SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
Lead. Connect. Grow.
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH OCTOBER 2019
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PAVING THE PATH FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
secret ingredient is not just the financing but it’s also the mentor. For everybody who gets a loan from Futurpreneur, the mentor is mandatory,” Bowman said. “Most people say that the financing helped but it was the mentorship that really made the difference. It’s a two-year relationship that we set them up for and we ask that mentors be available for up to four hours a month. Over time, a relationship really does develop.” The mentors are able to share first-hand knowledge and advice with the budding business owners. “It’s about instilling confidence and inspiration but also learning. The mentors pass on their knowledge of the challenges they experienced and how to overcome them,” Bowman said. “It’s also making sure they know it’s not
always going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it — as long as they’re willing to fight for their idea.” Here in Manitoba, Futurpreneur has helped 432 businesses to launch over the years. “We’ve been very active in Manitoba since the beginning. We’ve had a lot of successes that have come out of the province. For example, SkipTheDishes was a Futurpreneur-supported entrepreneur,” Bowman said. “We’re working with a lot of entrepreneurs right now all across Manitoba and in all different sectors, too, not just tech or agri-tech. It’s also food service, retail and service-based businesses. Entrepreneurship is big in Manitoba with everything from senior care and food delivery to health and wellness. Manitoba is really one of our up- and-coming regions across the country.”
Looking ahead, Futurpreneur Canada will serve as the Canadian host for Global Entrepreneur Week from Nov. 18 to 24. “Local organizations, groups, entrepreneurs and partners of ours will put on events throughout the week celebrating entrepreneurship,” Bowman said. “We’ve got events happening across the country.” Throughout Canada, young entrepreneurs view business ownership as a way to express themselves, he added. “For young people, what matters is the impact. They want to do something that matters. They want to make money, but they don’t want to harm the planet and they want to make sure that they’re helping people while doing it,” Bowman said. “It’s a great shift. Any time people have ideas, we’d love to sit down and talk with them about launching their business.” ❚
By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press T he future is bright for young entrepreneurs looking to launch a small business in Manitoba. For more than two decades, Futurpreneur Canada has been boosting aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 through financing, mentorship and other support tools. “We launched in 1996 as a national not- for-profit in response to a lack of action by banks and other lenders to help with the youth unemployment levels at that time,” said Scott Bowman, senior director for Ontario and the Prairies. “We were launched to help young people see entrepreneurship as something they could more easily pursue and as a vehicle for them to receive collateral-free financing and mentorship to actually launch a business anywhere in Canada.” Since then, Futurpreneur Canada has continued to provide free resources with many options available through its website at www.futurpreneur.ca, including an interactive tool to help with writing business plans. “So many people come to us with a great idea that have never written out their business plan in a document,” Bowman said. “We launched our Business Plan Writer in 2013 and well over 110,000 people have accessed it since then. It’s incredible.” In addition, Futurpreneur Canada recently increased its loan limit to provide up to $60,000 in financing for young entrepreneurs. Anyone who accesses financing is also paired with a mentor that can provide business advice and encouragement. “It’s a collateral-free, equity-free loan. The
Left: Scott Bowman is Futurpreneur’s senior director for Ontario and the Prairies. Right: Team member David Lipinski addresses a crowd at the Rock My Business Plan event. Photos courtesy of Futurpreneur
Everyone benefits from SAFE Work
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
“We want to make sure that consumers have good experiences. We want to make sure that consumers trust businesses that they work with. We want to make sure they’re happy with the relationships, services and products that they buy from businesses that are reputable.”
