Podcasts about business development bank

By clicking here you can anonymously (except for the last 4 digits of your number) let me know what you think about my podcast and what you'd like to hear about on an upcoming episode of Wonder Boldly. Thank you so much!What happens when a “good girl” banker discovers the radical power of entrepreneurship? In this inspiring episode of Wonder Boldly, host Christine Santos sits down with Erin Sisko former corporate finance professional turned serial entrepreneur and founder of the Elleiance Network, the Capital Elle Business Impact Award, and the empowering movement I Am a 10.Erin shares how her path in banking exposed her to the world of small business and sparked a passion that changed her life. She opens up about her leap from a secure corporate job into building a national women's business network and how imposter syndrome, intuition, and baby steps all played pivotal roles.From hosting her first mastermind group in 2019 to launching a $50,000 impact award, a bakery, and a personal development brand, Erin proves you don't need a perfect plan just the courage to follow the breadcrumbs.Whether you're navigating a career pivot, craving deeper purpose, or seeking community with other driven women, this episode will ignite your belief in what's possible.What You'll Learn:Erin's transition from corporate banking to entrepreneurshipWhy she created the Elleiance Network to connect Canadian women entrepreneursThe surprising truth about what women business owners really need to growHow the Capital Elle Business Impact Award is changing lives with $50K in fundingThe powerful origin story behind the “I Am a 10” movementSimple mindset shifts and small daily actions to help you trust yourself more deeplyLearn more about Erin:Erin Sisko is a former finance corporate professional turned unlikely business obsessed serial entrepreneur.  Erin is the CEO of The Elleiance Network and the two sister brands, Capital Elle Business Impact Award and I AM A TEN.  Erin is on a mission to support women raise critical capital, connections and collaborations building businesses and lives that create immense impact and income.  Website: https://elleiance.ca Instagram: @elle.ianceSupport the showPlease share this with a friend who might need a little extra inspiration. Don't forget to tag @christinebsantos on Instagram! If this episode helped you in any way, please consider supporting Christine by inquiring about her Podcast Production Offers - you can dm Christine here: https://www.instagram.com/christinebsantos/ or send an email to hello@christinebsantos.com. Check out her Website: Wonder Boldly Christine is a proud Brand Ambassador for Harborside Bath and Body: https://harborsidebathandbody.com?sca_ref=7834407.5lPJ3nNEGR. Her go to small business for toxin-free and organic body and hair care needs. Check them out using this link https://harborsidebathandbody.com?sca_ref=7834407.5lPJ3nNEGR.If you make a purchase using the link Christine will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting small businesses.Thank you so much for listening. It would mean the world, if you'd subscribe/follow, share it with a friend and leave a 5 star review. It takes all of us, let's support small businesses together!

Highlights from this week's conversation include:Differences Between Canada and the US (1:17)Canadian Ecosystem Growth (3:32)LP Network Composition (4:36)Gap in Corporate Investment (8:12)Paula's Journey at BDC Capital (10:54)Government Support for VC (14:05)Advice for Attracting Capital (18:56)Venture Ecosystem Growth in Canada (22:08)Insider Segment: Evolving Role of Legal Counsel (24:57)Impact of Legal Partnership (29:01)Measuring Success in Ecosystem Building (30:34)The Camel Metaphor (34:48)Challenges in Scaling (37:24)Resilience in Funding (39:49)Investment Criteria for Canadian Funds (42:36)Advice for Investing in Canada (46:08)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (47:39)BDC Capital is the investment arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), dedicated to supporting Canada's most innovative companies and building a thriving venture ecosystem. Through strategic investments and partnerships, BDC Capital balances financial returns with a mandate to foster long-term growth and inclusion in Canada's economy.https://www.bdc.ca/Sidley Austin LLP is a premier global law firm with a dedicated Venture Funds practice, advising top venture capital firms, institutional investors, and private equity sponsors on fund formation, investment structuring, and regulatory compliance. With deep expertise across private markets, Sidley provides strategic legal counsel to help funds scale effectively. Learn more at sidley.com.Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

In this episode, host Munir Haque welcomes Brian Hayward, author of The Great Chair and Founder of Aldare Resources, to the show to discuss the governance insights and role of the board chair as presented in his book. Brian has nearly 40 years of experience at the C-suite and board level and his practical insights into board leadership are founded on having attended over 600 board meetings, serving as CEO, director, and chair. Munir and Brian dig into how the board chair is key to strategic governance.Brian talks about why he wrote his book and focused so specifically on the role of the board chair. He shares insights from the book, including the Three M's - maestro, mediator, and mentor - that a good board chair should adopt in order to be effective and explains how each M drives chair leadership. Munir explores what Brian calls SPF - strategy, people, and finance - and learns everything from the appropriate length for a board meeting, how to best set up the room, and how to keep the conversation focused and engaging. Everything Brian shares is a practical examination of how a board chair can set the tone and lead a board to a successful operation.   About Brian HaywardAs Founder/President of Aldare Resources, Brian provides governance, strategy, and business development services to international clients across various sectors. He helps organizations navigate transitions, drawing on his deep business & governance experience, strategic mindset, and team-building skills. He mentors people to develop confidence and leadership acumen through bespoke personal coaching.Brian has a distinguished track record of board leadership, having served on over 20 boards in different industries and continents. He has chaired more than a dozen boards, independent committees, audit committees, and advisory boards, demonstrating his expertise in governance, risk management, and strategic decision-making--often when existential issues are front and center.Brian isn't an academic delivering theory--his perspective comes from getting his hands dirty. He's been through at least 600 board meetings--public companies, private firms, not-for-profits, and startups--as a CEO, junior Director, Committee and Board Chair. Presently, he's a director (former Board Chair) of Cerebra, a digital sleep health company, Lead Independent Director at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, and director of Dorais Foundation.Brian holds an M.Sc from McGill University, a C.Dir from McMaster University, and an ICD.D from the University of Toronto. He is also certified in cybersecurity governance by MIT Sloan School of Management. He is fluent in English and French, and has a passion for continuous learning and improvement.Finally, he is the author of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed book: The Great Chair--A Window on Effective Board Governance, sharing practical tips and insights from those over 600 board meetings. Learn more at www.greatchair.ca or www.aldare.ca, or for those who like "active learning" by listening to the audiobook!Resources discussed in this episode:“The Great Chair: A Window on Effective Board Leadership” by Brian Hayward—Contact Munir Haque | ActionEdge Executive Development: Website: AEEDNow.comLinkedin: Action Edge Executive Development Inc.Contact Brian Hayward: Website: GreatChair.caLinkedin—TranscriptBryan Hayward: [00:00:02] 'The Maestro', the chair is not unlike the conductor in front of a symphony orchestra. Doesn't play any instruments and doesn't articulate, but is clearly somebody that the musicians are paying attention to. They know when they're offline or if their points are resonating. It was a book written out of frustration, curiosity, and with a desire to create something that would make a difference for, at least, some people in some meetings. Not necessarily a cure-all.Munir Haque: [00:00:47] Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Boardroom 180 Podcast. I'm your host Munir Haque, an executive coach and senior board strategist. I have partnered with Action Edge Executive Development to lead their governance and political acumen division. In each episode, we meet with governance leaders and step into their boardrooms, where decisions shape the world around us.Munir Haque: [00:01:07] Hello everybody! On today's show, I'm happy to be welcoming Bryan Hayward on the Boardroom 180 Podcast. Bryan Hayward is a governance expert, seasoned leader and author of the acclaimed book, 'The Great Chair: A Window on Effective Board Leadership'. With nearly 40 years of experience at the C-suite level and board level, he's attended over 600 board meetings, serving as CEO, director, and chair. His award winning book distills his insights into practical tools for effective board leadership. Bryan has led high stakes organizational transitions, including ownership changes and governance overhauls working with public companies, family businesses, startups, and nonprofits. Notable achievements include chairing strategic reviews for Ridley Australia and Wellington West, and developing a governance model for Princess Auto that drove significant growth and market success.Munir Haque: [00:01:57] Formerly CEO of Agricore United, a $5 billion agribusiness, Bryan has been recognized for his excellence in enterprise risk, IT innovation and HR management. He also served eight years on the board of the Business Development Bank of Canada, chairing its audit committee as well as chairing the committee for two years. He is a Chartered Director and has an ICD.D designation. Through his work, Bryan inspires boards to navigate complexity and achieve success with confidence and clarity. Welcome to The Boardroom 180 podcast, Mr. Hayward. One of the reasons I wanted you on the podcast is, I have read your book. It was a while back now, but I found it to be a very useful resource and it's got some very useful lessons and I use it in my own coaching. Now surprisingly, when I looked you up I didn't realize that you lived in Canada as well. Bit of a surprise, and then I reached out to you and you were very prompt to get back to me, so thanks for that.Bryan Hayward: [00:03:00] My pleasure, glad to be here. From Manitoba, not exactly the hotbed of governance when you think of that.Munir Haque: [00:03:07] First off, maybe we'll go through some of the stuff that you talked about in the book. I don't recall if that's in your foreword or not, but talk a little bit about why you wrote a book specifically on the chair.Bryan Hayward: [00:03:19] Some people come to life and they say, before I bite the dust, I want to run a marathon, or I want to do this, or I want to fly a plane, or I want to write a book. That wasn't what drove it. I've been involved in situations where boards have made a huge difference. In your intro you were talking about situations that are existential, where you've got to make, not necessarily when you're in it, you don't know if you're making the right call, but you have to ha...

