Canada Small Business Financing Program

Success Stories

The Canada Small Business Financing Program has helped numerous small businesses in Canada secure funding from financial institutions to help them succeed. The program is dedicated to helping businesses start-up, innovate, grow and, ultimately benefit the economy and create new jobs for Canadians.

The following success stories are a testament to the many businesses that have profited from the program since its inception.

Stampede Disposal and Recycling Ltd.: Calgary's Choice for Waste Disposal and Recycling

Stampede Disposal and Recycling is an established Calgary-based company that has proven itself as one of the leading waste and recycling companies in the region. The business provides clients in the region with container, compactor, recycling and waste audit services.

The Canadian Small Business Financing Program (CSBF) helped the long-standing company to continue to grow. With more then 18 years experience in the industry, Stampede Disposal and Recycling built many strong long-term relationships, but the company's demands grew and they developed a need to expand their business by investing in more equipment and retain more staff. The CSBF program, an initiative that helps Canadian small business secure financing from financial institutions, allowed Stampede to secure a loan through their financial institution when they went looking for additional funding.

The loan allowed Stampede Disposal and Recycling to update their equipment, such as front load, roll-off and open top containers as well as compactors to generate larger volumes which enabled them to grow and expand. With the assistance they received, Stampede's business has been able to become even more customer oriented by supplementing their staff. As a result, Stampede Disposal and Recycling received the 2006 Customer's Choice Award for Calgary from the Customer Choice Awards for Business Excellence.

The Stampede Disposal and Recycling team has pride and passion for their work, servicing clients and businesses with only the top quality of service. They have also been active in helping their community. Stampede Disposal and Recycling works closely with the City of Calgary, helping them with their recycling mandate. They are also one of the few companies in Calgary to have completed a LEED Certification, a Green Building Rating System that has a comprehensive, assessment tool that helps construction companies improve building efficiency and measure the sustainability of their projects including the recycling of their waste materials.

Service on Site: The Whole "Pump" Package!

Service On Site is a successful process pumping shop located in Northern British Columbia's Fort St. John's. This one-stop shop specializes in process pumping, providing pump inspections and maintenance to residential, business and plant facilities. Service On Site is built around meeting the needs of their clients in the industry and serving them with the most qualified staff and technology.

As a growing business, Service On Site received the help of the Canadian Small Business Financing Program (CSBF), an initiative that helps Canadian small business secure financing from financial institutions, allowing them to grow and expand at just the right time. The company was looking to purchase new equipment and update their technology in order to better serve their clients' demands. A visit to a local credit union company introduced Service On Site to program, which immediately got the financing process underway.

The loan was secured, and as President Chris Babcock puts it, "it most definitely helped us." Service On Site went on to equip their business with new service technology, like the laser alignment system, and new products such as packing, plungers, skid packages and mechanical seal innovations that are now essential to its day-to-day business efforts.

With a loan from the program, Service On Site remains on the leading edge of pump solutions, helping them to provide even more quality service for their clients and allowing their clients to completely rely on Service On Site's expertise.

Operating for the last 7 years, Service On Site has a team of 15 qualified employees with millwrighting and industrial repair experience specific to the Northern BC region. The company offers 24 hour Certified Industrial Mechanical Services, Service Contracts, Laser Shaft, Motor, Coupling and Mount Alignment, Pump Commissioning, Pump and Gearbox Overhaul, Dew Point Testing as well as sale and rental of equipment. Service On Site also has the largest inventory of industrial pump, pump parts and mechanical seals.

Line-X Bedliners and Spray Coatings: BC franchise well-equipped thanks to CSBF Program

Owners of the Surrey/Langley, BC franchise Line-X know how to do it right. Thanks to the Canadian Small Business Financing Program (CSBF), the Vancouver franchise has been able to revamp their equipment, allowing it to expand its business in the Surrey/Langley market. Co-owners Tim MacDonald and Shawn Scabar run the Vancouver franchise that specializes in spray-on truck bedliners. Line-X's industrial coatings are a thick, professionally sprayed-on polyurethane used to provide protection against corrosion, abrasion, sliding and impact.

Seeing as the bedliner market has grown significantly, the two entrepreneurs determined it was time to invest in more equipment for their Line-X franchise. Meanwhile the only thing stopping them was finding the financing to help them advance to the next level. They visited their local bank representative who introduced them to the Canadian Small Business Financing Program. The program, which seeks to increase the availability of loans to small businesses, allowing them to grow and expand, did just that for Line-X. "To be able to purchase the equipment that we need, which is not cheap, we went through our bank to receive financing," recalls Mr. MacDonald. Within a short period of time, Line-X received a loan through the CSBF program and was able to purchase the much needed equipment to expand its business.

Because it requires specialized equipment combined with the right kinds of material to produce sprayable coatings, the loan from the CSBF program ensured the Line-X location was well equipped with the necessary products and formulations. To better serve their customers' needs, the location has also expanded their business to do more then truck bedliners. They have now taken on industrial applications such as decks, roofs, boats and RV trailers, as well as many others.

"Business has been going great and customers are happy," adds Mr. MacDonald. Line-X is part of a Southern California headquartered chain, with over 350 corporately trained affiliate locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

24-7 INtouch: Award Winning Industry Leader Adapts to Rapid-Growth

The new millennium ushered in a phase of many dramatic changes at 24-7 INtouch. From 2000 to 2005, the contact centre outsourcer evolved from a small, family-run operation to a large company with growing revenue, a ballooning list of clients and a very promising future.

