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It takes a team to reach your dream

Issue - Financing Your Dream
Six years ago when David Newman (blue shirt) took the entrepreneurial leap, he knew he would have to finance it. Today – with the help of a team of RBC advisers – his Signarama franchise is one of the most successful in Canada.
By Noa Glouberman
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Trevor Linden on business

Issue - Trevor Linden on Business
When he hung up the skates four years ago Trevor Linden chose business instead of pucks. In this exclusive Make It Business interview, he talks about the rewards and challenges of his roles in three growing companies.
By Victor Chew Wong
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What's the right marketing mix for you?

Issue - The Marketing Issue
It seems every week there’s a new social media darling that is going to solve all of your marketing needs – and just as many consultants telling you why you need it. In this interview, industry veteran Rick Hart, of ?MacLaren McCann, provides insight into this issue and many others related ?to your marketing needs
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The Sales Diva

Issue - The Sales Issue
Kimberley Conway’s ascent has been amazing. She left the security of a government job four years ago for a 100-percent-commission sales position at Maple Ridge Chrysler. Today she is the sales manager at FIAT of Maple Ridge and she shares her thoughts on sales, success and taking risks.
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Growth Spurt

Issue - Growing Your Business
In 2005, at the age of 22, Seth Fruson started Crusade Security. Seven years later it is the Fraser Valley’s largest security company with 150 employees. Make It Business chronicles Crusade’s amazing growth
By Franka Cordua-von Specht
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Financial Forecast 2012

Issue - 2012 - Forecasting the Year in Business
Despite economic uncertainty that foreshadows 2012, entrepreneurs can take solace in the fact that at least one financial institution, RBC, is still aggressively seeking more clients. Mike Michell, RBC’s national director for small business, is bullish about the coming year – and the resiliency of small business
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Small Business Outlook 2012

Issue - 2012 - Forecasting the Year in Business
Tax and regulatory burdens will be among the biggest challenges for BC small businesses in 2012, according to Laura Jones, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s senior VP of research and economics for western Canada. According to Jones, the silver lining of the 2008 recession was that it forced companies to streamline and innovate – another rough patch this year, however, may be difficult for many already emaciated companies to overcome
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Victoria's Secrets

Issue - 2012 - Forecasting the Year in Business
The BC government has a plethora of new and existing initiatives to support small business. From grants to resources, Make it Business reveals opportunities that can save you thousands of dollars
By Melanie Jackson
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The Angel – Thierry LeVasseur and nQbatr

Issue - Six Pack of Success
Serial entrepreneur Thierry LeVasseur wants to give away money – with a catch. His latest project, nQbatr, seeks to redefine the way business incubators work. Instead of courting geeks, he’s looking for seasoned business minds who’ve spotted a hidden need and require a technological kick-start. Instead of providing just cash, this angel investor has assembled 20 C-level executives to provide mentoring and support.
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The Do-Gooder – Barry Stecyk of HevyD's Old Fashioned Kettle Korn

Issue - Six Pack of Success
Doing the right thing has propelled Barry Stecyk’s HevyD’s Old Fashioned Kettle Korn to exponential growth, helped launch a second music promotion business, and keeps him busy 16 hours a day. Doing the right thing, plus some very saavy cross-marketing.
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The Healers – Brio Integrative Health Centre

Issue - Six Pack of Success
Dr. Jeffrey Lee and Dr. Neetu Dhiman have big plans for Brio Integrative Health Centre to create greater awareness for naturopathy and alternative medicine. Beyond that, Dr. Lee's H.E.R.O.'s Business Solutions plans to be the go-to place for those practitioners to get business training.
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The Data Diva – Johanna Mustapic of Triage Data Solutions

Issue - Six Pack of Success
Johanna Mustapic never set out to start a business, but 11 years later, Triage Data Solutions is one of the top document management companies in BC
By Franka Cordua-von Specht
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The Family Man – Chuck Gandy of Gandy Installations

Issue - Six Pack of Success
Chuck Gandy (centre), flanked by his father Charlie and son, Taylor, have grown the family business for 54 years
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A Plan to Succeed

Issue - The "How-To" Issue
In less than two years, Business Plans Canada’s Celeste Lozano (L) and Adrian Rudzikas (R) have helped more than 250 clients raise $750 million in financing. Rick Francoeur (C) of 360 Fabrication sought them out to help secure $2 million to purchase the new home for their successful custom auto shop – 22,000 square feet later, Francouer is set to grow
By Noa Glouberman
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The Late Bloomer – Ilse Phillips of Ambrosia Gift Baskets

Issue - Six Pack of Success
Isle Phillips spent the past 27 years as a health-care worker. Today she’s taken the scary leap into her next career as an entrepreneur with Ambrosia Gift Baskets
By Franka Cordua-von Specht
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How to: Write and awesome business plan

Issue - The "How-To" Issue
MAN (AND WOMAN) WITH A PLAN: Celeste Lozano and husband Adrian Rudzikas and their team have written more than 250 successful business plans. Here are their Business Plans Canada tips for writing a plan that will help you succeed
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FROGBOX: On the Path to Greatness

Issue - Building a Great Business
Three years ago FROGBOX founder Doug Burgoyne said goodbye to a regular payday and a comfortable telecom job to take a chance on a dream. Today – with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Seattle – he’s on the path to building a great business.
By Noa Glouberman
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Inspecting the Franchise Option

Issue - Inspecting the Franchise Option
Dave Williams was tired of spending time away from his family so the former salesman wanted to start his own business. After much research he became the master franchisor for A Buyer's Choice Home Inspection in BC.
By Christina Newberry
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Robert's Rules

Issue - Building a Great Business
Since 1982 The Great Little Box Company has been climbing its way to the summit of great BC companies. It has gained regional and national recognition as a well-managed company and a great place to work.
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Untangling the Franchise Question

Issue - Inspecting the Franchise Option
Grant Bullington is an expert who helps entrepreneurs find the right franchise. As the head of FranNet.com’s BC operations, Bullington consults with aspiring franchisees (at no charge) to help them through the franchise process. In this interview he shares his insights on the pros and cons of franchising and whether it’s for you.
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Small Business Tip

Don’t Cut Your Marketing Budget in a Recession

Perhaps the most widely ignored recession survival "rule," is to not cut back on marketing efforts. A McGraw Hill study done during the early 1980s recession divided firms into those that continued to spend on advertising versus those that cut back. Researchers found companies that continued to spend doubled their sales and profits. Those that cut back lost about 20 percent of sales and profits. The most dramatic gains came in the first two years of the recovery when businesses that had continued to spend enjoyed sales and profit growth of 273 percent. Those non-spenders, they had 20 percent growth in sales and profit after five years compared to 1980.

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