Featured in this episode: Alison Nankivell has spent more than 25 years moving Canada's economic needle forward. Before being named CEO of MaRS in early 2024, Alison held pivotal roles at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Export Development Canada (EDC). At MaRS, she brings an experienced playbook to support startups working in climate, health and emerging technology. Kris Bennatti is the CEO and co-founder of Hudson Labs, a Toronto-based startup that builds specialized financial software to help improve corporate accountability in capital markets. Lise Birikundavyi is the co-founder and managing partner of BKR Capital, Canada's first Black-led, institutionally-backed VC fund. Birikundavyi is a finance specialist who has worked with several international institutions, including the Jacobs Foundation where she managed its edtech impact investment strategy.  Corey Ellis is the co-founder and CEO of Growcer. The Ottawa-based startup develops commercial hydroponic systems that help communities grow indoor produce, year-round in any climate.   Charles Plant is a serial entrepreneur, innovation economist, fractional CFO and founder of The Narwhal Project, which helps tech startups raise capital and scale business.  Further reading: Welcome to the $100-million clubUndervalued and ignored: Why young Canadian firms are looking to foreign investors and buyers Evolving ESG reporting regulations call for co-ordinated executive action in CanadaDEI in Canadian workplaces is hitting a wall, subscriber survey showsNorth American outlook: Uncertain political environment adds to business, consumer fatigueClimate adaptation is as important as climate mitigationSubscribe to Solve for X: Innovations to Change the World here. And below, find a transcript to “Innovation hotline: Answering the tech sector's burning questions.” This interview was recorded October 17 in the MaRS Studio.  Solve for X is brought to you by MaRS, North America's largest urban innovation hub and a registered charity. MaRS supports startups and accelerates the adoption of high-impact solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. For more information, visit marsdd.com.

In this week's episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen welcomes Peter Goldie and Deborah Kattler Kupetz the two principals of Category Design Co.Category Design is a powerful business strategy that involves identifying a gap in the market and creating an entirely new category to fill it. Together, they share their journeys, personal experiences, and insights into how category design can transform companies and shape industries.Peter and Deborah talk about how they first met through TED conferences and discovered a shared passion for category design. Peter, with his extensive experience in software and B2B industries, and Deborah, a serial entrepreneur with a background in trends, music, and events, explain how category design can redefine business strategies, create new market opportunities, and help companies achieve dominance in their fields.We also have John Ruffolo from Maverix Private Equity back to discuss the latest news.Deborah Kattler KupetzDeborah Kattler Kupetz is a partner at Category Design Co., where she helps businesses define new market categories and execute strategies to dominate them. She also serves as an advisor at Physio AI, focusing on computational analytics for digital health, and at Aligne Capital Partners, where she works on creating sustainable ecosystems in the food and waste industries. Since 2006, Deborah has led dkkevents, a green event production company that produces eco-conscious experiences, and she continues to produce hybrid and virtual events.She has extensive experience in community-focused ventures, including her roles as Executive Producer of TEDxGreenStreet and Founder of Recenterpiece, a project that repurposes event centerpieces to reduce waste and feed those in need. Earlier in her career, she co-founded several initiatives focused on philanthropy and literacy, including Koreh L.A., Virtual Philanthropy, and the L.A. Literacy Corps.Deborah holds a BA in American Studies from Scripps College and earned both her MSW and MSG from the University of Southern California.Peter GoldiePeter Goldie is a partner at Category Design Co., where he works with companies to define and dominate their business categories. He is also an advisor to Physio AI and Aligne Capital Partners, helping both organizations scale their impact in digital health and sustainability. Prior to these roles, Peter was an advisor at Karerra and Gold Front, assisting startups in scaling and category development.Before focusing on category design, Peter co-founded sewnow! fashion studio and FashionKit, a retail and online business. He also held executive roles at companies like Leanplum, Exploratory Software, and Fluid, where he led product marketing and business strategy efforts. At Macromedia, Peter played a key role in the growth of Flash as the world's most installed software, and he began his career at Procter & Gamble in brand management.Peter holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from Queen's University and completed his high school education at Upper Canada College.In this episode, we discuss:* News Rundown with John Ruffolo:(00:26) – Amazon's Return to Office MandateAmazon CEO Andy Jassy's return-to-office announcement and its implications.(02:00) – Corporate Downsizing Through PolicySpeculation on whether the return-to-office policy is a strategy to reduce headcount without layoffs.(03:00) – Return-to-Office Trends Across IndustriesThe broader trend of companies shifting away from fully remote work.(05:00) – Space & Telecommunications: Elon Musk vs. TelesatDiscussion on Canada's investment in Telesat and the ethics of government handouts.(09:00) – Canadian Government Ventures and InnovationConcerns about government-backed corporations and their ability to foster innovation.(12:00) – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Leadership ChangesLeadership changes at BDC and their impact on Canadian venture capital.(16:00) – Secondary Sales and Continuation Funds in VCHow VC firms are turning to secondary sales and continuation funds in response to a stagnant IPO market.(20:00) – Investor Strategies Amidst a Stagnant IPO MarketThe effects of innovative liquidity strategies on startups remaining private longer.Main Interview with Peter and Deborah:(21:00) – Introduction to Peter and DeborahOverview of Peter and Deborah's backgrounds in category design.(21:35) – Deborah's BackgroundDeborah's entrepreneurial journey from fashion to tech and innovation.(23:00) – Peter's Early CareerPeter's early experiences in consumer goods and his transition into tech.(24:00) – Cultural Influence on DesignHow Peter's travels influenced his perspective on design and marketing.(25:45) – Peter's Early TED InvolvementPeter's role in creating a social network for TED and demonstrating rich internet applications.(28:00) – What is Category Design?Deborah explains the basics of category design and how it redefines markets.(30:00) – Examples of Category KingsDiscussion of category-defining products like the iPhone and iPad.(31:15) – The First Steps in Pursuing Category DesignKey steps companies should take when pursuing category design.(33:00) – Challenges in Defining a CategoryThe challenges startups face in differentiating themselves with category design.(35:00) – Real-World Examples of Category DesignExamples of companies that redefined their categories, and the risks involved.(38:30) – Timing and Consumer Behavior in Category DesignThe importance of timing and understanding consumer behavior.(40:45) – Case Study: Radical ScienceHow Radical Science created the "Proof as a Service" category using consumer participation.(45:00) – Storytelling in Category DesignThe role of storytelling in effectively communicating a category's value.(47:30) – Balancing Current Products with New VisionsHow companies balance existing products with bold new category visions.(50:00) – Role of Investors in Category DesignHow visionary pitches framed around new categories can win over investors.(53:00) – Overcoming Internal Resistance to Category ShiftsHow leadership and sales teams can embrace new category strategies despite initial resistance.(55:00) – Case Study: Airbnb's Category JourneyAirbnb's evolution from offering short-term rentals to defining "community-led hospitality."(57:00) – Using Category Design to Persuade InvestorsHow bold, category-driven strategies can secure investor buy-in.(59:00) – The Future of Category Design and Emerging TrendsHow AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) will shape future category creation.(01:02:00) – Favorite Category KingsPeter and Deborah share their favorite category-defining companies, such as Sonos and Patagonia.Fast Favorites:* Favorite Podcast:* Peter: 99% Invisible – a podcast about design in all its forms.* Deborah: Darknet Diaries – a podcast that explores the dark side of the internet, hacking, and cybercrime.* Favorite Newsletter or Blog:* Peter: Never Enough by Andrew Wilkinson of Tiny Capital.* Deborah: Human Times, focusing on developments in AI, robotics, and human-centered technologies.* Favorite Tech Gadget:* Peter: Beacon 40 – a light designed to ward off dementia and Alzheimer's by syncing gamma waves in the brain.* Deborah: Neuralink (future potential).* Favorite Book:* Peter: Play Bigger – the bible of category design.* Deborah: Outlive by Peter Attia, and the classic Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino.* Favorite Life Lesson:* Peter: "Things just don't go as expected."* Deborah: "You have universal permission – go for it."Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Text us your thoughts on the episode or the show!What motivates a seasoned lawyer to swap legal briefs for bed linens? Tune in as we sit down with Vivian McCormick, the brilliant co-founder and CEO of Wilet, a Canadian linens and bedding company. Vivian takes us on her transformative journey from the legal world to entrepreneurship, sharing profound insights about her time as in-house counsel at the Business Development Bank of Canada, and how it ignited her passion for building businesses. Discover how she navigated the leap from practicing law to launching Willit, complete with lessons learned about legal complexities, rebranding, and international expansion.Resource management and adaptability are crucial in today's volatile economic landscape, and Vivian shares her strategic approach to these challenges. From making swift decisions to optimizing resources, we discuss how businesses can thrive in times of both abundance and shortage. Learn about the necessity of being agile, cutting down on unnecessary expenses, and managing growth sustainably—all skills that have become even more critical in the wake of the pandemic. Finally, delve into the nuances of strategic decision-making, branding, and SEO challenges. Vivian, alongside our hosts, explores the importance of blending thorough analysis with intuition, especially when facing the competitive landscape of SEO. From rebranding efforts to creating quality content that resonates with humans over algorithms, this episode offers invaluable insights into building a successful brand. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this conversation will equip you with strategies to navigate the multifaceted world of running a business.Episode Brought to You By MO Pros The #1 Community for Marketing Operations Professionals MOps-Apalooza is back by popular demand in Anaheim, California! Register for the magical community-led conference for Marketing and Revenue Operations pros.Support the Show.