The business was approved for a loan through the Canadian Small Business Financing Program an initiative of Industry Canada. With the loan, says Dominic Poissant, VP Finance, 24-7 INtouch was able to construct and develop a new building that allowed the rapid-growth company to maintain its torrid pace without having to worry about the capacity of their facilities.

According to Mr. Poissant, the business was growing quickly in its early years, and needed a cash infusion to keep pace with its expansion. "About one fifth of the loan was to expand technology, and the rest was to construct a new facility," Mr. Poissant says, adding that they acquired new equipment and software which enabled the company to remain on the cutting-edge of technology.

Today, the Regina-based company offers voice, chat and e-mail support to businesses looking to contact their respective clients. Some of 24-7 INtouch's offerings include telesales and order taking, in addition to customer service and Internet-based support services assistance such as live Web chat and e-mail response.

Mr. Poissant explains that, like any up-and-coming company, securing loans was a challenge, but that the assistance from the Canadian Small Business Financing program was crucial.

"The program allowed us to purchase additional software licenses and perform leasehold improvements that were critical to our growth and expansion. The Canadian Small Business Financing Program was important for our continued success as it provided capital at a pivotal time our company's development," he says. "Being under capitalized is a common challenge for emerging growth companies in Canada and this loan really helped position us for our continued growth."

As a call centre outsourcer, businesses hire 24-7 INtouch to handle incoming calls, chats and email from their customers, and as a result the businesses save time, money and human resources.

The business' prospects point to many healthy years ahead, with over 600 clients, including many Fortune 1000 companies. The company was also ranked by Profit Magazine as one of Canada's top 50 fastest-growing companies for two years in a row.

Within the past year alone, 24-7 INtouch has accomplished a number of successful business ventures. Last August, the company received the Call Center Award of Distinction for the third year in a row from the Association of Teleservices International (ATSI), and in December, it was recognized with the 2006 Award of Excellence by the Canadian Call Management Association. Today, it also boasts a 7 500 square-foot call center floor with 175 agent seats in Winnipeg, as well as an office in Toronto.

ADD-VANCED CREATIONS INC.: A Clear Path for Success

Vancouver, British Columbia's Dean Lane wasn't quite sure what to expect when he started his packaging company ADD-VANCED CREATIONS INC, several years ago. Now, with the help of the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) loan program, the innovative entrepreneur is on the brink of success with an evolutionary new system of liquid packaging called the ADD-VANCED BOTTLE SYSTEM™.

The ADD-VANCED BOTTLE SYSTEM™ is a break through that has many advantages as compared with existing liquid packaging solutions. The stackable bottle system is up to 200% more volume efficient and fully eliminates cardboard packaging (corrugate) in the storage and transport of liquid products.

Prior to receiving the CSBF loan, Mr. Lane had applied for patent protection of his idea and was trying to manufacture a mould to produce his new bottles. Unfortunately, he did not have the required funds to pay for the bottle mould, which is when he turned to his bank for help securing the loan.

Mr. Lane's financial advisor encouraged him to apply for a CSBF loan. The loan paved the way for the production of the mould that allowed him to produce his first bottles.

With his seemingly commonsensical bottles in tow, Mr. Lane traveled to Orlando, Florida, to exhibit them at the International Bottled Water Association tradeshow. The trip proved to be a worthwhile experience as Mr. Lane received invaluable feedback from water company owners and associates from around the world. This is where he learned that his bottles must be made from clear plastic. The vast majority of potential customers were thoroughly impressed with the concept, but the light blue plastic used for the initial mould was a hurdle that could not be cleared.

Never one to be discouraged, the astute entrepreneur poured over all of the observations he took note of while at the show. One of the recurring comments was that a significant number of exporters of water and other liquid products were looking for an economical form of packaging that would allow them to transport their products overseas and over long distances.

It was this information that led him to create his newest product - a clear, light weight, recyclable three-litre bottle that can be used for many different types of liquids, such as water, milk, fruit and vegetable juices, edible oils, industrial oils, detergents and more. Mr. Lane is in constant interaction with companies looking to be able to produce, license, and manufacture this new technology.

"I have learned a great deal since starting my business and one thing that I would recommend that start-up companies do, is extensive market research before spending money. Our first product did not sell; however, it allowed us to get to know the industry better and make an educated decision on our new product and the direction the company is heading," advises Mr. Lane.

The experience of having to deal with a setback is one that many Canadian businesses can relate to. Thanks in part to the CSBF loan program, ADD-VANCED CREATIONS displayed the tenacity to battle through the adversity, and survive to provide advice for other entrepreneurs.


Cozy Corner Saunas: The Relaxation Business That Almost Wasn't

Cozy Corner Saunas, based out of a charming heritage home in the heart of downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, offers its clients a relaxing and rejuvenating session in peaceful, comfortable warmth, leaving them tranquil and feeling good.

When the company was in its planning stages, a crucial loan from the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) program gave it the vital assistance it needed to become a reality. According to owner Catherine Whittaker, it if weren't for the loan from the program, she would not have been able to start her company.

Whittaker explains that when she approached local banks to try to have seed money lent to her, they were hesitant.

