s teams always provide friendly, courteous service. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Find comprehensive, exible coverage and options built for your company. Benets can include: Trust your team’s health and well-being to the homegrown company that looks out for Manitobans in everything we do. Group health benefits... the way.

 wellness spending  disability  life insurance  accidental death and dismemberment  critical incident  travel health  and more!

 health and dental  prescription drugs  vision  employee assistance (counselling)  virtual care  wellness plan  health spending

Get a free quote:

mb.bluecross.ca

®*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, independently licensed by Manitoba Blue Cross. †Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. 2024-0923

Or contact your benefits advisor

4

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

Jhocelin Gilbert is passionate about creating connections in the Hispanic community. SUBMITTED PHOTO

WINTER 2024 ISSUE WATCH FOR THE

COMING NOVEMBER 9 TH

Read the Summer 2024 issue at winnipegfreepress.com/fp-features

5

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

CREATING CONNECTIONS IN COMMUNITY

With my passion and years of experience in

community outreach, particularly focused on immigrant communities, I knew this was going to be my new home.”

She finds it rewarding to maintain contact with many people, both near and far. “There are many influential individuals in my community, and I’m grateful to be one of them. It gives my life purpose and sets a good example for my children and those around me,” says Gilbert. “I have always been energetic and passionate about my projects.” Where does that energy come from? “It stems from my vision — I want to be an instrument of inspiration. I love my community and helping others, and when I see others motivated to do the same, it multiplies the impact.” At the same time, Gilbert thrives in her role as outreach co-ordinator for Recognition Counts, a program offered through SEED Winnipeg. “SEED” stands for “supporting employment and economic development,” and the non-profit organization aims to reduce poverty and help renew Winnipeg’s inner city by helping people through various programs. “At the end of last year, I decided to make a professional change and opened myself up to new opportunities. When I saw the position at SEED Winnipeg Inc., I knew I had to apply because the organization’s values aligned with mine.” Which is to say that everyone is worthy of help to live a stable, meaningful life. “I believe we all deserve the same opportunities to realize our hopes and the importance of programs that reduce poverty,” she says. “With my passion and years of experience in community outreach, particularly focused on immigrant communities, I knew this was going to be my new home.” In this role, Gilbert develops and implements strategies to connect with other organizations and individuals who can benefit from SEED Winnipeg’s programs. There’s a specific focus on Recognition Counts, which helps internationally trained professionals validate their

BY JENNIFER MCFEE While a local change-maker with Latin roots enjoys wearing many hats, they all have one thing in common — her various roles focus on creating connections in communities. J hocelin Gilbert, originally from Dominican Republic, has made her mark as a Latin influencer and community connector across Winnipeg. Through various social media platforms under the name La Paila Canada, she shares her insights and expertise on issues impacting newcomers to Canada, such as settlement, immigration and education. “Paila” means “pot” in Spanish, which Dominicans use to make delicious dishes. Her social media community started as a food blog in 2020 and changed to newcomer content a few months later. With a knack for hosting, she also organizes events to bring the local Hispanic community together in person. One of her most popular networking events is called the Manitoba Hispanic Show, which is geared for Spanish- speaking entrepreneurs. “It all started when I planned a coffee meet-up with 10 Hispanic entrepreneurs. I never imagined it would grow to over 160 attendees at the first event.” Attendance more than tripled the following year. “In the second year, more businesses joined, and this year, we surpassed 500 attendees,” she says. “The goal is to promote our community and create diverse events, as I noticed that, initially, only recreational activities were being organized.”

— Jhocelin Gilbert

credentials to work in their fields or alternative areas. “My work is about connecting with people, which I love. I enjoy engaging with the community, giving presentations and having meaningful conversations. This role allows me to positively impact the immigrant community.” And through La Paila Canada, she prefers to focus more on the community impact rather than her social media following. “Today, many people have large followings but contribute little,” she said. “I believe my value lies in my daily actions and the real difference I make.” No matter which hat she’s wearing, she approaches her role with enthusiasm and positivity. “I approach my work naturally, and sometimes I realize I’m making a difference when people compliment me or ask how I do what I do,” she says. “In those moments, I feel fulfilled — and it motivates me to continue my efforts.”