A true pioneer in the world of business and leadership, we had the utmost pleasure of speaking with Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC. Breaking barriers at every turn, Isabelle made history by becoming the first woman to hold major roles in each stage of her illustrious career. In August 2021, she became President and CEO of Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), which is Canada's bank for entrepreneurs. Isabelle wants to make a difference in the world. Isabelle shares her insights on the 'D' of BDC—development—and her unwavering commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with a growth mindset. Isabelle's passion for advancing women's ambition shines through as she discusses her co-founding of the A Effect, a platform dedicated to empowering women in the business world. Before taking the helm at BDC, Isabelle served as Canada's ambassador to France and Monaco, where she continued to advocate for inclusive and progressive policies. Isabelle defines leadership as ‘inspiring others to follow you - and vice versa'. Hear and learn from Isabelle's remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into inspiring others, leadership, entrepreneurship, and fostering a culture of growth and empowerment.  Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) As Canada's bank for entrepreneurs, BDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. BDC's investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the country's most innovative firms. BDC is a B-Corp BDC is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and Canada's Best Diversity Employers. For more information on BDC's products and services and to consult free tools, templates, and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media. TODAY'S BOOK RECOMMENDATION: ‘The B Corp Handbook, Second Edition: How You Can Use Business as a Force for Good', by Ryan Honeyman & Tiffany Jana. JOIN A MACKAY CEO FORUMS GROUP TODAY: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MACKAY CEO FORUMS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠

In Episode 110 of the Business Development Podcast, listeners are treated to a captivating continuation of the series on The Business Development Bank of Canada. Expert guest Jason Garner takes center stage to shed light on the crucial role of advisory services in fostering business growth. With over 25 years of experience and a passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed, Jason shares invaluable industry knowledge and practical tips to guide businesses towards achieving their goals. From navigating the complexities of the market to building strong customer relationships, Jason's insights offer a roadmap for sustainable success in the ever-evolving business landscape.Throughout the episode, Jason Garner's engaging discussion delves into the multifaceted aspects of advisory services offered by The Business Development Bank of Canada. From the importance of personalized networking events to the impact of warm relationships in business development, Jason emphasizes the significance of tailored strategies for each client. By highlighting the diverse streams that contribute to effective advisory services, Jason underscores the pivotal role of continuous learning and adaptation in driving business growth. Listeners are left inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways to propel their businesses forward with confidence and clarity.Key Takeaways:1. Advisory services play a pivotal role in guiding businesses towards sustainable growth.2. Building strong customer relationships is essential for long-term success.3. Personalized networking events can enhance business development efforts.4. Tailored strategies are crucial for meeting the unique needs of each client.5. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to staying competitive in the market.6. Leveraging industry expertise can provide valuable insights for business growth.7. Warm relationships with clients can lead to repeat business and referrals.8. Trust and rapport are essential components of successful advisory services.9. Utilizing subject matter experts can offer specialized guidance for specific industries.10. Success stories and peer-to-peer connections can inspire and motivate business owners.

Forty-five percent of Canadian business owners experienced mental health challenges in early 2023, up from 38 percent in February 2022, according to a May survey by the Business Development Bank of Canada. According to a recent study by Willis Towers Watson, nearly half (45 percent) of US workers report having experienced mental illness in their lifetime. Over three-quarters (76 percent) say they have experienced emotional distress due to work pressures in the last 12 months. And more than half (51 percent) say their emotional pain was severe enough to impact their ability to do their job well. In addition, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that over one-third (36%) of US workers are experiencing symptoms related to depression or anxiety on any given day. The impact of poor mental health in the workplace may be evident with signs such as High turnover rate, Employees who frequently call out sick, Teams struggling to meet targets, and Evidence of stress or burnout in employees, according to the UC Berkeley Executive Education.   As a small business owner, visionary leader, father, and husband, Scott Burgett has experienced an extraordinarily personal and profound journey with his mental health within the last year and 1/2.  Dealing with his health scare, dealing with blood clots, and fearing his life was going to end, Scott, the CEO of Evolution Vegan Academy, took some time this week to share his natural, raw, and emotional journey with his mental health with me.  He also shares why he thinks men should be more forthcoming with their mental health journey, successes, and failures so we can all learn and grow together.  He also shares how he continues to work towards excellence as a father, husband, and individual.   Facebook: @ScottBurgett Instagram: @coachscottyb_

In episode 108 of The Business Development Podcast, the host, Kelly Kennedy, interviews Robert Lajoie, the Vice President of The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Alberta North, Financing and Consulting Group. The discussion centers on the role BDC plays in supporting business growth and development across Canada, their unique approach towards working with entrepreneurs, the broad range of financial services they offer, and how they differ from traditional banks. Robert Lajoie also shares insights on BDC's extensive history, their commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as their expertise in different sectors.Moreover, they explore the importance of trust in business, the impact of current financial circumstances on entrepreneurs, and how BDC challenges and advises businesses to encourage their growth. Lajoie also provides advice to entrepreneurs navigating financial uncertainty and emphasizes the importance of understanding the opportunity cost of not investing in certain projects. He further encourages entrepreneurs to reach out to BDC for assistance in overcoming challenges as well as accessing resources and support to help their businesses thrive.Key Takeaways: 1. The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a significant organization in helping entrepreneurs grow by providing the right capital at the right time for the right project.2. BDC is project-based, focusing on helping entrepreneurs manifest long-term projects while the day-to-day aspects are supported by traditional banks.3. It's not just about funding, but the right strategic advice and challenging the entrepreneur to think beyond their current scope, helping them to grow more efficiently.4. BDC supports not just in-house solutions but connects entrepreneurs with the right partners including other crown corporations, organizations, and resources.5. BDC has a comprehensive approach that includes financing, advisory services, venture capital, equity, intellectual property-backed financing, and more, all targeting growth and transition of businesses.6. Connecting with the right people in the ecosystem is key for the growth of entrepreneurs.7. Even though interest rates might be a concern for entrepreneurs, it's important to look at the overall impact of not taking action.8. The biggest lesson from engaging with indigenous entrepreneurs is that the organization must earn the trust of the entrepreneur to have a successful business relationship.9. Entrepreneurs need more than just a term loan to grow, they need advice and strategic insights into their business operations and for reaching their potential.10. For BDC, working with entrepreneurs is about building trust, establishing good relationships, and then executing transactions based on the personalized needs of the business.

This week, we interviewed Sean Bacon. Sean is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran who served 12 years as a Paratrooper and as an Instructor at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy. During that time, Sean developed a system of training to psychologically and physically prepare both soldiers and police to thrive in some of the worst situations and environments the world has to offer with a winning mindset.  His company, Dynamic Shift Consulting Inc., leverages this experience to work with Corporate Leaders and Organizations to develop and sustain Mental Toughness, Leadership, and Team Development in a competitive environment.  His clients include The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medal Women's Eight Rowing Team, Scotiabank, Scotia Wealth, Business Development Bank of Canada, First West Credit Union, Prospera Credit Union, Mountain Equipment Company, Kal Tire, Attabotics, Langley Concrete, Gran Tierra, AG Hair, and the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team.

Welcome to the show!  In today's inaugural episode (yay!) your host, Kurt Stahle, introduces himself and talks about his plastics background.  From family business, to corporate career, to entrepreneur, Kurt has been in the industry for almost 4 decades!Kurt also discusses the BDC's (Business Development Bank of Canada) financial forecast for 2024.Find Simcoe Plastics on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeFind Kurt Stahle on Linked-In and "That Plastics Guy" group.Subscribe to our newsletter, too!All links here https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

Join Kyle for a chat with Jean-Philippe Ménard, Senior Vice President at BDC, which is the Business Development Bank of Canada. Among other things, they discuss:What a development bank is.How BDC is uniquely positioned to support entrepreneurs.Why bankers might consider working at a development bank vs. a traditional FI.How JP went from cleaning floors at BDC 25+ years ago to his current SVP role.The 4 qualities JP looks for when recruiting talent.His game-changing networking mantra.And so much more!This is a very informative interview that sheds a ton of light on an organization where finance pros of all stripes can excel and make a genuine impact on the economy!

Curious about how to bridge business pursuits with a passion for sustainability and change-making? Michelle Reid, Chairperson of B Local Vancouver, joins us for an enlightening conversation about her journey navigating this unique intersection. Her experiences with Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)and B Lab shed light on the power of businesses as catalysts for good, while also offering some insightful narratives on balancing career and motherhood.Michelle guides us through the evolution of B Local Vancouver, detailing how it bloomed from hosting monthly breakfasts to becoming a cornerstone in the Canadian event scene. She emphasizes the shift from traditional high-scale conferences to a more diverse model that foregrounds climate justice, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, she shares her aspirations for expanding B Locals throughout British Columbia and the steps being taken to foster inclusivity.The latter part of our discourse with Michelle delves into the monumental efforts of B Local Vancouver in fortifying the Canadian community. With initiatives that promote local involvement, accessibility, and unity, Michelle and her team are revolutionizing the concept of community engagement in local events. Don't miss her recollection of the fun tradition of running the seawall at Champions Retreat. This conversation is bound to spark your curiosity about the potential of business as a force for good.B Local Vancouver WebsiteBusiness Development Bank of Canada WebsiteB Lab US and Canada WebsiteDirigo Collective Website

Promotions and marketing episode! It's so hard to determine the best way to promote your items, whether on eBay or any other platform. How much do you spend? How do you track the results? How do you know what works? This week Jess dives into all this and more, in the context of the Marketing Mix - also known as the 4 P's of Marketing. Lots of juicy info here to help with your reselling business! ARTICLES & RESOURCES: Types of eBay Promoted Campaigns explained: https://www.ebayads.com/ad-solutions/ad-formats/ The 4 P’s of Marketing, according to Business Development Bank of Canada: https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/marketing-sales-export/marketing/4-ps-marketing The 4 P’s of Marketing, according to HubSpot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/4-ps-of-marketing BDC article on average marketing spending for Canadian businesses: https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/marketing-sales-export/marketing/what-average-marketing-budget-for-small-business OTHER LINKS: Join the BOSS Reseller Group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOSS.BusinessforOnlineSellingSuccess Start Selling on eBay: https://ebay.us/Rzgs7m Research sold prices with Worthpoint: https://www.worthpoint.com/partner/0000 (please note: I may receive a small commission if you sign up for services through any of these links) SHOP WITH US! Main web site: Storagewarrior.ca eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/storagewarriorcanada Poshmark Store: https://poshmark.ca/closet/storage_warrior FIND US ON SOCIAL: YouTube: The Business of Reselling by Storage Warrior: https://www.youtube.com/@storagewarriorpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profitablestoragewarrior Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storage_warrior