"Our business plan had just been approved, but the bank was uncomfortable lending us the entire amount requested," she says. "One of the bank officers offered to look into the Canadian Small Business Financing program for us. A few weeks later, we were accepted into the program and the deal went through!"

"We had a perfect vision of what we wanted to do with our business and were determined to go forward. But as first-time business owners, we had very little capital or history to back us up," Ms. Whittaker explains. "The Canadian Small Business Financing program was really the deciding factor as to whether we were going to be able to move forward."

Not only did the loan facilitate the opening of the Cozy Corner Sauna, it also helped propel the company's expansion, Ms. Whittaker says.

"Today, our business has grown tremendously, and we are constantly adding new holistic services," she adds. Some of the services offered include an Indian Head Massage, where the owner, who also acts as a masseuse, works on a client's upper back, shoulders and neck. Other services include nutritional consulting and an infrared sauna session, a unique relaxation technology session that heats a client through direct invisible waves of light (infrared) providing all the health benefits of a regular sauna without the strong heat that many people find difficult to bear.

Ms. Whittaker says the services offered in the company's early days helped establish a strong customer base which allowed Cozy Corner Saunas to grow and expand.

The loan "gave us the opportunity to do things right from the very beginning, and therefore appear credible to all our first-time visitors," she says.

But Ms. Whittaker is careful to point out that for best results, assistance from the program should be combined with strong business acumen in order for a small start-up company to succeed as much as possible.

"Getting a loan from the Canadian Small Business Financing program does not exempt you from the fact that small business owners have to be prepared to be aggressive in the marketplace and make appropriate changes, if needed, to better accommodate client needs and demand to stay competitive," she explains.


Dairy Chef: CSBF Loan Gives Taste of Success

Manitoba-based business Dairy Chef was introduced to the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program at just the right time. The owner and President of the company, Gerry Kovalik was looking to find a way to purchase some much needed equipment for his small business when his local bank representative told him about the CSBF, an Industry Canada program which seeks to increase the availability of loans to small businesses, allowing them to grow and expand.

Dairy Chef is a manufacturer and wholesale vendor dedicated to creating gourmet ice creams and frozen desserts. It's no surprise that making and manufacturing such products takes top of the line equipment. "We want to ensure our clients and vendors get the best of what we have to offer," explains Mr. Kovalik. "It's all about quality, and the machines and ice cream makers we use are a large part of that."

The CSBF loan was an integral part of the process that allowed Dairy Chef to develop their business. Dairy Chef can produce a higher quantity and range of products and distribute to a larger range of clients thanks largely to the CSBF loan. Dairy Chef has also even started to experiment with new innovative product ideas.

The food services industry is a competitive one, and as explains Mr. Kovalik, "we take what we can get, but for a small business like ours to have a chance to broaden our horizons and compete with others on a larger scale is great." He adds that without initiatives like the Canadian Small Business Financing Program, a lot of opportunities would be unreachable for small businesses.

FASTSIGNS: Posting a Promising Future

When the company that Jose Azavedo worked for was purchased by an American investor who then moved it to the United States, he decided to buy his own FASTSIGNS franchise.

FASTSIGNS is an international corporation founded in 1985 that specializes in the conception, design and creation of many types of signage. Although its corporate office is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, it needed an additional location in the Greater Toronto area, so Mr. Azavedo jumped at the opportunity, bought the franchise and opened his store in Mississauga, Ontario. "This was a new market for them and a new business for me. I built the business from the ground up," Mr. Azavedo says.

But one of the challenges to starting a small company from nothing is acquiring loans from financial institutions like banks, he explains. That's when he heard about the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program, an initiative of Industry Canada. "It is very difficult for a new business to raise bank capital in Canada. You have to have a lot of physical assets to secure the loan or you need to have a strong profit and loss report to be eligible for a bank loan," he says.

So Mr. Azavedo applied for the CSBF loan, was accepted, and utilized the financial assistance to make his company grow and expand.

"The Canadian Small Business Financing program allowed me – a new entrepreneur – to raise bank finance for a new project that had not proved itself before," he says.

Today, his franchise in Mississauga offers a number of services to clients, including design consultation, sign production and finishing, large-format digital printing, installation, shipping and distribution, as well as project management and online services.

Mr. Azavedo says the loan from the Canadian Small Business Financing Program was an essential part of the growth of his company. He also adds that any prospective small-business owners should still bear in mind that while the first couple years of actually establishing any startup is often going to be challenging, effective use of the CSBF program assistance will pay off.

An Obstacle to Success? Not Mutch!

Jeni Mutch is thankful that her local bank informed her of the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program, an initiative of Industry Canada. Thanks to a loan from the program, her business has grown tremendously.

Ms. Mutch, Office Manager for the Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island-based company Tents for Events, says the lack of storage and office space was a major concern before she received the loan.

"We needed more for the storage of equipment," she says. "Also, we needed funding to really get on our feet and promote ourselves."

Tents for Events is a business which provides all the materials needed for any type of outdoor event, ranging from a wedding ceremony to a reception, business affair or festival. After Ms. Mutch received the loan from the Canadian Small Business Financing Program, she was able to implement many of the changes that would allow her company to grow and serve more customers across Prince Edward Island.