Report workplace injuries on time. It’s good for business.

Reporting injuries within five days will help your employees get the support they need.

If your employee is hurt at work, we’re here to help. Learn more at wcb.mb.ca/report-an-injury

Learn more at wcb.mb.ca/report-an-injury

6

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

According to Redd, owning your own space is preferable to renting because you’re in control. PHOTO BY TODD LEWYS

ISN’T A SIMPLE VENTURE STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS

B uoyed by the success stories of entrepreneurs who’ve appeared on Dragon’s Den and made bucket loads of cash after appearing on the show, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge. Full of enthusiasm, you start the process of launching your business – and quickly find it’s easier said than done to get the business going. The reason? There are countless hoops to jump through before you can even start selling your wares, or services. “There are many factors involved in starting a small business,” says Christopher Redd, who owns and operates Redd Line Jewellery, which specializes in crafting custom jewelry. “It’s not a simple process.” For starters, he says, you need to establish a business name with the province, then get it approved and protected, then register the name. Any small business must also register for PST (provincial sales tax) and get a business number. From there, you will need to go to the city to get a business licence. Again, the process is far from simple. First, there’s the consideration of zoning, as zoning restrictions may apply depending on the type of business activity you’re going to undertake. That being the case, it’s important to contact the city’s Zoning Branch (Planning, Property & Development Department) before applying for a license, as you need to ask about specific land use. Thinking about working from home? While a business licence isn’t required if you choose to work from home, there’s still the matter of zoning requirements. BY TODD LEWYS So, you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business.

Again, the Zoning Branch (Property, Planning & Development Department) must be consulted. “Once you find a location, you need to find out about zoning,” notes Redd. “You have to see if it’s been zoned for business, residential or commercial purposes. In my case, I turned a small home into a boutique shop. I had to do work on it for clients to be able to enter the establishment properly, among other things.” If you rent a commercial space, you’re responsible for bringing it up to standards. That can mean installing a washroom, HVAC system and proper access doors, depending on the type of business you’re starting. Then, there’s the licence application itself. Proof of insurance, photos, written property owner consent and a criminal record review could be required depending on the type of business you’re starting. Applicants may also be prompted to provide proper identification and will also need to select a business activity from the city’s Business Licence Index to ascertain the requirements of a specific business licence. And should you get your licence and establish your business, there’s the matter of licence renewal, which can be done online. “You’ll also need to secure your business name, which helps secure your licence,” he says. “If you can afford your own business to run your business from, do it. It’s the best way to go. You don’t have a landlord, and you do the improvements. Oh, and you’ll need liability insurance too.” Redd adds that while starting a small business is challenging, it’s also rewarding. “If you’re in it to get rich, think again, because that might not happen. But if you’re in it to provide a good product that makes a difference to people and you do everything properly, you will enjoy doing what you do and won’t have to look back.”

JEWELRY PHOTOS COURTESY OF REDD LINE JEWELLERY

7

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

If you’re in it to get rich, think again, because that might not happen. But if you’re in it to provide a good product that makes a difference to people and you do everything properly, you will enjoy doing what you do and won’t have to look back.”

— Christopher Redd, owner of Redd Line Jewellery

JEWELRY PHOTOS COURTESY OF REDD LINE JEWELLERY

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CAN SAVE ENERGY & MONEY

GET IN TOUCH TO START SAVING efficiencyMB.ca /smallbusiness

8

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

Free Press Advertising has made an investment tosigni fi cantly expand our service o ff erings to better support the local business ecosystem of Manitoba. BUSINESS Local

WE ARE LAUNCHING OUR NEW SUITE OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES TO GROW AND THRIVE IN THE NEW ECONOMY.

Learn more: contact your representative or Free Press Advertising at 204.697.7164

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8

www.winnipegfreepress.com

Powered by