Source: Canada's Venture Capital Landscape Report (2023) — BDCObjectiveThe venture capital landscape is a dynamic and ever-evolving environment, where success is measured not only by achieving high valuations but also by generating strong returns for investors. As we saw companies climb Mount Everest to unicorn statuses in the past 18 months, many failed to get back down safely to survive.It is imperative for Canada to ensure transparency in venture capital returns to remain globally competitive. Open dialogues on challenges and strategies are part of this effort. The aim is to disseminate insights, equip other fund managers with valuable knowledge, and bolster Canada's standing in the global venture capital sphere. This collective effort has the potential to drive Canadian startups forward and attract international capital and talent to this burgeoning ecosystem.In Canada, the federal government has been influential in creating a conducive environment for startups and venture capital, through initiatives such as the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI). These efforts have proven crucial in supplying public funding to draw in private sector capital and kickstart the Canadian VC ecosystem. The significant contribution of these programs in laying the groundwork for a sustainable and competitive startup ecosystem globally is acknowledged and appreciated. Without such support, a number of companies and funds could face substantial hurdles in launching and realizing their full potential. The federal government's dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship has played a major role in developing the Canadian startup ecosystem.The 2023 Venture Capital Landscape Report by BDC revealed data on Distribution to Paid-In capital (DPI) Across Vintages, indicating that the upper quartile of Canadian funds from pre-2011 to 2013 recorded a 1.2x DPI. This contrasts with the 2.0x DPI of U.S. incumbent funds during the same period, as reported by Cambridge Associates. This difference illustrates the distinct market dynamics that characterized the less mature Canadian venture capital sector during this time. However, since then, Canada's ecosystem has seen substantial growth, reflected in an increased number of venture funds and startups, and overall improved performance. Notably, most of the active venture funds in Canada, including Ripple Ventures, have been established in the past 5–7 years, underlining the recency of this expansion.While we acknowledge that not all venture capital funds wind down after the traditional 10-year period and extensions can occur, a strategy that funds can take to protect the performance over the life of the fund is to return at least the original capital within the first 6–7 years. This approach allows for sufficient time and opportunities to graduate the portfolio and reduce the entire reliance on unpredictable outliers of breakout companies alone to return the fund. This strategy increases the chances of moving from a 1x to 3x+ return within the remaining 3–5 years. As such, we want to cover two general approaches to achieving a 3x fund. The first relies solely on 1–2 outlier investments that generate significant returns in the final years while having minimal returns in the earlier stages. The second approach involves consistently returning capital throughout the fund's lifecycle, allowing the mediocre outcomes to return the original capital and for the winners to drive true profit. We believe that the latter approach is more sustainable and favorable. While the former approach can be challenging, requiring a consistent scale of exits and various factors to align perfectly, our belief is that consistent capital returns across the portfolio create a higher probability to outperform over the long run. At Ripple, we personally invest a significant portion of our net worth into our funds, making us very aligned with our limited partners to strive not only for homerun outcomes but also to return our own original investment. Our goal is to open up the discussion of fund performance, key drivers of winning strategies, and how we can put Canada as a winner on the global stage. By highlighting benchmarks and sharing insights from our journey, we aim to contribute to the broader conversation about driving enterprise value in Canada. We recognize the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in building a strong ecosystem, and we are committed to playing our part in its development.Union Square Ventures — the gold standard for DPIBefore diving into the details, we want to establish the gold standard DPI benchmark that every fund should strive to achieve. Recent returns data from the University of Texas Endowment, as highlighted by Eric Newcomer's blog, has captured attention. Union Square Ventures has demonstrated exceptional performance, delivering 9x DPI cumulatively across all their funds. Their 2012 vintage fund, with a DPI of nearly 23x, stands as one of the best-performing funds of all time. These extraordinary returns showcase Union Square Ventures' track record of staying focused on key themes, investing only with high conviction, acquiring material ownership, and keeping fund sizes small to be able to consistently return capital to LPs.Source: University of TexasRipple's DPI performance relative to incumbents Ripple Ventures has established an early track record in our angel portfolio since 2012 (we call this Fund 0) currently at 6.5x DPI. Although Fund 0 was an angel portfolio with a smaller quantum of capital (which is easier to return), it is worth noting that our success is not solely reliant on one outlier investment to drive strong returns. Instead, we have strategically managed a portfolio including three of ten investments achieving at least 10x cash-on-cash returns (with the highest returning 30X). We have personally recycled a majority of this capital to jumpstart Fund I and attract external limited partner capital for our venture funds.We continue to build on our track record with Fund I (2019 Vintage) with a DPI of 0.5x. Again, Fund I was also a smaller fund compared to most at $10M which makes it much easier to return than a $200M fund like USV's. Considering the limited maturity of the 2019 vintage, it is important to acknowledge the current challenging market cycle and the pressure for funds to generate significant returns despite the bleak outlook for exits in the near future. As we approach the halfway mark of the fund's life, if the original capital has not yet been closer to being returned, there is still a long hard way to achieve a 3x+ DPI.When comparing to US incumbents, upper quartile returns were: 2.61x DPI (2011), 1.90x DPI (2012), and 1.48x DPI (2013) respectively according to the latest US Venture Captial return reports. The average DPI across the 2011–2013 vintage is 2.00x DPI, 67% higher than its Canadian counterparts. There is a stark difference between the median performance of top quartile funds in Canada vs the US. In the 2019 vintage, Ripple Ventures is categorized in the top 5% of funds based on DPI in the US so far.While Ripple Ventures Fund I is still in its early stages and hasn't achieved a 3x+ return yet, we approach this journey with humility, dedication, and empathy. We understand the uncertainties of the venture capital landscape and the possibility that we don't continue to exceed expectations. However, we are committed to diligently managing our portfolio, making informed decisions, and striving to deliver exceptional returns. With transparency and empathy at our core, we will continue to navigate the evolving market dynamics to create long-term value for our investors.Our view on what drives DPI, and differences in Canada vs the USOwnership and exit value play crucial roles as the primary drivers of DPI in venture capital funds. You need to have at least one or the other to drive returns, and in the best cases, you have both. For example, if you have a $50M fund, you need to own 20% of a $250M exit, or 1% of a $5B exit to return the fund ($50M). Let's take a look at another graph in the BDC report around median exit values to understand better why DPI may be different in Canada vs the US:Source: Canada's Venture Capital Landscape Report (2023) — BDCYou can see there's a very evident difference in the historic outcomes of companies in each country. According to PitchBook, the average exit value for US venture-backed startups was approximately $207M USD in 2019, $263M USD in 2020, and $391M USD in 2021. These are multiples higher than the Canadian counterparts. Although this is the case, we want to acknowledge the potential for creating global winners in Canada, such as Shopify and Lightspeed (public companies), as well as notable private outcomes like Wattpad's acquisition by Naver for 754 million CAD and Verafin's sale to Nasdaq for 2.75 billion USD in cash. It is crucial to highlight the potential for Canada to create companies of this scale, but recognize the lower frequency in which this occurs. By learning from and comparing ourselves to the best in the world, particularly the United States, we can identify the strategies and practices that contribute to their success. Why Ripple is investing in both Canada and the US Ripple Ventures recognizes the tremendous potential of the Canadian startup ecosystem and aims to drive enterprise value creation for early-stage companies by leveraging the expertise and resources from the US network. We firmly believe that adopting a strategic investment strategy that spans Canada and the United States is essential for the success of fund managers seeking to achieve 3x+ DPI. Our approach is driven by the objective of bringing valuable knowledge, networks, and resources from the US ecosystem into Canada, accelerating growth, and fostering better returns.In Canada, there is a shortage of founders and employees who have experienced the journey from idea to IPO, hindering the mass development of unicorn companies we've seen in the US. By investing across borders, Ripple Ventures facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience, allowing Canadian founders to tap into a wealth of resources and navigate the challenging “valley of death” stage. This exposure to higher-scale ventures and outcomes creates a fertile ground for innovation, fueling the growth of early-stage companies.We firmly believe that bridging the gap between the Canadian and US ecosystems is pivotal in driving higher enterprise value exits. Currently, Canada only has 25 unicorns generated compared to the US in which there are 700+, and we aim to change that narrative. It must be stressed that investing in Canada today can still be an extremely profitable venture, but this hinges greatly on the degree of ownership an investor can secure. Given the historical performances, a high ownership stake is a significant factor that can help offset the inherent risks and volatility of the scale of venture capital outcomes in Canada. Ripple Ventures is committed to being at the forefront of driving the next generation of category-defining companies in Canada. By leveraging our connections, networks, and experiences from both sides of the border, we aim to catalyze the growth of the Canadian startup ecosystem and pave the way for greater success. If you don't believe us, just ask our founders if we have been successful at doing this.Why keeping fund size smaller mattersKeeping fund sizes smaller is a strategic choice that aligns with Ripple Ventures' investment approach and objectives. It allows us to focus on specific stages, check sizes, ownership targets, and industries that fit our investment thesis. By maintaining smaller funds, we prioritize efficient capital deployment and maximize our ability to generate significant returns for our investors. This approach is particularly advantageous when considering the quantum of exit size relative to the respective market and entry stage.We've seen USV consistently keep their fund sizes relatively the same in all market environments because their formula works. In our view, the game of venture fund managers should be to execute the strategy that you know works for generating strong returns for LPs and raising/recycling capital to keep it going over multiple funds. At Ripple, we've made a commitment to our LPs that we'd never scale the fund past a size that makes sense and is possible to outperform (3x+ DPI). If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Ripple's philosophy in portfolio construction to drive DPIRipple Ventures adopts a strategic approach by investing across both Canada and the US, employing a barbell strategy to optimize returns within each fund. Recognizing the historical disparity in exit values between the two markets, we tailor our investment strategy accordingly. In Canada, where exits have traditionally been lower, the focus is on playing the ownership game. By securing substantial ownership stakes in companies, Ripple Ventures ensures that even in more modest exits, the ownership-driven returns can generate significant DPI for the fund. Conversely, in the US market, where valuations are higher and obtaining ownership can be more challenging, Ripple Ventures is willing to trade off lower valuations. This balanced approach allows us to capture the potential for higher exit values and drive DPI. In our opinion, employing a barbell strategy is essential for fund managers in Canada to ensure that the interplay between ownership and exit scale is thoughtfully priced into their portfolio, maximizing returns and achieving their target of surpassing the gold standard of 3x DPI.At Ripple Ventures, we deeply admire and draw inspiration from funds like Version One Ventures and Golden Ventures, who have successfully executed the strategy of investing across North America &globally while being based in Canada. These funds serve as valuable partners within the Canadian ecosystem, bringing exposure to top-tier founders, operators, and investors from the US. Their ability to connect with and learn from the best in the industry helps them level up not only their own expertise but also their portfolio companies. We share a common goal with these funds — to drive growth, foster innovation, and create a thriving startup ecosystem in Canada by leveraging the insights and resources available across North America.ConclusionOur ultimate aspiration at Ripple Ventures is to become the Union Square Ventures of Canada, driving the best-returning fund out of the country. Merely returning the original investment would be considered a failure for us. That's why we are igniting this conversation and delving into the intricacies of our strategy. By focusing on early-stage investments, prioritizing ownership, investing across both Canada and the US, and actively driving DPI throughout the entire life of the fund, we are positioning ourselves for a higher probability of achieving our goal of becoming a globally recognized and outperforming fund. Transparency in venture capital returns is crucial for Canada to compete on a global scale. By openly discussing challenges and strategies, we aim to elevate the industry and drive meaningful conversations. Our goal is to share insights, empower other fund managers, and strengthen Canada's position in the global venture capital landscape. Get in touch: * Matt Cohen, Managing Partner at Ripple Ventures (matt@rippleventures)* Dominic Lau, Partner at Ripple Ventures (dom@rippleventures.com) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Brian interviews Paula Cruickshank. Paula is BDC's Senior Vice President, Ontario, and Digital Transformation Lead. She oversees financing and consulting services across that province, while also ensuring digital investment. Before joining BDC, Paula spent more than 11 years with the Scotiabank Group. She holds an International MBA from the Schulich School of Business and an LL.M in Banking and Financial Institutions from Osgoode Hall Law School. She talks about the Business Development Bank of Canada, how to grow small and medium sized businesses in Canada and digital transformation, as well as how to overcome the challenges that these times brought to businesses in the GTA area like labour shortage, high inflation, interest rates etc.Brian closes the show with his own rant about our affordability crisis in the GTA.