"We expanded and were able to offer more choices of tents, as well as accessories for clients to select from," she says. "We then became a business that could serve clients for many different types of events."

In addition to offering tents for all occasions, Tents for Events now provides everything a customer could possibly want. Some of the accessories available for rent from the business include rectangular tables, linens, a dance floor, a podium, wedding cake table, chinaware, glassware, cutlery, in addition to outdoor cooking equipment.

Not only is this growth a bonus for the owner of the business, but her success, thanks in part to the Canadian Small Business Financing Program, has helped others in the community.

"We've been able to hire more staff members and offer more to our clients as a result," Ms. Mutch explains.

She says the loan from the program helped immensely, and in addition to providing financial assistance, it gave her a morale boost which helped the business grow even more.

"It helped me realize what I wanted, and it's important anyone else out there starting their own business doesn't give up even if the process of doing it is frustrating," she says.

Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch: Addressing the Tides of Change

Nestled in the quasi mountainous terrain of the Southern Shore and minutes away from the capital city of St. John's, the small community of Bay Bulls is often referred to as the tour boat capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. And as many visitors to the tiny community of 1200 would attest, Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch is one of the key reasons why the town has earned this moniker.

Gatherall's has been offering breathtaking marine tours for over 20 years. The firm knows know all the ins and outs of the business, and can ensure that all visitors will leave with an experience they will cherish for a lifetime when they sign-up for one of the company's flagship tours.

By the year 2000, Gatherall's was becoming a victim of its own success. Sales had been increasing by approximately 13% every year, which led to the existing vessels operating at or near capacity. It was at this moment that business owner Michael Gatherall knew he had to address the situation before it was too late. Mr. Gatherall heard about the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program after meeting with his account manager at the local bank to discuss his options.

"We determined that a new purpose built vessel was required to enable the company to properly service our clients in the near future and to minimize operating costs," explains Mr. Gatherall. "Our management team settled on the selection of a custom designed, high speed catamaran passenger vessel which was capable of operating in rough waters and at approximately three times the speed of the older conventional vessels. Adopting this new vessel design would permit us to operate a single vessel on all departures and significantly reduce the travel time required for the tour."

The acquisition cost for the custom vessel was significant and was beyond the immediate ability of the company to finance. Arrangements were made to sell the existing vessels. This move, combined with the funds from the CSBF secured loan, was sufficient to permit the process to proceed.

To date, the vessel has worked out very well and has resulted in the intended outcomes. Gatherall's has been able to attract a greater number of group tours and functions due in large part to the reduced travel time required by the new vessel. Passenger satisfaction levels have increased as the vessel is significantly more comfortable and allows the tour to cover a greater area, thereby increasing the opportunity to view the wildlife. And, let's not forget that the operating costs have been reduced as the vessel is more efficient.

Needless to say, Mr. Gatherall is extremely pleased with his experience. "The CSBF program was wonderful in that it enabled us to move forward at a point in time which would have otherwise been much more difficult without the access to the secured financing arrangement. The availability of the program also reduced the stress and potential financial liabilities imparted on our owners and shareholders," adds Mr. Gatherall.

Given the seasonality of the business and the type of equipment required, it would have been much more difficult for Gatherall's to secure the necessary financing without the program. The availability of the program has also enabled the company to free-up other funds to permit it to expand its shore-based infrastructure, including a new retail space and a 180-seat restaurant.

Goodness Me: Healthy Choices Translate into a Healthy Business

Janet and Scott Jacks originally decided to open Goodness Me, a natural food market in Hamilton, Ontario, when Janet, an avid researcher of natural foods and their impact on health, was having a hard time finding certain products for her husband, who is a type one diabetic. Now, twenty-five years after the inauguration of the original store, Goodness Me operates three locations to better serve patrons in Hamilton and the Burlington region.

The fundamental reason for the store's continued success is the couple's commitment to offering products with only top quality ingredients, and to continuously educate its clientele about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. A pair of key bank loans through the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program allowed Janet and Scott to focus on these aspects of their business throughout critical expansion phases.

"We heard about the CSBF through our financial advisor at the bank," explains Goodness Me's Michael Jacks. "The purpose of the first loan was to double the size of our operations and move to a new location. Prior to moving, our store was about 9,000 sq. ft., much smaller than what it is today."

Goodness Me's second CSBF program loan enabled the Jacks to open a second location, on Locke Street in Hamilton South. "The effect of the loans on our company is that they've allowed us to take steps that we may not have been able to take without them; to the point where we were able to open our Burlington location without the help of the program," says Michael.

Although Michael Jacks is proud of the fact that the business was able to expand thanks to soaring revenues and other sources of financing, he adds that the natural food retailer won't rule out the possibility of going back to CSBF program if an opportune situation presented itself.

Aside from their three stores, Goodness Me also offers online shopping through their website, which is also filled with educational health tips and tidbits. Janet also hosts a radio call-in show on 900AM, CHML, on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m.

Michael Jacks has a few words of advice for other businesses looking to duplicate the success of their family-owned operation through the CSBF loan program. "If you're thinking of applying, certainly apply. There's no harm in finding out whether or not you're eligible for it. Generally in business; our experience has been that things that seem impossible, increasingly prove to be possible when you just take the step."

The Ingredient that Made Jasper Brewing Company a Reality

If it weren't for the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program, an initiative of Industry Canada, the residents of Jasper, Alberta might be living without premium, homegrown Canadian beer.

