To many people, strategic planning is something meant only for big businesses, but it is equally applicable to small businesses. Strategic planning is matching the strengths of your business to available opportunities. To do this effectively, you need to collect, screen and analyze information about the business environment. You also need to have a clear understanding of your business -- its strengths and weaknesses -- and develop a clear mission, goals and objectives. Acquiring this understanding often involves more work than expected. You must realistically assess the business you are convinced you know well.

Every big company was once a small company.  Some companies find the jump from "mom and pop shop" to "corporate entity" excruciatingly difficult; others experiencing exponential growth make the transition smoothly.  To determine if there is a formula for dealing with rapid growth, we interviewed three company executives who have reached the point of upsizing. The companies we spoke to represent three different phases of the upsizing curve: one has successfully survived the transition, one is right in the middle of it, and one is just beginning the process.

Frequently asked question:  Why am I always so short of cash, even though I'm selling more than ever before?  The quick answer is that you are so short of cash BECAUSE things are going so well with your business. While this may sound impossible, rapid growth often causes cash strain on your business.  Here’s why.

WEConnect Canada delivers the leading international qualification or certification standard for women-owned businesses. Certified firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women are connected with the growing global demand from corporations and the public sector for diverse and innovative suppliers. The organization partners with corporations, associations, governments, women entrepreneurs and their supporters, and is affiliated with a global certification network for women-owned enterprises. In addition to certification, WEConnect Canada delivers education, training, coaching and mentoring programs that are essential for Canadian women business enterprises to bid successfully on large contracts.

For businesses looking to find information on how to do business with the federal government, Public Works and Government Services Canada created the website buyandsellgc.ca.  It’s not often that “simple” and “government procurement” are mentioned in the same breath, but buyandsell.gc.ca is aiming to do just that.  This new site for procurement information, gives quick access to information on how to register as a supplier, register for seminars on how to do business with the Government of Canada, understand the procurement process and find contracts.

Connecting Canada’s small and medium sized businesses to save on products & services, events, learning, and tools for growth.  SOHO Business Group is recognized as Canada’s #1 national business-to-business resource and network providing a unique model for entrepreneurs, executives and business professionals to connect and do business with each other.

BeYourOwnBoss.org is a portal provided by the BC Urban Entrepreneur Development Association and is designed to assist new entrepreneurs by providing resources and direction as they pursue the challenge of being their own boss.

Promoting Canadian security, prosperity, and values abroad, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada workswith a range of partners inside and outside government to achieve increased economic opportunity and enhanced security at home and abroad.