Sam Duboc is president and CEO of Elkland Capital Inc., a family-owned investment firm with a current portfolio covering a wide range of industries, including, but not limited to health sciences, clean energy, marketing services, and technology. He is the former Executive Chair of MindBeacon, Chair of The Business Development Bank of Canada, Co-Founder & COO of LoyaltyOne, Director of Porter Airlines, and Co-Founder & Founder of LEAP | Pecaut Centre for Social Impact. Sam sits down with Scott to talk about his mental health journey and how to reduce the stigma around mental health.

Today we're going behind the scenes to talk about programs that support entrepreneurs in growing, starting and expanding their businesses. Jasmine Patterson is a well-known and well-respected business cheerleader from the #AudacityQYR movement to her current role with the Business Development Bank of Canada. Jasmine's journey has been anything but "as predicted." Tune in as she shares her story of growing her career in the entrepreneurial community and the personal tole that unfolded.

Anne is an entrepreneur, corporate director, and health care leader as well as principal shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of Seafair, with investments in community and behavioural health, wellness, and safety.  Anne provides executive leadership to the group of companies, ensuring that the right values are matched with the right skills and resources to ensure project success. Anne has worked in the community sector for over 25 years, founding several care organizations, and contributing to national healthcare standards. Anne's entrepreneurial, innovative, and practical approach to leading transformative change is recognized nationally, and her down-to-earth style and focus on results is evident. In addition to leading her group of companies, Ms. Whelan serves on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Canada where she chairs the Audit Committee, and is also a Director with CSA Group and Nova Leap Health (NLH:CVE), and Vice-Chair of The Gathering Place. She has previously served as a Director on the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) board and the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil & Gas Industry Association. She is also a former Chair of the Board of Directors of Newfoundland Power, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., as well as was Regional Vice-Chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC). Ms. Whelan brings her down-to-earth style and entrepreneurial passion to every conversation, contributing her time and talent to various other regional boards and community service initiatives.Connect with Anne here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemwhelan/#galeforcewins is an inspirational podcast with New episodes every Tuesday evening on Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts.We also launched Gale Force Wins on the Rogers Television Network in St. John's on January 31st 2023 with a series of 12 episodes.You can also visit https://galeforcewins.com/To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

When we pay attention to the life that we want to lean into and how to create it, we realize that it's all a bit of a delicate dance. No one knows that better than today's guest, strategic advisor, dancer, and leader, Raha Francis. She shares many pearls of wisdom with us during part two of our conversation, including a deeper look at what it means to embrace a love-based mindset over fear and how to pay attention to yourself and lean into your light. Pulled from her own experience of pivoting between strategic, management consulting, and tiny tech roles, she shares how her current role as a strategic advisor for the Business Development Bank of Canada is aligned with her logical path as well as her internal path. Raha makes time each week to write down her ideas and prioritizes activities that help her to stay moving in the direction of her light. We touch on the delicate dance of practicality and creativity, why Raha is an evangelist for people listening to themselves, and what success means to her. Tune in for an episode packed with powerful wisdom you can implement today. Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Raha Francis on LinkedIn Subscribe to Raha's Newsletter Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristen Turner (Part 1) Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristen Turner (Part 2) Business Development Bank of Canada Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

In Raha Francis's newsletter, she writes about self-love, compassion, and achieving a life well-lived. Her career has encompassed working in intellectual and property law in New York City, moving into a management consulting role, and working in Canadian retail strategy and tiny tech startups. Today, she lives in Vancouver and works as a strategic advisor at the Business Development Bank of Canada where she focuses on empowering entrepreneurs. Starting our conversation, Raha shares why she marvels at her childhood and the combination of fear-based and love-based experiences that characterize it. We dive into what motivated her to pursue her studies at Harvard Law, and what the first ten years of her career were like before she questioned her ‘why'. Raha goes on to share what it meant for her to create a space where she could find the answers that mattered to her, and much more. This is a two-part episode series pulled from the archives and recorded more than nine months ago. Our hope is always that you leave the conversation inspired, motivated, and excited about your journey. We have no doubt that today's episode will do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in!  Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Raha Francis on LinkedIn Business Development Bank of Canada Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

Our guest today is at that intersection of public and private partnerships here in Ontario, Canada. Brenda Hogan is the CIO of Venture Ontario, a $205M joint initiative between the Government of Ontario and leading institutional investors to invest primarily in Ontario-based and focused venture capital and growth equity funds that support innovative and high-growth companies. About Brenda HoganBrenda M. Hogan is the Chief Investment Officer at the Ontario Capital Growth Corporation (OCGC) and has over 15 years of experience in strategy and execution in venture capital at the co-investment, fund of funds, and fund level investing.Brenda has held senior roles in corporate development, finance, and strategic investing with Bell Canada, EY, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and a software start-up. Brenda sits on the Board of the Canadian Venture Capital Association and Chairs the Membership Committee; served as Co-Chair of Canadian Women in Private Equity (CWPE); serves with the Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA) as a member of the Content Committee; and served three terms on the Board of Women in Capital Markets, serving as Chair of the Governance Committee. She also served on the Board of Governors at Dalhousie University and Chaired the Finance, Audit, Investment, and Risk Committee. Brenda holds an MBA in finance.A word from our sponsor:At Ripple, we manage all of our fund expenses and employee credit cards using Jeeves. The team at Jeeves helped get me and my team setup with physical and virtual credit cards in days. I was able to allow my teammates to expense items in multiple currencies allowing them to pay for anything, anywhere at anytime. We weren't asked for any personal guarantees or to pay any setup or monthly SaaS fees.Not only does Jeeves save us time, but they also give us cash back on our purchases including expenses like Google, Facebook, or AWS every month. New users can earn up to 3% cashback for their first 90 days.The best part is Jeeves puts up the cash, and you settle up once every 30 days in any currency you want, unlike some other corporate card companies that make you pre-pay every month. Jeeves also recently launched its Jeeves Growth and Working Capital initiative for startups and fast-growing companies to enable more financial freedom for companies. The best thing of all is that Jeeves is live in  24 countries including Canada, US and many other countries around the world.Jeeves truly offers the best all-in-one expense management corporate card program for all startups especially the ones at Ripple and we at Tank Talks could not be more excited to officially partner with them. Listeners of Tank Talks can get set up with a demo of Jeeves today and take advantage of our Tank Talks special with a‍ $250 statement credit after the first $2,500 in spend or a $500 statement credit after the first $5000 in spend. Lastly, all Jeeves cardholders receive access to their Lounge Pass program and access to over 1300 airports globally.Visit tryjeeves.com/tanktalks to learn more.In this episode we discuss:03:00 Brenda's journey to becoming an LP04:59 What it was like navigating corporate culture at one of the oldest companies in North America06:29 What Venture Ontario is and how it works08:02 How Venture Ontario Sources it's deals11:39 Working with emerging managers with limited track record12:30 What makes a good fund manager15:16 Red flags from managers to LPs18:20 Positive signals managers can send to prospective LPs20:49 How Brenda focuses on becoming a better LP and adding value23:54 Investing in 202226:04 The Canadian Investing scene27:57 Risks and rewards she is underwriting for in 202232:23 Investment categories Brenda is excited about33:54 Strategies to mitigate risk in new commitments36:04 Best career advice she's recievedFast Favorites*