Jasper, surrounded on all sides by the majestic Rocky Mountains near the British Columbia border, is now the home of Jasper Brewing Company. According to its owner, the loan received from the CSBF program was the most important ingredient in opening up the brewery and restaurant.

"We used the financing to start the business," says Brett Ireland, the brewmaster at the company. "The loan was the primary reason we were able to open the business."

Today, business is booming, he adds. In addition to producing first-rate Canadian beer right at the store, made from the finest of hops, malts and cultured yeast strains, Jasper Brewing Company serves authentic all-Canadian food at its restaurant and plans to soon introduce merchandise to sell at the location.

"Our beers are for everyone. They are fresh, modern and innovative, looking to the future while honouring the past," the company's website informs visitors. "We truly believe there is an occasion for every beer and a beer for every occasion."

The owners of Jasper Brewing Company care a lot about their beer - and with help from the Canadian Small Business Financing Program, it has been paying a lot of dividends.

"We're currently exceeding our five year projections after only one-and-a-half years," Mr. Ireland says. "Business is great!"

Inside the Jasper Brewing Company's immaculate brewing room is the most modern technology combined with tested recipes, which come together to create fine finished products.

And thanks to another combination, the Canadian Small Business Financing Program loan in partnership with Mr. Ireland's premium beer, the residents and tourists in Jasper, Alberta, as well as the business owners, are all benefiting.

Ontario North Fishing Adventures: From Dreams to Reality

Ask most fishing aficionados if the name "Yukich" rings a bell, and you will most likely get a positive answer. In fact, don't be surprised if several seconds later you find yourself listening to an amazing fishing story!

After a combined twenty years of experience as fishing guides throughout Canada, brothers Matt and Aron Yukich, with the help and support of their father, Wayne, have fulfilled their longstanding dream of opening their own fishing-outfitter camp, Ontario North Fishing Adventures (ONFA).

Thanks to an important loan, obtained through the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program, the Yukich brothers have successfully implemented their plan of combining each other's experience, and educational backgrounds, to open their own business in Oba, Ontario, in the heart of Canada's vast wilderness.

Matt and Aron were finding it difficult to obtain the funds needed to convert the piece of land they owned in Northern Ontario into the fisherman's paradise that it is today. "We did seek other avenues before, and there just wasn't much help," explains Matt. It wasn't until Wayne's financial advisor at his bank introduced them to the CSBF program that the brothers realized that their dream was about to become reality.

"The plan was two years in the making. We had thought about it, developed a business plan, and gathered all of the necessary information. The CSBF loan enabled us to go forward and open our business," says Matt. "We were both fishing guides and decided that it was time for us to head up our own business and it's been good ever since."

The loan also allowed Matt and Aron to put their Fanshawe College education to good use. Matt, a construction-engineering graduate, oversaw the development of the site, while Aron, a business/marketing graduate, took care of the business development aspect of ONFA.

Operating from May to the end of October, ONFA is almost booked to capacity for 2007 and is considering the addition of extra cabins in order to accommodate more guests. The company is also toying with the possibility of opening during the winter months to cater to snowmobile enthusiasts.

Although the Yukich brothers struggled to gain financial support before finding out about the CSBF program, they've had no problems earning the praise of their peers since then.

"Matt and Aron Yukich are addicting. They should have warning labels on their foreheads. They're the epitome of what guides should be – a perfect blend of professionalism, fishing expertise and personality that will bring you back to see them time after time," explains Matt Straw, Editor of In-Fisherman Magazine and host of In-Fisherman Magazine television.

"I have fished all across Canada, indeed, much of the world and I can tell you that Aron and Matt Yukich are two of the finest guides with which I've had the pleasure of fishing," adds Gord Pyzer, Fishing Editor for Outdoor Canada Magazine.

While it's obvious that these guides have the know-how, expertise, and personal pride to ensure their guests have a pleasant experience, they also have a smart business sense. "Develop a sound business plan and think everything through," explains Matt. "Set realistic goals and expectations. Never give up, and it will all be worth it in the end."

PacketWorks: Communicating on the Cutting Edge

In the world of telecommunications, connecting to the people you need is of utmost importance. John Fagg, President of the Waterloo, Ontario-based telecom company PacketWorks, says that's what his business is all about.

PacketWorks provides clients with a number of different computer networks that allow them to connect different workstations, offices and even regions together, by using a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN), depending on the needs and requirements of the individual client.

In addition to providing the ability for clients to expand their business, PacketWorks also supplies its customers with a faster Internet network, as well as security solutions that make doing business on the Internet safer.

After a few years in operation, the company received a loan from Industry Canada through the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program. The initiative helps Canadian small business secure financing, enabling them to grow and expand.

When he saw that his ideas "seemed to have some potential for growth," coupled with the increasing number of new technologies, he decided it would be a good time to start a company that provides connectivity and telecommunications strategies to clients.

According to Mr. Fagg, his company, about to celebrate its 10th anniversary, was able to implement many changes as a result of the assistance from the Canadian Small Business Financing Program.

"The loan enabled us to install the infrastructure that allowed us to offer a service that was previously unavailable. We were then able to combine this with the existing services and offer a complete, one-stop, package to our customers," he notes.

And in the end, those upgrades made a dramatic difference to PacketWorks' bottom line.

