Hi everyone

I am currently at the annual LIFT Conference that is hosted by Mirasee, Danny Iny’s group. I’ve trained with these folks since 2012 and find a lot of value in their approach (as many of you know I support two other training organizations).

The lessons learned, the people you meet who can help you along the way, and the quiet aha moments when you realize they are talking about you from the stage! All these things are what propel you forward – and as you know – it’s these elements that make Grow Vantage an important part of your journey (and mine).

I’m going to bring back lessons learned which I’ll share on Tuesday Tips (Facebook Live: 5:00 pm on Tuesday afternoons), through announcements and blogs.

I’ll look forward to talking to you about why you just have to start, dealing with the excuses that hold you back (not to mention “risk”), how to stack the deck for success… and the list goes on.

Have a great weekend (and a wonderful last hurrah for summer…and keep learning!

Patricia

As a Reiki Master, Savy is an amazing leader and advisor to her clients (who also has a massage and laser therapy practice). In her video she speaks about her business: Happy is You.

You can find the video here: https://youtu.be/sxEvdiQNUpc

Patricia

This week’s video features Susan Shannon, GV 36 who is the owner of Muniserv.ca and Munijobs.ca – portals that allow municipal employees in search of services to connect with consultants.

Here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/jbZh9UazbpE

Surviving 5 causes of “Start-up” ups and downs (and avoiding as many as you can)

The start-up journey can be a roller coaster experience for new entrepreneurs. Here are 5 major areas that new entrepreneurs need to look at to manage the ups and downs of a new business, based on my experience training 18 groups of start-up business owners and mentoring over 3,000 entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs over the last 9 years….

Patricia

Hi everyone

On Tuesday at 5:00 pm we started a discussion about funding sources. Graduate of GV35, Christie Buckley and the GVers who participated traded thoughts about finding funding. Here are a few highlights:

The Government of Canada has a concierge site which you can search for potential loans and grants: https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/s/?language=en&lang=eng

Grants: These are few and far between. In Barrie, the Small Business Centre budget has been cut back and although their Starter Company program will have some spots in September – these are limited. Tip: You will need to complete and pitch a business plan to be awarded grant money. In the past, grants were often at the $5,000 level but they do not have to release that amount. There will be competition.

Check the Government of Canada site for grants available for different groups…

BDC is a Canadian bank backed by the government of Canada which was set up to fund business loans/entrepreneurs. The Grow Vantage contact we refer to is Jessica Wauchope, of the Barrie office. (Her contact information is: Jessica Wauchope, Account Manager, Small Business | Directrice de comptes, Petites entreprises, T  705-812-0066     C 705-716-2918. Tip: Apply online for the operations loan of up to $100,000 to get a better rate than going into the office. But, include Jessica’s name. 

Canada Small Business Loan: Available through commercial banks. Tip: They used to limit the percentage of the loan for which an entrepreneur was personally responsible should financial problems ensue – that isn’t always the case. So check the facts. Each banking firm may have specialty areas to finance.

FedDev (Government of Canada – Federal funds) has released information about new loans for entrepreneurs (with a few exceptions, e.g. retail stores and cannabis businesses) and not-for-profits. There are 3 streams see graphic. Stream 1: Business Scale Up and Productivity (up to 35% of eligible project costs, $500,000 upwards, repayable but there is a grace period);

Stream 2: Is to develop Regional Innovation Eco-Systems

Stream 3: Up to 50% of project in rural areas for both For Profits (no interest loans from $250,000 up to 50% of project costs) and Not-for-profits (non repayable)

Contact: Kenny Trenova, A/Business Development Officer; Phone 519-497-6032; Kenny.trenova@canada.ca

August 24 is the Barrie Public Library’s annual Dragon Boat Festival.  Lots of local charities and not-for-profits use this event to help raise awareness and funds for their worthy causes. They all deserve careful consideration in donating to their cause.  Let me tell you about my Boat and Team.

Candlelighters Courageous Cancer Kids Dragon Boat has been a part of the festival almost since the beginning. They didn’t enter a boat in the first one but have participated in every one ever since. I have paddled in all but one.

Candlelighters Simcoe is a local Parent Support Group for families of children and teens with cancer.  They hold monthly Peer Support meetings where Parents can talk about their concerns and fears in a safe, caring, non-judgmental environment. During the meeting elementary school aged kids, the diagnosed child and siblings, are encouraged to attend the Expressive Art programs facilitated by a local Art Therapist, Claudia McKnight.  High school aged kids are encouraged to attend and get the community service hours needed for graduation. They help set up, clean up and help the younger kids.  

During the school year Candlelighters also runs a more intense Expressive Art Program at the McLaren.  These groups are small and are used to help those kids who are struggling with their own or their sibling’s diagnosis and treatment. Again this program is facilitated by Claudia.  It’s interesting to note that Claudia did her dissertation on the value of Art Therapy for cancer kids before she was connected to our group.  I know my daughter benefitted from both programs and if she was still in Barrie she would still attend monthly meetings to help out with the Art Therapy.

Most of the money raised from the Dragon Boat Festival is used to run these Art Therapy programs and benefit the kids who are diagnosed and their siblings. By supporting Candlelighters Courageous Cancer Kids Dragon Boat Team you’ll be helping fragile families and kids cope.

Below is a link to their secure online donation page through Canada Helps.  If you decide to donate please reference Dragon Boat as the Festival organizers want to know how much each team has raised for the organizations they support.  If you want to also reference my name that would be nice but not necessary.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/candlelighters-simcoe-parents-of-children-with-cancer/

Paddles Up!!! Ready, Ready!!!

Dave Munro

AlTruistic’s Beer Bread Bakery
info@altruisticsbeerbreadbakery.ca
705-735-7434/833-455-9684
www.altruisticsbeerbreadbakery.ca

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