This Episode is a wide-ranging conversation with the engaging Geoffrey Hiscock, covering his 25 year career on Bay Street, including his current position at Waygar Capital and past positions with Frontwell Capital, Business Development Bank of Canada, PNC, CIBC, Wells Fargo, and others.Of particular note to me was Geoff's journey and lessons learned, from Queens University with a B.SC., to underwriting, to Business Development Executive.  Too many young professionals and entrepreneurs fail to see business development as a job.  It's hard work and requires real human interaction - which is becoming a lost art.  Geoff explains how he faced his fears head on by joining Second City improv and sketch comedy theatre to help him speak and engage in person.“I was a little bit introverted to be quite honest with you when I started out.  You put me in a room with a hundred people and it was very difficult for me to maneuver around that room.”“So what did I do to overcome? That was why I joined Second city.  I studied there for two years and I did all my improvisational courses, and I took stand up too.  I faced my demons” “ You walk into the room and people feel that energy. You know when you walk in and you're not smiling, or you've got an ego, immediately you can hear the doors start to shut” “What I found is very important for me is just, you know, I put a smile on my face”"I look at things in a positive manner, particularly transactions, and try to be enthusiastic about what I do, because I am enthusiastic about what I do. I'm a deal junkie.""You have to present yourself in a professional manner, and you have to add value in order to grab people's attention.""I'm open to mentoring people.  By all means anybody can look me up on on linkedin and reach out. I'm readily available, and I love doing that." Geoff is currently Managing Director, Originations at Waygar Capital.  Waygar provides working capital loans, revolving lines, term loans against machinery, equipment and other fixed assets.TheScottSinclair.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreyhiscock/https://waygarcapital.com/

Dwayne Dulmage is the Vice President and Program Lead, Digital Transformation at BDC. Dwayne has spent over 25 years in banking with both The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). With most of his career spent as a senior leader in commercial banking, he's had the opportunity to gain valuable experience relative to the challenges faced by all entrepreneurs as they seek to grow their businesses.  In today's episode, we discuss how sales leaders can provide value to their salespeople and run super-productive teams by managing activities, not results.  What You'll Learn: - How sales leaders can add value to their salespeople  - Comparing sales pre-Covid and sales post-Covid - How to build a brand by being active in the market - Red flags in a skinny sales funnel - Why sales leaders should manage activities, not results - The role of top-of-funnel activities in determining sales success - Key steps toward client-centric selling  - Practices of incredibly successful salespeople  - Dwayne's advice to his younger self on better selling We know that sales leaders have a significant influence on sales results. Dwayne adds that the best sales organisations have great sales leaders. This is also what separates high-performing teams who exceed their quota from strugglers who miss their quota. If you'd like to hear more insights from Dwayne, he'll be speaking at the IoT North Conference, November 15-16, check the links on how to join us!  Links and Resources: - Full Funnel Freedom is the official podcast of the IoT North Conference! Join us November 15-16 in Calgary by going to https://iotnorthconference.ca/. Listen for discount code for 20% off your tickets! - When you need to hire top sales professionals, turn to a recruiting partner that speaks sales. Alaant Workforce Solutions. Learn more and book a discovery call at www.fullfunnelfreedom.com/alaant - The perfect CRM system, streamlined business processes and happier customers – Eligeo CRM Inc can make it happen for your business. Go to www.fullfunnelfreedom.com/eligeo for more info - Bank for Canadian entrepreneurs - https://www.bdc.ca/en - Pete Oliver, Making the Climb https://amzn.to/3COBWdb - Article, Your Salespeople are Advocating the Wrong Way https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-salespeople-advocating-wrong-way-hamish-knox/?trk=portfolio_article-card_title - Full Funnel Freedom https://fullfunnelfreedom.com - The Sandler Summit 2023 https://www.hamish.sandler.com/orlando  - Sandler on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandler_yyc/  - Sandler in Calgary - www.hamish.sandler.com/howtosandler - Connect with Hamish Knox on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishknox/  - Sponsorship or guest inquiries - podcast@fullfunnelfreedom.com 

Listen in podcast app* Earnings Season Has Begun - What to look for* Midterms impact stock returns* Naval On Putin and Ukraine's Nuclear War* How Warren Buffet Spots Trends* When Should You Buy a Car - It's coming and coming quick* Boost Your Business - Canadian Technology Grant* Sports Topics - Tyreek Hill and Pomp on EPL* RecommendationsListen on Apple, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.If you aren't in the Reformed Millennials Facebook Group join us for daily updates, discussions, and deep dives into the investable trends Millennials should be paying attention to.

Michelle Scarborough, managing partner of the Business Development Bank's (BDC) new Thrive Platform to finance women-led business talks about its opportunities and challenges with BIV publisher and editor-in-chief Kirk LaPointe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To take new climate solutions from the lab out into the world can take hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. But as the pressure intensifies to hit our climate targets, the rapid commercialization of clean technologies is critical. On this special bonus episode, guest host Lara Torvi sits down with cleantech investor Susan Rohac to discuss the opportunities and challenges Canada faces to commercialize climate technologies at full scale.  Featured in this episode:As the vice president of the Cleantech Practice at BDC (the Business Development Bank of Canada), Susan Rohac sees the potential for global impact in climate tech. She leads her team in helping cleantech companies get the support and funding they need to scale successfully. With the responsibility of managing a $600-million fund, she's one of the largest climate tech investors in the country.Further Reading: Canadian food tech companies could lead the global food revolutionClean Slate: How Canada Can Spur Growth by Procuring From Its Own Cleantech StartupsGenecis Raises US$10 Million in Funding to Commercialize Biodegradable Plastic ProductsClean tech could be worth more than oil by 2030 The Mission from MaRS initiative was created to help scale carbon reducing innovations by working to remove the barriers to adopting new technology. Mission from MaRS thanks its founding partners, HSBC, Trottier Family Foundation, RBC Tech for Nature and Thistledown Foundation. It has also received generous support from Peter Gilgan Foundation, BDC, EDC and Mitsubishi Corporation Americas. Learn more about the program at missionfrommars.ca. MaRS helps entrepreneurs looking to scale solutions in climate tech, health and software. We offer targeted support through our Capital and Growth Acceleration programs. To learn more visit us at marsdd.com

https://www.optimihealth.ca/ About Bill: Over 25 years of Global experience across a wide array of industries in multifunctional organizations ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to small and medium-sized businesses. Bill graduated from UBC with a Bachelor Degree in Economics and has spent his career working in various cities across North America. Prior experience includes leading a specialty advisory practice for the Business Development Bank of Canada, running his own successful consulting firm and helping a high tech company go public and grow from $200 M to $800 M in under 4 years. Bill additionally spent 17 years at Procter & Gamble and has a love and proven track record for growing products and brands. Optimi HealthTM (CSE: OPTI – OTCQX: OPTHF – FRA: 8BN) believes that personal identity is a fluid and evolving aspect of all our lives This includes physical, spiritual and mental well-being. Our goal is to bring-to-market an evolving product family of functional mushroom-based formulations to help transform and “optimize” human development --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tango-romeo/message

In this episode I chat with Amy Ballon, a seasoned business coach and strategic advisor. Amy and I were seat mates in our first corporate job 22 years ago as newly minted MBAs. We were both grateful and eager but then the world changed, and that disruption set Amy on a very different path as an entrepreneur and co-author of the book Mom Inc.: how to raise your family and your business without losing your mind or your shirt. Today she works as an entrepreneur coach with the Business Development Bank of Canada and is the co-founder of Spark Consulting. She is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate their own journeys. Listen as we catch up for the first time in 20 years and trade lessons learned in our careers.

Among the sweeping changes brought on by the pandemic was the wave of businesses that had little choice but to go digital, whether it meant launching online sales for the first time or figuring out how to operate remotely. A new report from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) dives into the implications for the businesses that conquer this digital divide vs. those that are keeping things analogue. Pierre Cleroux, chief economist of the BDC, joins BIV Today to discuss the report. Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's show, we spoke with Daniel Armali, Principal @ Amplify Capital Prior to joining Amplify Capital, Daniel worked for Canada's largest venture capital investor. Daniel started his career working for fortune 500 technology companies including Microsoft, OpenText and comScore, before moving into a capital markets role with the Bank of Canada, spending time working in asset management on the Bank of Canada pension plan as well as the financial markets department of the Bank of Canada that is responsible for the foreign reserves portfolio and domestic debt portfolio. Daniel also spent time doing a consulting mandate at Rio Tinto Alcan during his MBA. Prior to joining Amplify Capital, Daniel spent nearly seven years with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) supporting venture capital investments in direct companies, as well as Funds, and Funds of Funds. Daniel has held a number of board roles in Canada. Daniel has an undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, an MBA from HEC Montreal, and has successfully completed all three levels of the CFA program.   On the show, we spoke about:  Defining impact investing Amplify Capital's investment thesis Demystifying ESG  Tariq Fancy's take on ESG Deep tech's unique advantage Measuring outputs and outcomes    I really enjoyed learning from Daniel about the interesting field of impact investing. I hope that you enjoy the conversation! Let us know what you think. What types of guests would you like to see on the show?  What topics interest you the most? Send me your thoughts at nectar@thepnr.com   Subscribe | iTunes | Google Play |Spotify | YouTube | Stitcher | 