"The new infrastructure gave us the opportunity to attract customers that had little or no choice and provide them with service comparable to what the urban players had," he says. "We have more than doubled our revenue since receiving the first loan."

The company has been highly successful ever since. PacketWorks replaced the Internet network system for the Upper Grand District School Board, which comprises 71 schools and over 33,000 students. The solution provided by PacketWorks made the new system infinitely times faster than the previous one, and at a competitive price.

The nature of running a small business means "always talking to the bank about financing," Mr. Fagg says, adding that he has known about the Canada Small Business Financing program for a number of years.

As for other Canadian small businesses that are considering applying for loans under the Canadian Small Business Financing program, Mr. Fagg says knowing what your clients want and need is an important consideration.

"Know your customer requirements, and structure a loan to meet them," he advises.

Sudbury Pita Pit Owes Its Success to Timely Loan

Richard Peterson wasn't quite sure what to expect when he decided to become the co-owner and operator of a Pita Pit franchise at age twenty-one. Aside from his mother's unequivocal support, he was facing many question marks following the opening of a franchise in Toronto. Fast-forward to several years later, Mr. Peterson now successfully operates two Pita Pit franchises and was recently awarded a Young Entrepreneur Award of Excellence from the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.

While none of these accomplishments would have been possible without this promising businessman's focus and drive to succeed, Mr. Peterson will be the first to acknowledge that a time-sensitive loan, made available through the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program, played a large part in his decision to open a pita restaurant in downtown Sudbury.

After the successful launch of his first Pita Pit franchise in Toronto, Mr. Peterson asked the Canadian-owned restaurant chain about opening a second store. When he noticed that a prime location had become available in Sudbury, he immediately contacted Pita Pit's head office to find out about his financing options.

Mr. Peterson was informed that he had two options. He could either find a private investor willing to finance his endeavour, or he could apply for a loan through the CSBF program, which the Pita Pit head office suggested would be his best option. The entrepreneur took their advice and applied for a loan with the local bank. As Mr. Peterson was already an established small business-owner, he had no difficulty with his loan application, receiving approval within 48 hours.

"When a good location becomes available, it's so good that it's gone within a few days," explains Mr. Peterson, "If you can't give a quick answer, yes or no, to the leasing agent, you're pretty much a duck out of water. What I liked most about the CSBF loan was that it gave me the ability to provide that quick answer."

The CSBF loan allowed Mr. Peterson to obtain one of the best locations in all of "New Sudbury." The restaurant's site played a large part in the Sudbury Pita Pit's phenomenal first-year of operation, during which it exceeded the "high" sales-volume assessment projected in the young entrepreneur's original business plan. "Without the Canadian Small Business Financing Program, I would not own a business that is as successful as the one I have at that location," notes Mr. Peterson.

The Sudbury Pita Pit employs eight people during the off-season, from January to March, and upwards of 11 people during the busy season. Pooled with the number of employees from his first location, Mr. Peterson is proud of the fact that he's responsible for the creation of approximately 25 jobs.

When asked if he had any words of advice for small businesses that are thinking of applying for a loan through the CSBF program, Mr. Peterson stresses the importance of having a well thought-out business plan.

"Study the area that you want very hard and wait for the location that is going to generate the most capital. This will allow you to continue to receive small business loans that will allow you to grow," Mr. Peterson advises.

Drawing Up a Plan for the Future with SML Graphic Solutions

When SML Graphic Solutions Inc. was created two years ago, it was a very small organization.

"It was a two-man company with no office or equipment to speak of," says Tom Smith, who began the company in 2005.

Currently, SML, which stands for Small, Medium and Large, in reference to the wide variety of work projects the company is able to accomplish, provides diverse graphic solutions for many different types of clients. Some of the work the business handles is signage, both indoor and outdoor, printing, mounting and laminating, displays for trade shows and other events, information packaging for portfolios or media packaging, in addition to website maintenance.

To grow to such success, the Toronto-based business secured a loan from the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program, an initiative of Industry Canada. The funding made a big difference, allowing the company to hire additional employees and expand operations.

"The loan enabled us to purchase office space and purchase the necessary equipment to grow the company," Mr. Smith says. "Without it, we would not have grown to enjoy the success we have today."

Mr. Smith, who heard about the program through his accountant and local bank, says that anyone considering starting a successful business from scratch should, in addition to applying for a loan from the Canadian Small Business Financing Program, "set aside a year's salary" to prepare for all the challenges of small business ownership.

In addition to Mr. Smith, the three other employees at SML all bring a range of skills and strengths that provide the business with a critical edge over the competition. Bryan Barlow, David Ferguson, and Justin Drew combine their respective abilities to provide top-of-the-line graphic solutions thanks in large part to the CSBF program.

Spindles, Stairs and Railings: Planning for the Next Level

Established in 1999 by Calgary businessman Kevin Halliday, Spindle, Stairs and Railings serves as the perfect model for other Canadian start-ups. The manufacturer of custom spindles and staircases has enjoyed an overwhelming amount of success since its inception. The company, which according to its owner "started from nothing," was identified as one of Alberta's 30 Fastest Growing Companies by Venture magazine in 2003, and also made the list of Profit Magazine's 100 Fastest Growing Companies in Canada, in 2005.