Accredited businesses celebrated 90 years at the 2019 AGM. Photo courtesy of BBB
BBB BOOSTS BUSINESSES
- Len Andrusiak, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Manitoba and North West Ontario
By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press T he Better Business Bureau encourages small business owners to heed a call to action and become accredited with the non-profit organization. For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has operated on the objective to build trust in the community by helping businesses and consumers through its many services. Each month, between 35,000 and 42,000 consumers research businesses on the local BBB website. At the same time, they also access advertising reviews, use the Scam Tracker tool and seek information about the BBB’s dispute resolution services as a third- party conciliation organization. For Len Andrusiak, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Manitoba and North West Ontario, ample reasons exist for small businesses to become accredited through the organization. “When businesses apply for accreditation, the BBB undertakes an investigation to ensure that these companies are following the Code of Business Practices,” he said. “If accredited businesses don’t adhere to this code, then their accreditation could be revoked.” As a result, consumers know they can trust BBB-accredited businesses. Many small business owners discover that accreditation can lead to new connections and opportunities to grow both their customer base and professional network. Accredited businesses have the chance to participate in workshops, webinars and training sessions, including the LIFT program offered through the local BBB’s charitable organization. This business ethics initiative was originally designed to lift students to a higher level. Expanding its reach, the BBB recently launched a condensed three-hour workshop for business employees as well as post-secondary students, newcomers and social agencies. Andrusiak views LIFT as a preventative strategy that helps participants avoid making detrimental decisions. “Everything the BBB does is related to preventative service. We try to help prevent consumers and businesses from going to litigation. We try to prevent people being affected by scams. We help prevent individuals from being misled by advertising,” he said. “Because we’re so community-driven, we’re different than for-profit organizations that try to promote business in the community. All the money that’s spent here on our organization as a non-profit is reinvested in our community.” Since fewer than three per cent of businesses have achieved the BBB Mark of Accreditation, companies with this designation boast a competitive edge as an industry leader, making it easier to attract loyal customers and talented staff. They can also analyze their
competitors to identify shortcomings through customer complaints. “Many of the businesses that are accredited are small- to medium- sized companies. Because of the great work that we do through our education in the community, it’s also fulfilling part of their corporate social responsibility to help their community to be better,” Andrusiak said. “The other good thing to remember is that the Better Business Bureau is run, operated and strategically managed by businesses in our community. The board of directors is made up of accredited businesses who really set the standard for how we move forward with our mandate to promote marketplace trust and building better communities.” At the end of the day, the most important takeaway is that the BBB helps consumers, who are the customers of small businesses. “We want to make sure that consumers have good experiences. We want to make sure that consumers trust businesses that they work with. We want to make sure they’re happy with the relationships, services and products that they buy from businesses that are reputable,” Andrusiak said. “BBB Accreditation is a way that legitimate businesses can differentiate themselves from disreputable businesses that may be fly-by-nights in the community taking advantage of consumers. Consumers know that part of their due diligence research at bbb. org helps them gain a level of confidence in businesses that are accredited by the Better Business Bureau.” ❚
BOARD OF DIRECTORS for the Better Business Bureau serving Manitoba and NW Ontario • Roger Miranda, Evident IT - Chair • Cory Huclack, Huclack Enterprises - Vice Chair • Peter J. Manastyrsky, A Step Beyond - Treasurer •Len Andrusiak, Better Business Bureau - Secretary • Tom Russell, Four Points Financial - Past Chair •Ron Anderson, Best Windows and Doors • Tony LeBlanc, Winnipeg Free Press •Dan Precourt, Colour Scheme Professionals •Danielle Tkachyk, PMC Desaulniers Insurance Brokers
TRUST What makes people small businesses?
BBB.org/SMALLBUSINESS
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
CHAMBERS PLAN FIRST TO OFFER TELADOC ® TELEMEDICINE SERVICES IN CANADA While the quality of Canadian health care is widely regarded as among the best in the world, accessing care in a timely man- ner is a challenge for many Canadians. In a recent survey, 57% of Canadians reported they could not secure an appointment with their family doctor within 48 hours, and 76% of Canadians found it difficult to secure care during evenings, weekends and holidays. Not only is this adding strain to our health-care system, leading to exceedingly long wait times in walk-in clinics and patients progressively seeking non-urgent care in emergency rooms, but it also contributes to increased absenteeism in the workplace. Chambers Plan, administered by Johnston Group, has recently partnered with Teladoc Health™, the global leader in virtual care who provides convenient access to high-quality health care for millions of people in more than 130 countries. In September, Chambers Plan became the first benefits plan provider in Canada to offer Teladoc® telemedicine service. It is included, at no additional charge, to all members who hold a Chambers Plan Health option. Members have 24/7 access to Teladoc, within one hour by phone or app, from anywhere in Canada and while travelling in the United States. Members can consult with a doctor about non-urgent medical matters and can receive a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, and can even be prescribed medicine when necessary. Every doctor is certified by the Canadian College of Family physicians to ensure the highest standards of quality. A comprehensive virtual care solution can help employers reduce absenteeism and increase productivity while providing employees with convenient access to quality health care. And now, with Chambers Plan, that’s an option any business can provide, regardless of size.
CHAMBERS PLAN REAL BENEFITS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
A n entrepreneur has a thousand things on their mind at any given moment, but the ability to provide competitive group benefits for their employees shouldn’t be one of them. Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, administered by Johnston Group, was started with small business in mind. “I love how Chambers Plan got started, because it got started for the right reasons. Way back when, over 45 years ago, small businesses had a struggle to get group benefits, and so this organization started around that premise. How can we get big business and large group benefits into the hands of small entrepreneurs in Canada? How can we pool those entrepreneurs and their needs together so that they can help each other afford great group benefits for their employees, which is what they deserve,” says Dave Angus, president of Johnston Group. Over 45 years later, Chambers Plan continues to innovate, with the entrepreneur in mind. While employees may only see an employee benefit plan as a vehicle to cover costs related to health and well- being, Chambers Plan comes packed with additional tools and resources designed to look after the business’ health, as well. For instance, included with every Chambers Plan program, at no additional charge, is the Business Assistance Service (BAS). It comes loaded with templates and resources to give business owners essential tools that help them remain consistent and compliant in people management and self- management. Owners and managers are given unlimited phone access to professional HR, accounting and legal experts for advice on routine situations, and up to nine hours per year of direction for more complex issues. In addition, BAS includes employee counselling referrals, which enables owners to refer employees dealing with personal situations that are affecting performance. On top of the traditional plan design, Chambers
Plan also includes benefits designed for the employees’ total health. Every Chambers Plan program includes Best Doctors ® , which provides expert medical opinions on health conditions and treatment plans, along with medical advice and guidance to employees and their doctors. Best Doctors can also be used for an employee’s immediate family members. Dave Angus remarks, “At Johnston Group, it isn’t just about being trendy with technology, it’s about how to provide better and increasing value to our customers.” This is why on Sept. 1, 2019, Chambers Plan introduced telemedicine to every Chambers Plan Health option. Partnering with the global leader in virtual care, Chambers Plan is the first benefits provider in Canada to bring Teladoc ® to its members, at no additional cost to them. An entrepreneur has a thousand things on their mind at any given moment, but the ability to provide competitive group benefits for their employees shouldn’t be one of them. Chambers Plan can clearly accommodate the benefit needs of any size of business, but has stayed true to the roots of the Plan. That’s why they continue to focus on the entrepreneur, and have even added guaranteed issue options for businesses with as few as one or two employees. Dave Angus explains, “When you hire people, and you have staff, one of the things that’s constantly on your mind is how to look after them… If you are a one- or two-person group, having any certainty around your ability to access group benefits can relieve a lot of stress. So, if we can make it much easier to access the resources required, then that’s part of our responsibility as a company.” ❚
The employee benefits of tomorrow, today.
Get the plan that adapts with you. Visit chamberplan.ca Real benefits for your business.
Chambers Plan is the only provider in Canada to offer Teladoc® telemedicine services, and at no additional charge. Chambers Plan provides employee benefit solutions to 30,000 businesses in Canada.
Based in Winnipeg, Johnston Group is dedicated to enriching the community, contributing significantly to our local youth programs, health, arts, sports, and many other organizations. We’re very proud to also support Manitoba’s small business community.
Proudly administered by
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
“When we think about what it means to be an entrepreneur, we think of those unique souls who step out on the ledge, assess the risks, and take the leap. We think about those individuals who choose to stomp out their own path and find a rhythm all their own.”
Heidi Nakka, RBC, stands up tall for the next generation of entrepreneurs as they prepare for the future world of work.
Douglas Little Photography
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
ENTREPRENEUR ON BOARD: NAVIGATING THE TURNS AS AN EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR
Heidi Nakka, RBC Vice President Business Markets, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northwestern Ontario
W hat happens when the spirit of youth collides with the entrepreneurial spirit? Whatever the chemical reaction, I know it would be seismic. I also know that we have a responsibility to the next generation of entrepreneurs to pay forward what we have learned to help them channel their energy, focus their skills, and find their path. In celebration of Small Business Week and in recognition of RBC Future Launch – RBC’s 10 year, half billion dollar commitment to helping prepare Canada’s youth for the future world of work, I would like to take this opportunity to share what I have learned on my journey in hopes that the future entrepreneurs that will define our vibrant province will find meaning in it. I grew up surrounded by a family business – a multigenerational family tree of entrepreneurs in the pulp industry. My grandfather founded the business and we all played a role in shaping its story. My dad showed my brothers, sister, and I through his example, just as his father before him, what it meant to take measured risks, build your brand, and navigate the marketplace. When we think about what it means to be an entrepreneur, we think of those unique souls who step out on the ledge, assess the risks, and take the leap. We think about those individuals who choose to stomp out their own path and find a rhythm all their own. When I, like my sister and one of my brothers, made the decision to step away from the family business (that my one brother now runs) and instead pursue a career working for someone else, we were the ones seen by my family as the entrepreneurs leaning into our own paths. I can recall when my Dad once asked me what it was like to work for someone else. The concept was unfamiliar to him as a second generation business owner. It