#93 Neha and Bryan from SwitchGrocery: Building a Brand from the Ground Up If you're new to e-commerce, where should your priorities be? SwitchGrocery is a Canadian online health food store for keto, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free diets. And at just four years old, it's thriving. For this episode of The Ecom Show, Daniel invites the Co-Founders of SwitchGrocery, Neha Charnaliaand Bryan Horsley, to tell us all about their e-commerce journey. Shout out to the Co-Founders of Keto Chow, Chris and Miriam Bair, for introducing Daniel to Neha and Bryan! Tune in to hear Daniel, Neha, and Bryan discuss: ✔️ How SwitchGrocery Began ✔️ When to Invest in Email Marketing ✔️ High Converting Email Campaigns ✔️ Raising Funds for SwitchGrocery ✔️ Being Human with Your Customers How SwitchGrocery Began   Neha laughs, “I don't think anyone starts a company with a plan, and we fell into that bucket.” Much like Chris and Miriam from Keto Chow, Neha and Bryan discovered a low-carb lifestyle first. Bryan's trainer introduced them to the ketogenic diet, and it did wonders for their health. However, at the time, there wasn't a huge availability of keto, paleo, or gluten-free products. Neha and Bryan saw a ‘great need' for a store that specializes in high-quality keto, paleo, vegan and gluten-free products. A store with founders that are invested in the lifestyle as well as what goes into what they're selling. And so Neha and Bryan founded SwitchGrocery. They're four years in and as a company that was built on social media, they have a great relationship with their customers and US and Canadian suppliers. When to Invest in Email Marketing Neha and Bryan began heavily investing in email marketing in 2021. Not doing so earlier, Neha says, was a ‘lost opportunity'. In SwitchGrocery's first two years, Neha and Bryan underestimated and underinvested in email marketing. They weren't collecting emails via pop ups, and they only launched email campaigns for sales and product promos. Investing in email marketing has led to a ‘significant increase' in revenue, and strengthened their relationship with their customers. Neha can't stress enough the importance of email marketing. “If there's anything I would say, just stop and invest in today, it's email. You can either spend 100 bucks a day on ads or you can nurture the customers you have.” Neha and Bryan now use Klaviyo. They've set up the necessary flows, (welcome flows, abandoned cart flows, new customer flows etc), and send three campaigns a week. “The flows really allow us to customize. We don't send mass emails anymore, we really customize to our customers.”Their campaign emails now also include trust and content emails. These will include Neha or Bryan's favorite piece of user-generated content (UGC) that week, or healthy recipes. High Converting Email Campaigns Bryan says that ‘contextual' email campaigns are highly effective. For example, when there was a snowstorm, they sent out a hot chocolate recipe for everyone locked inside. While email campaigns are mostly planned in advance, Klaviyo also allows you to quickly respond to relevant day-to-day events, such as snowstorms. For this reason, Bryan and Neha have planned emails as well as space in their campaign schedule to connect with customers in their day-to-day experience. These contextual emails tend to have higher open rates, click rates, and conversion. As Daniel points out, attribution is a surprisingly underrated topic in e-commerce. Neha says that blog campaigns also tend to do very well. She recalls an email campaign she wrote titled, ‘What Makes a Good Business'. It had a 44% open rate and around 23 responses. Founder emails are especially valuable for increasing engagement and strengthening that brand-customer relationship. Raising Funds for SwitchGrocery Bryan and Neha have done a few different things to fund SwitchGrocery over the years. The first was using Clearco, a company that provides funding for ads in exchange for revenue royalties. This enabled to SwitchGrocery to grow with ad funding Neha and Bryan otherwise would not have had. From there, Bryan and Neha moved to Clearco's angel investment program. ‘Clear Angel'. This is invested in for longer-term smaller royalty on revenue. Clearco Clear Angel, Bryan allowed SwitchGrocery to scale beyond ads and into inventory. “Growth is great, but you need the money to order the inventory to then get the growth. It gave us some funds to scale and grow to get to a new kind of level for the business.” Over the COVID pandemic, Bryan and Neha also were able to take advantage of governmental support. Funding to the Business Development Bank of Canada offered low-interest loans that Bryan and Neha quickly applied for. These funds have been used to grow SwitchGrocery's inventory, build their customer service team, and hire developers. Being Human with Your Customers Neha and Bryan always remind their team and contractors to: “Treat people like people” That's been SwitchGrocery's approach from the very beginning. Neha wrote their first 100 customers thank you cards. The next 1000 received thank you messages on their invoices. Taking the time to write a unique message for every customer became incredibly difficult to maintain as SwitchGrocery grew. Neha and Bryan wanted to maintain a close relationship with their customers, but they had to change their approach. So they launched SwitchGrocery's private Facebook group. The Facebook group consists of people that have bought from SwitchGrocery, having been invited in their post-purchase thank you email. As of early 2022, there are over 3000 members. If you're thinking about starting a private Facebook group for your e-commerce, Neha says that you should go for it. “I can't recommend this enough. It just has to be genuine.” For more incredible community-building ideas and entrepreneurial inspiration, follow Bryan and Neha on LinkedIn. Visit SwitchGroceryfor keto, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free groceries, recipes, and resources. Thank you for listening! We come out with new episodes every Thursday, so stay tuned! Follow Daniel Budai: Daniel's LinkedIn Daniel's Facebook

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes questions from reporters in Ottawa after announcing the launch of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, a $4-billion investment aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises through grants and loans. The federal government announced this program in its 2021 budget. The prime minister is joined at the news conference by Mary Ng, the federal minister of export promotion, small business and economic development, and Isabelle Hudon, CEO of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). He also announces that Canada is joining allies in calling on Russia to be expelled from the international policing agency INTERPOL, and responds to questions about Canada's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He is asked about possible compensation for Canadian companies affected by sanctions against Russia and whether Russia should be expelled from the G20.

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: A Better Way Forward? I Say We Need a Revolution! A conversation with BDC's President & CEO Isabelle Hudon and Jan De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade The past two years have accelerated the pace of disruption. And going back is not an option. Join us in a discussion with Isabelle Hudon, recently appointed President and CEO of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), about how it is the perfect time to re-imagine the future of Canada's economy – creating one that is resilient enough to endure and adapt to whatever challenges the future will bring our way. Isabelle will share her thoughts on the social responsibility of businesses and how BDC plans to be the partner of choice of entrepreneurs looking to create value and build a more sustainable and inclusive economy. This conversation will be moderated by Jan De Silva, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. Isabelle is BDC's first woman President and CEO and was also Canada's first woman Ambassador to France and Monaco. Previously, she was President and CEO of Sun Life Financial Quebec and Senior Vice President of Sun Life Financial Canada. She is a champion of diversity, gender equality and the green economy, leading BDC's 2,500-person team in its effort to do more and better in helping Canadian SMEs thrive. Speakers: Isabelle Hudon, President & CEO, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Jan De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

This week our host Edward Greenspon (President and CEO of PPF) chats with Aron Feuer (Managing Director of Cybersecurity at Valencia) and Brad Brookman (former Director of Finance and Treasurer at the Municipality of North Grenville) about the landscape of cyberattacks and ransomware attacks in Canada. They discuss the cyberattack in North Grenville, the targeting of public sector institutions across Canada and the role of cryptocurrency in ransomware attacks. The discussion concluded by stressing the importance of preparedness as a policy response. Check out Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's Ransomware Playbook to learn more. During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward discuss the ongoing debates surrounding repairing the Prime Minister's residence at 24 Sussex Drive and Premier Legault's proposed “Vax Tax”, a measure to increase vaccination rates in the province of Quebec. They also touch on two reports PPF recently released including New North Star 3 which looks at innovation policy in Canada and Debating the Right Balances for Privacy Law in Canada which reflects on discussions around modernizing national privacy law. This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the Business Development Bank of Canada for incorporating diversity, equality and inclusion values into its programming and providing better financial support and financing opportunities to underrepresented entrepreneurs in Ontario.

"You're not going to be happy and you're not going to fulfill yourself if you're not honest with yourself." - Sam DubocSam Duboc's career is marked by his passion for entrepreneurship, his ingenuity, and corporate and community leadership. He is president and CEO of Elkland Capital Inc., a family-owned investment firm with a current portfolio covering a wide range of industries, including, but not limited to health sciences, clean energy, marketing services, and technology. Mr. Duboc is also the chair and CEO of MindBeacon, behavioral health companies that deliver evidence-based therapy through clinics and a digital platform. As a co-founder, Sam successfully built EdgeStone Capital Partners, one of Canada's leading private equity firms, which has managed in excess of $2 billion for institutional and high net worth investors since inception.Before this he was a managing director at CIBC Capital Partners and co-founder of the Loyalty Group Inc. now called LoyaltyOne, the parent company of the Air Miles Reward Program.In 2013, Mr. Duboc served as a Clifford Clark visiting Economist and Special Advisor on Venture Capital for the Department of Finance Canada, leading the team in designing and implementing the Government of Canada's Venture Capital Action Plan. Throughout his career, Sam has served on the boards of numerous companies including but not limited to Business Development Bank of Canada, Porter Aviation Holdings and Stephenson's Rental Services.He currently serves on the board of directors of MindBeacon Holdings Inc. and Avanti Logixx Inc.A dedicated and active member of the community, Mr. Duboc is a co-founder and former chair of Pathways to Education Canada, an internationally recognized and award-winning nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of Canada's disadvantaged youth and their communities through educational attainment.In addition to his work with Pathways, Sam is the co-founder of LEAP: the Center for Social Impact. Sam is also the former board member of the CAMH Foundation and the Rumi Initiative and a member of the World's President Organization, The Chief Executives Organization, and Ontario's Panel on Economic Growth and Prosperity.Sam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University, magna cum laude, and Tau Beta PI and an MBA from Harvard Business School. In 2000, Sam was recognized as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40, and in 2005 was chosen as one of the 10 Most Influential Alumni of the Program.Mr. Duboc is a recipient of an Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Toronto Chapter. And Ted Anderson Community Leadership award from The Canadian Venture Capital Association.Please enjoy!‍SELECTED LINKS FOR THIS EPISODESam Duboc on LinkedInSam's email  sam[dot]duboc[at]mindbeacon.com The Deep Wealth ExperienceBook Your FREE Deep Wealth Exit Call‍This podcast is brought to you by Deep Wealth. Your liquidity event is the most important financial transaction of your life. You have one chance to get it right, and you better make it count. But unfortunately, up to 90% of liquidity events fail. Think about all that time, money and effort wasted. Of the "successful" liquidity events, most business owners leave 50% to over 100% of their deal value in the buyer's pocket and don't even know it.Our founders said "no" to a 7-figure offer and "yes" to a 9-figure offer less than two years later. Don't become a statistic and make the fatal mistake of believing that the skills that built your business are the same ones for your liquidity event. After all, how can you master som

Pierre Cleroux, the chief economist of Business Development Bank of Canada, discusses the level of business confidence in the coming year. He is in conversation with BIV publisher and editor-in-chief Kirk LaPointe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