While Mr. Halliday will be the first to admit that the main reason for his company's impressive growth is its unparalleled commitment to customer service, he also concedes that the help he received from the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program allowed the company to take that ever-elusive "next step" to becoming a major player within the industry.

Mr. Halliday initially heard about the CSBF program through his financial institution. The bank would later bestow the 2005 Small Business of the Year Award upon his company.

With the company growing at an exceedingly rapid pace, many institutions were hesitant about financing the business, fearing that they would not be able to manage the growth. The company was in full expansion mode and had just purchased a 25,000 sq. ft. building. Looking for a way to renovate the building without having to alter their existing mortgage, Mr. Halliday turned to his financial advisor, who advised that the CSBF loan would be his best option.

"It was a huge turning point in the company," explains Mr. Halliday. "It allowed us to build one of the largest showrooms around, which displayed spindles, iron railings, circular stairs, mouldings, and more. It also created streamlined office space, thus making it easier to implement new systems to prepare for quick growth."

The new Spindle, Stairs and Railings building also allowed the company to create a training-school for installers. The school offers training programs to help installers efficiently install and manufacture the vast majority of the company's products; yet another testament to the company's focus on customer satisfaction.

According to Mr. Halliday, one of the biggest advantages of the CSBF loan was its timeliness.

"I had just purchased the building, and I was ready for my next step; which is when I received the loan that allowed us to promptly pay the renovations and move on to the next level," explains Mr. Halliday, who also says that he was able to capitalize on the loan thanks to smart business planning.

Looking back on the many lessons learned since launching his company eight years ago, Mr. Halliday has plenty of advice for business owners, specifically those applying for loans. "Make sure your business plan is there and that you practice due diligence. There is a reason why these loans are available. Use it wisely. Use it smart. It works."

Spindles, Stairs and Railings has certainly come a long way since Kevin Halliday, who worked from a home-office at the time, closed his first deal in a Home Depot parking lot. Having always stressed the importance of hiring great people for the right positions, Mr. Halliday now has more than fifty employees and is always looking for innovative ways to expand.

As much as the company enjoys receiving accolades and awards, it also likes to give back to the community that's been supporting them over the years, as evidenced by their sponsorship of the Society for the Treatment of Autism's 6th Annual STA Wine Tasting event this past October.

Zazu – The Salon: Heritage Home Opens Its Doors to Sophisticated Style

Shortly after graduating from cosmetology at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology in 1995, Laura Englund moved to Regina and began her career working at Chatters Salon. Within four years, Ms. Englund was looking for a new challenge and decided to open her own shop. Cathedral Hair Studio, a 600 sq. ft. hair salon, opened for business in 1999.

It didn't take very long for Ms. Englund to realize that she had made the right decision. Ms. Englund's existing client base was thrilled to see her pursue this exciting venture, so much so that an abundance of new referrals also began to book appointments. By 2003, Ms. Englund recognized that it was time to expand her salon and build equity for the business by purchasing property. She found a beautiful 1905 heritage home that would provide her with 2500 sq. ft. of working space; more than enough to become a full service salon.

With her sights set on the perfect location, Ms. Englund applied for a loan to expand her business through her local bank. Her financial advisor explained why and how the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program loan would suit her needs.

Thanks to the loan, Ms. Englund was able to move into the exquisite new business space and offer a host of new services; Zazu – The Salon was born, and shortly thereafter, Laura Englund knew that success was just around the corner.

"Being able to expand the square footage has allowed me to offer more services. The year after our move, our gross profits increased by 200%, and have grown at that consistency since. I am also comfortable knowing that in ten years my loan will be paid off, and I will have very valuable property to sell. The loan allowed me to grow my business, when many other banks may have turned me away," explains Ms. Englund.

Laura Englund continuously thrives to make her business better, a reality that did not go unnoticed by the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, which, on April 6th, 2006, bestowed the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award upon her at the Paragon Awards celebrating excellence in the business community.

The ripple effect of the CSBF loan is being felt by others in the community as Ms. Englund's business donates its services to several local events such as the Regina Nightingales Fashion Show, where they take care of the hair and make-up. Zazu also donates massage therapy services to the Regina Police Half-Marathon, and is a long-time supporter of the Cathedral Village Arts Festival.

A Concrete Path to Business Growth

Thanks to the Canadian Small Business Financing (CSBF) program, an initiative of Industry Canada, Al Hasson's business dream has become a reality.

Mr. Hasson, a resident of Saint John, New Brunswick, started The Concrete Edge in 2005 as a decorative concrete company, and says it wouldn't have been possible without a loan from the CSBF program.

"We started our business as a result of the loan. Otherwise, it would have made it much tougher," he explains.

"The loan gave me all the equipment we needed to start out business," he adds. "But more than that, it gave us security and money for the slow times while starting."

The Concrete Edge specializes in a number of areas relating to decorative concrete, including decorative curbing and resurfacing. Currently, The Concrete Edge is a seasonal company that does its work in the warm weather of spring, summer and autumn, but Mr. Hasson says he plans to expand his business in the very near future.

"We're expanding and moving into different areas, such as concrete countertops. But without the loan, we definitely couldn't do this," he explains.

The Canadian Small Business Financing program works by encouraging local banks and other financial institutions to lend to small business owners.

Mr. Hasson, who received the assistance through his local entrepreneur office, says the format of the loan makes it an attractive choice for owners of small companies.

"The terms of the loans really help out new businesses as there are only interest payments for the first few months," he says.

For other entrepreneurs considering applying to the Canadian Small Business Financing program, Mr. Hasson suggests there is indeed a best path to a concrete financial future. "Make sure to do your market research, do a clear and detailed business plan, talk to others in the business that you're getting into, and get help from local entrepreneur offices," he advises.

Multilab Direct: an Expanding Business

Founded in Rouyn Noranda in 2002 by owners Réal Jalbert and Roger Turmel, Multilab Direct makes its wide-ranging experience in microbiological and chemical analysis available to clients. The company provides a range of analysis services for drinking water, wastewater and contaminated soil, as well as a variety of analyses conducted right in the laboratory. However, most new companies have to deal with financial obstacles during their early years and Multilab Direct was no exception.

The company's two owners never gave up and Multilab Direct received assistance from the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF), which enabled it to obtain a loan through its bank.

"The business was just starting out and we had a serious cash flow problem," recalls Roger Turmel, Director of Operations and Head Chemist. "The problem was affecting normal lab operations and creating concern about our ability to expand. Multilab had five permanent employees and a total of eight during the summer."

The CSBF loan had a highly positive effect on Multilab Direct. "The loan freed up the cash flow our company needed to get through a period when working capital was very limited," continues Mr Turmel. "Using the loan, Multilab consolidated the five jobs that were in jeopardy and the firm was able to expand."

Today, Multilab continues to provide analytical services for municipalities, mining corporations, industries and institutions in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec regions and in Ontario.

Thanks to the CSBF loan, Multilab Direct now has a strong team, able to serve its clientele. "Today, Multilab Direct is a flourishing business, with eight employees during the slow season and 13 during the peak season," explains Roger Turmel. Mr Turmel and his co-owner consider themselves lucky to be one of the firms receiving support from the Canada Small Business Financing Program.

Les Armoires des Monts Inc Widens its Horizons Thanks to the CSBF

Les Armoires des Monts has been in business for 26 years and continues to prosper. This small enterprise in St Anne des Monts, Quebec, specializes in the manufacture of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

The company started out small, but over the years has enormously expanded its client base and the market it serves, thanks to the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF), an Industry Canada program intended to improve access to loans and capital leases for small enterprises.

Company owner Marcel Savard had big plans for his firm and decided to develop his local market. "We decided to start something larger and expand the company," Mr Savard recalls. "It took us a few years to plan things and find the funding we needed, but today we are finally seeing results."

Mr Savard consulted his financial planner, who recommended the Canada Small Business Financing Program. Les Armoires des Monts benefited greatly from the loan provided under the CSBF. "With this loan, we developed the company by purchasing modern equipment, which allowed us to work more quickly and create jobs," explains the owner. "We had eight employees and, with the funding, we created five more full-time positions. The company was able to reposition itself to serve bigger markets outside the region."

Les Armoires des Monts also used the CSBF loan to purchase new high-tech equipment, which improved client satisfaction. "We are now more effective, because our equipment is more modern," says Mr Savard. "We use new technology that lets us get more done and provide the same high quality work, and, at the end of the day, our clients are more satisfied."

Château Fraser Hotel: from General store to Luxury Hotel

Located in the Lower St Lawrence, on Lake Témiscouata, close to the New Brunswick-Maine border, the community of Cabano is home to one of the hidden treasures of the Quebec tourist industry: the Château Fraser Hotel.

Part of the former Fraser Village, the Château Fraser has a unique architectural style and combines elegance, good taste and character with beautiful scenery to provide its visitors with an unforgettable stay. However, as owner Brigit Dufour explains, the case was very different before she received a loan from the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF).

"I've always worked in the hotel business and have owned my company since 1993. At that time, I had two employees and ran a two-star, sixteen-unit motel on the Trans-Canada highway. My company sold its former assets and bought new ones to build a luxury hotel that targets a new market niche."

Renovation and expansion of the former Fraser general store to create a luxury hotel on Lake Témiscouata required a major investment. Despite a major capital outlay and an impeccable credit record, Ms Dufour knew that she needed a loan.

Project officers at the Témiscouata local development centre and credit officers at the local bank advised her to seek a loan from the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF).

Ms Dufour went ahead and applied and got a loan on the equipment.

"I must say that I was very happy to get that loan. I see it as a helping hand in starting up when a conventional mortgage is not possible," explains Ms Dufour. "It lets a company get started."

Since the new establishment was seeking to attract a new, up-market clientele to the Témiscouata region, Ms Dufour received outstanding support from the local population and the Municipality of Cabano. Local residents wanted the business to succeed because it would generate economic spinoff and promote regional development.

Ms Dufour attributes some of her company's success to her academic training and some to her training in the field. Her parents had operated a hotel and restaurant enterprise since 1971, and she learned in the heat of the action.

Today the Château Fraser employs five people and provides its guests with a high level of quality and comfort. They can choose from among four different room styles and opt for a customized package developed in co-operation with other tourism partners.

Ms Dufour has some advice for entrepreneurs planning to apply for a loan under the Canada Small Business Financing Program. "Financial forecasts must be realistic and the financing plan must be calculated in a professional way. A botched-up business plan can stall a loan, putting the company at a disadvantage."