seemed more unusual to work for someone else or an organization other than one’s self. But it was what I learned from the entrepreneurial spirit that ran strong in my family that I carry with me every day regardless of my surroundings. An unwavering commitment to customers and the tenacity to thrive and prosper over a lifetime, these are just some of the things I carry with me to this day. Unpacking what it means to be an entrepreneur doesn’t start with a great idea, concept, or product. It begins with a mindset. The mindset requires someone willing to be a forever student or a continuous learner. At their core is someone who envelops an unending curiosity energized by learning through both their own experiences and those of others. That curiosity extends into all aspects of the business from understanding market changes to evolutions in technology. That same curiosity helps them quickly recognize disruption and see it as not a threat but an opportunity worthy of getting in front of and helping shape the curve. Being and staying curious is woven through the DNA of any successful entrepreneur. For me, I have an unwavering curiosity of other peoples’ stories. I enjoy learning about the different journeys people take to arrive at success. I have learned that there is no one road map and no one way to grow a prosperous business but there are a mosaic of different characteristics, moments, milestones, insights, and yes, even missteps, that helped shape their success. It is not only through my own experiences but the experiences of others that I am learning from every day. These are the knowledge networks I encourage each emerging entrepreneur to build and nurture. Continually ask for connections and introductions from those you respect. Find those individuals who don’t necessarily need to align with your same industry but definitely do align with your values. Seek out those who are generous with their sharing of knowledge, skills, and experiences and can articulate all three. Start with the team immediately around you – from your business account manager to your lawyer to your accountant to other business
needs and your business grows and changes, so will your network need to as well. And while we tend to look at entrepreneurs sometimes as lone wolves, there is great power in leveraging a vibrant network to create informal or formal co-op experiences for yourself to help negotiate unfamiliar bends in the road. Experience is the true teacher - but as someone who may be paving the road as you go, calling upon a couple other construction specialists along the way might just be the very thing you need to help you navigate that next turn successfully. When finding the right mentor, be as clear in what you are looking for as you strive to be in any business plan. Am I seeking advice on one aspect of my business or am I requiring a long term coaching relationship – or perhaps both? Consider your responsibilities as a mentee. First, be prepared for conversations. This means not only having thoughtful and focused questions but also being emotionally prepared to hear the advice that isn’t necessarily easy to hear about you, your business, and your strategy. Be candid, transparent, and set out clearly defined expectations. Second, know where to look. Reimagine where you might find your mentors. Earlier we spoke about those immediately surrounding you. But also consider business, industry specific, or professional organizations, retired business
capabilities, beliefs, attributes, and knowledge working in concert with one another to form a strong foundation for your business. Good ideas are critical but they can just as easily find themselves in critical condition when there isn’t the ability to execute on the idea. Learn how to make decisions. It seems simple however you’ll need to make numerous decisions every day to successfully run your business. Know what kind of decision maker you are. Know which decisions carry a high level of risk and those that don’t. Think deeply about the values and principles that will provide important guardrails as you make decisions. Then demonstrate the courage and fortitude to stay true to these guardrails to ensure you maintain your integrity. Stay true to one other guardrail – your business plan. A misstep some make is setting aside their business plan after the business is started. It’s critical to keep your business plan alive and up to date. The business plan is more than a document to secure financing, it is your road map that needs to be continually reflected on to ensure the right direction and speed are maintained. Know what you know and find out what you don’t. Understand what fuels a business. Develop a solid understanding of the key pillars required to run a business successfully including operations, brand, finance, marketing, talent management, customer analysis, and sales. If any of these pillars are not solid enough to support the weight of the business, we are left with potential blind spots that may impact you today, tomorrow, or even down the road. Also, in addition to pillars, consider the foundational importance of skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem solving to the trajectory of your business. Interweaving these three skills together
owners, athletic coaches, educators, former colleagues or leaders from previous experiences, not for profit organizations, and boards you may serve on. Mentorship is a two way experience and so if the appetite to deepen a relationship is not with both sides (whether it is the capacity to commit or a willingness to
will prove to be central to your leadership and your ability to know how and when to push, pivot, or let go. Practicing and developing attributes such as resourcefulness, resiliency, and discipline will enable you to rise up, learn, and move on in the face of failure. It is this mix that will help you see mistakes as simply platforms and springboards to leap to the next level and not as something that will define you or your business. To the next generation of emerging entrepreneurs that will help shape our economy and define our marketplace, harness your energy and channel it where you will find the greatest returns. Simply be curious, grow your network, seek out co-ops and mentors, and develop 21st century entrepreneurial skills, attributes, and knowledge. That is your roadmap. Now go navigate the turns! ❚
share), move on and keep looking. Seek out those who will be authentic and transparent with you while also encouraging you to keep going.
Third, we all have a responsibility to pay it forward later on to someone else as a future mentor and so become the mentor tomorrow you are seeking to find today.
As a coach, I would be remiss if I didn’t speak to the importance of skill development. 21st century entrepreneurial skillsets are a
rich medley of different
owners. Ensure that every conversation about what made them successful includes the hiccups along the way. Recognize that building the right network is a lifelong pursuit and never a once and done. Just as your
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
SAVE THE DATE EVENTS & WORKSHOPS MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 36th Manitoba Business Awards Gala Victoria Inn and Convention Centre 1808 Wellington Ave. Friday, Oct. 25, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Established in 1983, the Manitoba Business Awards Gala is the premier business event of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. Each fall, businesses from all areas of Manitoba are recognized for achieving a high standard of excellence through their abilities, efforts and initiatives. In addition to acknowledging businesses in multiple categories at the gala, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce will also present two prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Awards to recipients selected by an elite jury panel. For more information or to order tickets, call 204-948-0100. WORLD TRADE CENTRE WINNIPEG Small Business Week Kickoff Luncheon RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg 375 York Ave. Monday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Business Development Bank of Canada is celebrating the 40th edition of Small Business Week and is showcasing the people behind the success of Canadian small- to medium-sized enterprises. Moderated by David Angus, president of Johnston Group and co-chair of the WTC board, a panel of Manitoban entrepreneurs will share their experiences and speak about the importance of having a dedicated team. Those who arrive early will have the chance to check out Biz Alley, where local companies will showcase their products and services. Register online at www.wtcwinnipeg.com or call 204-253-4888. Import/Export Shipping Hurdles World Trade Centre Winnipeg 219 Provencher Blvd. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Presenters Steve and Tom Setka, owners of InXpress Winnipeg, will discuss exporting and importing, as well as the best ways to ship and receive products. The seminar is available in a webinar format for remote participants. Register online for this free event at www.wtcwinnipeg.com or call 204-253-4888.
Small business account managers Aggie Cisotto and Kari Pirt offer advice for financing a small business. Photos courtesy of SCU
FINANCING A SMALL BUSINESS E xpert advice can be invaluable when it comes to options for financing your small business. Kari Pirt and Aggie Cisotto, small business account managers at Steinbach Credit Union, share some words of wisdom for getting started. the plan, the more prepared you are to have your financial institution understand what you will be doing.” Since the business plan is a fluid document, it should be revised when the business begins to grow. “This allows a business owner to be agile with the ability to react quickly and adjust their plan when things change,” Pirt said. “New business owners should also familiarize themselves with municipal and provincial By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press
“We always encourage small businesses to take the time to do their research and to pay attention to information, even if it doesn’t validate their assumptions. This is a vital step in ensuring they have access to enough cash to execute on their business plan,” Cisotto said. “Small business owners need to ensure they have enough equity or working capital to not only start the business but also maintain operations for several months after startup.” Small business owners can source capital from conventional institutions like banks and credit unions. Less conventional financing sources could include friends and family, venture capital funding, government grants, and funding opportunities from organizations such as the Women’s Enterprise Centre or other firms looking to invest in equity. As a conventional financial institution, Steinbach Credit Union offers business lines of credit to help protect cash flow, as well as term loans and business mortgages for the purchase or construction of property or equipment. Typically, lending requires a full credit application that determines eligibility using the industry standard of the 5 Cs of credit: character, collateral, capital, capacity and conditions. A comprehensive business plan is one of the documents required for lending. “The plan should include cost estimates for establishing the business. This would also include short-term capital needs once the business is established, which helps ensure that adequate cash is available during any startup period,” Cisotto said. “The plan should also include a forecasted profit and loss statement for at least a two-year period after anticipated startup. Estimating P&L can be one of the most challenging aspects of developing your business plan. It’s important that a business owner’s assumptions be well researched and realistic, supported with written narrative that can validate profit and loss projections. The more comprehensive
Business Information for Indigenous Entrepreneurs World Trade Centre Winnipeg 219 Provencher Blvd. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
regulations and government remittances. Seek out professional help to get advice in these areas.” In addition to the business plan, applicants will also need to provide detailed financial information, including a personal net worth statement listing all assets and liabilities. Often, the most successful businesses are steered by people who are open to new information and able to adjust along the way. “It’s important to communicate openly and as often as needed with your financial institution because they can offer options and guidance. Surround yourself with a good support team overall, including accountants, lawyers and your financial institution,” Pirt said. “We encourage small business owners to continually seek out opportunities to learn and grow their knowledge about their industry. Building a successful business starts with a strong financial plan that supports growth, weathers the storms, and provides the financial means to make dreams a reality.” At Steinbach Credit Union, a new lending product has been specifically designed for small businesses. The Grow! Loan and Line of Credit offers a simplified approval process based on credit scores, along with easy and flexible repayment options for up to $50,000. “Starting a small business is exciting, rewarding and not without its challenges,” Pirt said. “At SCU, we believe the small businesses are the backbone of the community, and we want to help support them that way.” ❚
Indigenous entrepreneurs can learn about services and resources from presenters from World Trade Centre Winnipeg, Community Future Manitoba/Indigenous Business Development Services and Douglas V. Tingey Law. Attendees can learn about business startup information, legal considerations and taxation rules for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Discussions will also focus on how the evolution of urban reserves benefits Indigenous communities. The seminar is available in a webinar format for remote participants. Register online for this free event at www.wtcwinnipeg.com or call 204-253-4888. Business Opportunities in Nunavut World Trade Centre Winnipeg 219 Provencher Blvd. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2 to 4 p.m. This seminar will feature a presentation by Derek Earl of World Trade Centre Winnipeg as well as a fireside chat with Derrick Webster, COO of EPLS Group of Companies, a leading Inuit- owned company based in Nunavut. Attendees will learn about the Nunavut economy and the special relationship with Manitoba. Other topics include business opportunities in Nunavut and tips and resources for doing business there. The seminar is available in a webinar format for remote participants. Register online for this free event at www.wtcwinnipeg.com or call 204-253-4888. Panel: Business Services and World Trade Centre Winnipeg and Community Futures Manitoba/ Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program will present a panel of experts to provide information about resources and programs available for starting a business in Manitoba. The panel will also include representatives from Employment and Income Assistance, Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities, Equal Opportunities West/Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program Winnipeg, and Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba. The seminar is available in a webinar format for remote participants. Register online for this free event at www.wtcwinnipeg.com or call 204-253-4888. Extend Your Reach with Twitter World Trade Centre Winnipeg 219 Provencher Blvd. Thursday, Oct. 31, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Resources for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities or Health Conditions World Trade Centre Winnipeg 219 Provencher Blvd. Thursday, Oct. 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Presenter Aaron Newnham of TMD Winnipeg will speak about how to create and use lists to grow an audience, how to monitor keywords to deliver superior customer service, and how to use third-party apps to enhance the Twitter experience. The seminar is available in a webinar format for remote participants. Register online for this free event at www.wtcwinnipeg.com or call 204-253-4888.
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THE WINNIPEG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Small Business Summit The Fort Garry Hotel 222 Broadway Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Hosted by Colin Fast, director of policy at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, will sit down with featured guest Mayor Brian Bowman. Other guests will include Coun. Brian Mayes and Coun. Sherri Rollins. Peter Fehr and Amanda Buhse, co-chairs of the Winnipeg Chamber’s Small Business Advisory Council, will interact with attendees and represent the voice of the small business community. The event is free but space is limited. To register, visit www.winnipeg- chamber.com or call 204-944-8484. Before Business Mixer The Fort Garry Hotel 222 Broadway Wednesday, Oct. 30, 9 to 11 a.m. Co-hosted with the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, this networking opportunity features delicious appetizers along with the chance to learn about other Chamber members’ products and services. These mini-trade shows are free to attend, and businesses can also purchase booths to display their services. For more information, visit www.winnipeg- chamber.com or call 204-944-8484.
CELEBRATING SAFER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE WORKPLACES
organization who agree to provide support. The goal of gathering this individualized emergency response information is to keep employees with disabilities safe at all times. The Accessibility Standard for Employment is a win-win for both employers and their workers. Research shows that hiring Manitobans with disabilities supports high employee performance and builds customer loyalty. Moreover, accessibility helps address a future labour shortage by allowing employees to remain on the job longer by adapting to their changing needs. For John Graham, director of government relations for the Retail Council of Canada, this standard represents a positive shift towards more inclusive and diverse work environments. “Retailers understand that people with disabilities represent an important source of skilled workers for their businesses and support a standard that helps ensure those with
By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press
W orkplaces will soon be safer and more inclusive for all employees, with a focus on removing barriers and enhancing equity for Manitobans with disabilities. On May 1, 2019, the provincial government enacted the Accessibility Standard for Employment under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. This regulation outlines how Manitoban employers need to provide “reasonable accommodations” guided by the Manitoba Human Rights Code — often at little or no cost. In some circumstances, employers might need to modify physical spaces and/or adjust their policies. This new standard will be phased in incrementally, coming into effect one year after enactment for government, two years for the public sector and three years for the private sector. But when it comes to safety, all employers should prioritize their employees’ well-being during an emergency situation or evacuation. By May 1, 2020, employers must ensure they make disability-related workplace accommodations by identifying who needs assistance during an emergency and what type of assistance is required. In addition, they need to seek permission to share this information with other people in the
October Luncheon The Fort Garry Hotel 222 Broadway Wednesday, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
disabilities have fair access to work opportunities,” he said. One in four Manitobans is living with a disability, but it’s not always visible to others. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, so it’s an ideal time for Manitoba’s small businesses to consider how accessibility can improve their bottom line. More information and resources are available at AccessibilityMB.ca, including free guides, policy templates, checklists and training materials. ❚ Accessibility Works Some disabilities look like this.
Keynote speaker Carol-Anne Hilton, CEO and founder of The Indigenomics Institute, will talk address the crowd. Attendees can learn about how The Indigenomics Institute is unleashing a national Indigenous economic agenda to bolster the growth of the Indigenous economy. To register, visit www.winnipeg- chamber.com or call 204-944-8484.
Most disabilities look like this.
Among working-aged Canadians ages 25 to 64, the most common disabilities are pain-related.
Open for everyone. It’s good business to employ Manitobans with disabilities. Visit: accessibilitymb.ca
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By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press ANIMAL ACTORS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT L ights! Camera! Action!
to teach the basic stuff. Then we can start teaching whatever the script requires,” Voth said. “We often have to train the animals to do things you normally wouldn’t want them to do at home, like jumping on counters, jumping on people, rummaging through garbage or digging in the yard. We do have to train a lot of bad habits in the animals and we often have to train them to interact with the actors. It’s all trained behaviour and it has to look real on camera.” Business has been booming for the small company, which has recently supplied animal actors for commercials, TV shows and films such as A Dog’s Journey and The Grudge. “You can read the script and have meetings with the director, but you never know what you’re going to get,” Voth said. “Sometimes you just have to think out of the box on how you’re going to get the shot done without stressing the animal.” Currently, Animal Actors Manitoba employs three main people who go to sets as well as five instructors, including Voth’s two sisters. “The work environment is always different, so the animal has to be comfortable with going to different places. We might need to hike into a set in a remote area or we might be circling downtown Winnipeg with a horse and carriage,” Voth said. “We work with every animal that’s on set. We just did a commercial with some ducks. I’ve also worked on set with Arctic fox, wolves, owls and other types of birds, but your typical animal is a cat or dog. My rabbit actually gets a lot of work too.” In addition to running Animal Actors Manitoba, Voth operates a company called Wild Dogs, which offers high-energy animal entertainment for fairs, rodeos and special events. Earlier this month, she also opened her own training centre called Dumbledogs in a 10,000-square-foot space at 974 Powell Ave. in St. James. At that facility, she’ll offer training classes as well as doggy daycare, grooming and more. “It’s definitely a challenging job, but the challenge is fun,” Voth said. “It’s always different and there’s never the same thing twice.” ❚
Local animal actors are flooding the film industry with a lion’s share of talent, proving that they truly are the cat’s meow. Animal Actors Manitoba serves as a talent agency for dogs, cats, bunnies — and just about any other type of animal that might be needed for a film project. Courtney Voth founded the company in 2016 after being mentored in the industry for several years. “We search out animals that productions are looking for. We make sure that they’re a good fit for the show and then we bring them to set,” said Voth, who has been an animal trainer for 20 years. “We found that there was a lack of animals trained specifically for film, so at the beginning we were bringing in a lot of dogs from other provinces. I wanted to start a class so people in Manitoba had an opportunity to have their pets on film sets rather than always bringing in animals from elsewhere.” “We often have to train the animals to do things you normally wouldn’t want them to do at home, like jumping on counters, jumping on people, Pets and their owners can sign up for basic acting skills classes. Over time, they can build on skills, eventually leading up to specialized tricks and script work. The company works with all different animals, but the classes are geared mainly for dogs. “Ideally, we like to use dogs that have been to our classes because then we know them and we’ll usually have a bit of a relationship with the owner. Also, the dog or cat will have some training so that when we get the script, we don’t have rummaging through garbage or digging in the yard. We do have to train a lot of bad habits in the animals and we often have to train them to interact with the actors. It’s all trained behaviour and it has to look real on camera.”
Animal Actors Manitoba serves as a talent agency for all types of animals. Photos courtesy of Animal Actors Manitoba
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Manitoba Technology Accelerator CEO Marshall Ring and commercialization co-ordinator Sydny Pheifer showcase some of the organization’s services. Photos courtesy of Manitoba Technology Accelerator
ACCELERATING TECHNOLOGY IN MANITOBA
www.scu.mb.ca
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By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press
M anitoba Technology The private sector not-for-profit organization is often referred to as a technology incubator, taking companies all the way from early stage ideas and accelerating them to large- scale growth. “Essentially, we work with people who have disruptive technology ideas that have the ability to scale. We’re always looking to work with new Accelerator aims to take small startup tech companies and transform them into big bustling businesses. concepts,” CEO Marshall Ring explained. “So we wouldn’t work with someone who wants to open a new hair salon to serve a 10-block radius. We want to work with people who have a technology idea that would have an unfair competitive advantage and the ability to sell in national or international markets.” Initially, these innovators usually walk through the doors as a one- or two-person company. From there, the growth can be exponential. “We would like to commercialize their technology and turn it into a big business. Our most notable success was SkipTheDishes. They
strives to make Winnipeg the startup capital of Western Canada. “We want to be known as the place where technology companies come to start, grow and thrive,” Ring said. “Within that context, my position is to help build two more companies worth over $100 million by March 2021 out of Winnipeg.” At the same time, the organization aims to make Winnipeg an international destination for startup technology companies through the Start-Up Visa Program. “If someone in Beijing has a really interesting idea to start a technology company and they want to move to Canada, they can apply to Manitoba Technology Accelerator. If we accept them, we write a contract and then they’d fit within the Government of Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program stream. We can help get them a work permit in three to four months and permanent residence in about 18 months,” Ring said. “It’s a fast track to immigration so it’s the opposite of brain drain from Canada. It’s our ability to attract good startups to come here. It’s my goal to have 30 international startups located here by Dec. 31, 2019. We’re currently
showed up to us with two employees and we helped them scale to maybe 2,500 employees now,” Ring said. “So we work with businesses that have technology and help them grow from small business to big business.” With an eye on the horizon, Manitoba Technology Accelerator
at about 20, and we just started in earnest this year. We think we’ve got some good magic here on our ability to attract and retain these companies.” About half of Manitoba Technology Accelerator’s operating budget stems from funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada. The rest comes from fees
“We want to be known as the place where technology companies come to start, grow and thrive.” - CEO Marshall Ring
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charged to clients. And the forecast is fabulous for small technology startups looking to burst into business in Manitoba. “One of the things that’s really changing is that Winnipeg is becoming a destination. We’re being able to attract people that have left the province to come back for these jobs. People are seeing Winnipeg as a great place to be, so it’s an experience in success for that,” Ring said. “We’re really excited by both our past accomplishments and what we have coming down the pipe — and I think we’re going to have an impactful story to tell for many years to come.” ❚
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To cater to the needs of their workers, some employers might implement flexible benefit programs that allow employees to choose the benefits most important to them. “Each employee gets a certain number of points to ‘purchase’ benefits from a list of available options,” Breward said. “This is great because people can pick the benefits that best support their life — perhaps eldercare services for one and tuition reimbursement for the other, for instance.” In some workplaces, employers allow for flexible schedules with workers choosing which eight hours they prefer to work within a set timeframe. “Obviously this is not possible with all jobs, but when you can offer it, flexible schedules allow people to tend to childcare, eldercare, medical appointments and other personal matters with less stress,” Breward said. “As a side benefit, it reduces lying about absenteeism since people can just go to their appointments on their schedule. This encourages broader truthfulness.” However, flexible scheduling is only beneficial if employees don’t fear being sanctioned for using it, Breward added. “In some companies it is important to be visible to be perceived as working hard,” she said, “such that people fear negative career consequences if they choose to work unconventional hours and are therefore seen less often.” Onsite daycares offer another attractive option, Breward added, although few small businesses can cover the costs. “The businesses that can afford it often include webcams so parents can check on their kids throughout the day,” she said. “For those who can’t afford it, allowing time and private space for pumping breast milk can make a big difference to nursing moms whose babies are in nearby care.” The good news is that many employers now recognize that it’s worth attending to the mental health of their employees. However, Breward notes that the current economic climate might prompt employers to save costs by reducing benefits or hiring workers in categories that don’t require benefits.
“Some employers that do have budget funds available are starting to focus on mental health and benefits,” she said, “such as extended family leaves to help with ill or aging family members, and catering to a more culturally diverse workforce.” Each small business has the opportunity to consider creative approaches to cultivate a healthy work environment. “Many especially stressful workplace environments try to encourage breaks with physical activity and positive social interaction to reduce stress. These workplaces have basketball courts, ping pong tables, running clubs and similar activities available,” Breward said.
WORKING TOWARDS WELL-BEING
By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press
“Bringing well-behaved pets to work also reduces stress, often for the entire workplace. Allergies and phobias need to be addressed in advance, though.” One pet can positively impact many employees, she added. “Bringing pets to work is becoming a stronger trend,” she said “and has been associated with positive impacts on emotional well-being at work and productivity.” ❚ Katherine Breward, associate professor in the department of business and economics at the University of Winnipeg.
I n many small businesses, it can be a challenge to achieve a healthy sense of work-life balance since it doesn’t take much to tip the scales. A lack of work-life balance can lead to excessive levels of stress, which can take a physical and emotional toll on workers. The ripple effect can create a negative wave that impacts overall productivity, as well as co- worker relations and customer service. “Providing a healthy work-life balance is worth doing for its own sake, to be a decent
human being, in addition to being worthwhile for dollar- and cent-based reasons,” said Katherine Breward, an associate professor in the department of business and economics at the University of Winnipeg. “Employees notice when an employer cares about their well-being and most will respond in various positive ways, including higher job satisfaction and organizational commitment and more organizational citizenship behaviours —going above and beyond one’s job description just to help out.”
You can report your payroll and pay your WCB premium online. For these and other online services from the WCB, visit wcb.mb.ca . Did you know?
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