➡️ Like The Show? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory ➡️ About The Guest David Ciccarelli is an entrepreneur, the founder and CEO of Voices. As Chief Executive Officer, with the help of his team, David has grown Voices from the ground up to become the leader in the voice-over industry. David is responsible for setting the vision, executing the growth strategy, creating a vibrant culture, and managing the company on a day-to-day basis. David is wholeheartedly dedicated to growing the company to become a world-class organization and leading the industry in the digital age. David has participated in the Canadian Technology Accelerator in Silicon Valley and then the Canadian Technology Accelerator in New York City. He successfully raised $2M in funding from the Business Development Bank of Canada, followed by a USD $18M Series A funding from Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital located in San Francisco. He often writes about these experiences in the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Forbes. ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 - David's story. 10:12 - The importance of shipping. 18:15 - How to iterate & evolve through various business models. 24:32 - How to secure your first customers. 29:20 - Where should you spend your time as CEO? 36:15 - How to build a marketplace. 44:15 - How to overcome ‘shiny object syndrome' and decide what to focus on. 52:33 - Lessons for a young entrepreneur. ➡️ Show Links https://twitter.com/davidciccarelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidciccarelli ➡️ Podcast Sponsors 1. Masterworks — Learn To Invest In Fine Art https://masterworks.io/successstory 2. Hubspot Podcast Network https://hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

From the rise of e-commerce and dealing with uncertainty to the ever-present labour shortage, discover some of the major trends that are shaping growth opportunities in Canada. Mariette and her guest Jonny Loewen also share tools available to small businesses in Manitoba through BDC's Winnipeg Business Centre. Host: Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO, World Trade Centre WinnipegGuest: Jonny Loewen, Manager, Winnipeg Business Centrce, Business Development Bank of Canada

From Canada's Ambassador to France to becoming an ambassador for small and medium-sized business at BDC, Isabelle Hudon discusses this year's Small Business Week themes, talks about the importance of entrepreneurship and how adversity has a way of nudging us towards unexpected and often positive outcomes. Host: Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO, World Trade Centre WinnipegGuest: Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO, Business Development Bank of Canada

Restrictions are toughest in areas of BC with low vaccination rates Guest -  Henry Braun - Mayor of Abbotsford Lockdowns needed in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canadian Medical Association says  A group of doctors is calling for full-on lockdowns across large parts of Canada. Guest - Dr. Alika Lafontaine -  President-Elect, Canadian Medical Association What you need to know about Vancouver's Climate Emergency Parking Program How do you feel about paying more for parking? Guest - Janet Brown - Global News Senior Reporter More pain at the pump? Oil prices hit $80 for first time in three years Possible rise in gas prices could be coming.  Guest - Dan McTeague - President of Canadians for Affordable Energy Health Minister Adrian Dix responds to criticism of COVID safety plans in schools Guest - Adrian Dix - BC Health Minister How labour shortages are impacting businesses in our neighborhoods Employers are having a hard time finding help for their businesses.  Guest -  Pierre Cléroux - Chief Economist for the Business Development Bank of Canada Court rejects Ottawa's appeal of First Nations compensation, Jordan's Principle decisions Guest -  Breen Ouellette, Metis lawyer based in Vancouver

Employers are having a hard time finding help for their businesses.  Guest -  Pierre Cléroux - Chief Economist for the Business Development Bank of Canada   

What does Leadership and Engineering have to do with the human facets? This is a scientifically-driven conversation about how an organization can achieve Self-actualization. Find out how to repeat those peak experiences for yourself.Timothy Tiryaki Ph.D. (c), MEd., PCC is an executive coach and the founder of Maslow Centre for Executive Leadership, together with master coach Diane Bonneau, MCC.Maslow is a centre of excellence for coaching. The centre offers ICF accredited coach training programs and large-scale corporate coaching projects. Maslow Centre works with #Fortune500 companies and #BestWorkplaces in North America. Maslow Centre developed North America's first organizational culture coaching certification program exclusively focusing on corporate culture.Timothy previously worked at large corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Intel, and Index Group and has experience in sales, marketing, and HR roles. His consulting experience includes Great Place to Work, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Consulting, and Bob Proctor Consulting (Managing Partner) where he worked directly with C-level leaders and has taught at Bogazici University Lifelong Learning Center, Global Knowledge Canada, and SFU.Timothy has an Industrial Engineering degree from Bogazici University, in Istanbul, Turkey, a Master of Education from SFU, and is a Ph.D. Candidate on Philosophy of Education with a focus on leadership development and coach education, also through SFU. He holds 5 coaching certifications and is trained in multiple coaching styles (cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, solution-focused, positive psychology). Timothy has 4 nationally published books in Turkish (one exclusively on Coaching).

Timothy Tiryaki PhD(c), MEd., PCC is an executive coach and the founder of Maslow Centre for Executive Leadership, together with master coach Diane Bonneau, MCC. Timothy previously worked at large corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Intel, and Index Group and has experience in sales, marketing and HR roles. His consulting experience includes Great Place to Work, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Consulting, and Bob Proctor Consulting (Managing Partner) where he worked directly with C-level leaders and has taught at Bogazici University Lifelong learning Center, Global Knowledge Canada, and SFU. Timothy has an Industrial Engineering degree from Bogazici University, in Istanbul, Turkey, a Master of Education from SFU and is a PhD. Candidate on Philosophy of Education with a focus on leadership development and coach education, also through SFU. He holds 5 coaching certifications and is trained in multiple coaching styles (cognitive behavioral, behavioral, solution focused, positive psychology). Timothy has 4 nationally published books in Turkish (one exclusively on Coaching). You can learn more about Timothy Tiryaki on Linkedin   Follow #3UNIQUES

I  had the pleasure of chatting with Sassie Naidoo as we discussed some of the options WOC have for financing their businesses, the importance of money management in business and the ingredients for WOC to succeed in their business. Sessie has over 4 decades of  diverse experience in finance, education, and sales.  She shared her passion of helping her clients to explore options that best fit their financial needs while supporting them to increase their financial literacy.  As an experienced financial advisor, Sessie minimizes the guesswork of finding the best financial product for her clients.  She's well versed in the key requirements of  lenders to help her clients secure their financing goals.  In our conversation, Sessie talked about her own  journey on how she achieved her lifelong dream of starting her own business and what helped her get there. In Sessie's words “I am rewarded when my clients learn the tools to help them achieve their financial goals”.Here's how you can connect with Sessie:Website -  https://sessiefinancial.caLinkedIn -   https://www.linkedin.com/in/sessiefinancial/  Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/sessie.naidoo.5 Resources:Four step guide to starting your business: https://www.theboundlessmindset.com/landing-page/Business Development Bank of Canada:  https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/home.aspxWhat are you doing  to increase your money knowledge so that you can reach your financial goals?

Komal Minhas is a changemaker, a cancer survivor, a chronic illness advocate, and a very dear friend of mine. Komal was also included on Oprah's SuperSoul 100 list and she is the host of the Lessons Learned podcast. She also works in partnership with Startup Canada, Scotiabank, and the Business Development Bank of Canada to host the Thrive Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs. In this episode, we talk a lot about Komal's professional and health journeys and the flow of business. I really hope this episode inspires you to look at your business trajectory a little differently.   To learn more, visit the show notes.   Want to continue the love-fest? Follow me on Instagram!

This week we head north and take a look at the SME banking landscape in Canada. I caught up with Michael Denham, President & CEO of Business Development Bank of Canada who shared what it means to be the only bank in Canada that truly focuses on entrepreneurs, the biggest pain points experienced by Canada entrepreneurs and the growing importance of personalisation in the sme banking sector. The Global Digital Banker is an insight-backed podcast series focused on key trends, market insights, thought leadership and best practice within the fast growing and dynamic world of digital banking. www.globaldigitalbanker.com

A new study from the Business Development Bank of Canada says that there is a huge shortage of skilled trade workers to fill available positions at companies across the country.Guest: Ken Coates, Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan -If the Olympics are going to come back to Canada, how much will it cost Canadian taxpayers? Are we prepared to pay the price?Guest: Michael Heine, Director, International Centre for Olympic Studies, Western University-According to a survey conducted by Ipsos for Global News, 55% of Canadian parents say extracurricular activities will put a strain on family finances this year. Over the last school year, the average family spent about $1,160 on extracurricular activities for kids, according to the poll.

The B Corp Bank   Introducing Craig Ryan and BDC Financing is a big deal for entrepreneurs, but so often the charter banks just don't “get” entrepreneurs. Luckily for Canadians, there is an option out there that is exclusively for entrepreneurs and they really do “get it”. That bank is the Business Development Bank of Canada and their director of social entrepreneurship, Craig Ryan, is our Boiling Point Guest this week. The BDC was created by the federal government with the purpose to support entrepreneurship with special attention to small and medium sized businesses with loans, investments, and advising. The BDC is not just the bank for entrepreneurs but is also a B Corp and a great supporter of the cause. Check out this week's episode of the Boiling Point to see how financing your social venture can be accomplished with the BDC.   In this episode We meet Craig and hear about how he and the BDC helped spread the message of “The Millennial Dream”. We hear about the purpose of the BDC and why that purpose is not a “mandate”. Dave mentions the difference between his experiences as an entrepreneur with the charter banks and the BDC. Craig tells us a little about some great B Corps across the country that you may not of heard about. We delve into Craig's background to see how he became a director of social entrepreneurship at BDC. Craig tells us why the B Corp movement is so important to him and the BDC. We also hear how Greg and “the Millennial Dream” were used as bait. Craig also tells us about the Measure What Matters Tool, which is available on the BDC website and how it can measure your business's impact in a very short amount of time. Dave thinks it is so cool that a bank is helping promote the message in “the Millennial Dream”. Greg is proud to be a part owner (along with all other Canadians) in a bank that gets entrepreneurs and believes in them.   Links - The BDC Website - The BDC's Measure What Matters Tool - The BDC on Twitter - The BDC on Facebook - The B Corporation Website - Craig on Linked In - The Millennial Dream Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices