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Small Business Makes Custom Tailored Shirts to Order

Andrew Patricio — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:06:21 +0000

Shirtpal is a Toronto-based company specializing in men’s custom tailored shirts. Their aim is to revolutionize your shopping experience by offering perfect fit custom dress shirts for off the rack prices. Shirtpal differentiates itself from its competitors with its well-designed website that offers the ability to custom design shirts from the comfort of your own home. Options include custom monograms, collars and cuffs. Shirtpal puts a huge emphasis on user experience and has recently brought on image consultants. Their purpose is to provide advice to customers, completely tailored to the individual. Information gathered includes profession, common colors worn by the individual, and what’s currently in their wardrobe.

Shirtpal’s success has grown steadily since its inception in December 2009. Its founders, Winnie Cheung and Noorneet Singh, are recent graduates from the Richard Ivey School of Business. The company is currently expanding across Canada, with local events in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Global operations exist in Sydney, Thailand, Japan and Singapore. Attending these events allows customers to have their measurements taken, speak with our image consultants, see shirt samples and feel the fabrics.

Winnie and Noorneet are also very big on giving back to the community. Shirtpal has established a partnership with Buy1Give1, a charitable organization. For every shirt the company sells, Shirtpal will clothe and provide toiletries for a child in Mumbai. Shirtpal’s goal is to clothe approximately 25,000 children this year.

To check out their website and book an appointment for one of their local events, visit www.shirtpal.com

The Business Savvy Organic Farmer

Andrew Patricio — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:23:40 +0000

Within the world of agriculture, the most common story is one of the struggling farmer. You know the one — the farmer works 16 hour days doing back-breaking work in the field, only to barely make ends meet, or lose the farm altogether. And this indeed is a common reality. But it doesn’t need to be!

To be a successful Agri-business entrepreneur, one needs three separate skill sets: Food-growing skills, people skills, and business savvy. There’s loads of “Great Growers” out there, but very few who possess the business savvy to make their agri-businesses a thriving reality. This is one of the main reasons the story of the struggling farmer persists.

However, a new generation of small-scale organic farmers are emerging, and cultivating a new story. This new generation of farmers is combining old-time organic agriculture methods, with 2010 business savvy. The Cutting Veg Organic Farm (http://www.thecuttingveg.com) is one such example.

The Cutting Veg (TCV) runs 3 programs aimed at cultivating personal, social, environmental, and economic health. TCV grows a variety of vegetables and herbs, which are sold at farmers markets, and through Community Supported Agriculture programs (CSA). In addition to produce sales, TCV runs the “Global Garlic Project”, cultivating varieties of garlic from around the world, including Tibetan, Persian, Italian, Russian, Korean, and Israeli. TCV also provides Food Coaching Services, which offers garden & composting project support, agri-business training, food-based workshops, and part-time farming internships.

A variety of entrepreneurial strategies, learned in part through business-training courses at BizLaunch and FarmStart, have helped transform The Cutting Veg from struggling farm business to entrepreneurial ace. For example, the business savvy Farmer must have an internet presence, including the ability to market products on-line; must be able to access scores of unpaid labour (and in the case of The Cutting Veg Organic Farm, being 30 minutes from downtown Toronto doesn’t hurt); must put care and intention into all business-related relationships (volunteers, customers, etc); and must be able to assess all sales opportunities by measuring required time and energy output vs. potential financial return.

It is the last entrepreneurial skill that most farmers lack. Take selling a bunch of carrots, for example. To grow carrots, one needs to order seeds and compost; prepare the soil for planting; plant the carrot seeds; weed the carrots; thin the carrots, weed again; harvest the carrots; and wash and bunch the carrots. After all this work, the farmer will then commonly sell this bunch of carrots for $3 or so. This focus on $3 sales is largely why the story of the struggling farmer persists.

The Cutting Veg, on the other hand, focuses its energy on $500+ sales. They do this through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs. A CSA is a mutually beneficial partnership in which individuals or families receive fresh, local, organically grown produce weekly, while supporting local farmers and sustainable growing practices. Essentially, people choose to become members in the farm for this season, pay up front (approx $550 for a regular share for 20 weeks, and approx $750 for a large share), and this entitles them to a weekly share of the harvest. One can see how $500+ sales will add up a whole lot more quickly than the typical $3 sales. The Cutting Veg now runs a CSA in downtown Toronto (near Bloor and Yonge), enabling great quantities of Torontonians to connect themselves to a healthy food system, and representing tremendous revenue potential.

In a culture where healthy food is becoming more and more a priority, tremendous opportunity lies ahead for small-scale organic farmers. However, simply being a good grower will not lead to a thriving business. Without the business savvy, the story of the struggling farmer will continue. Fortunately, The Cutting Veg is cultivating a new narrative for others to harvest.

SES Toronto, Pre-Show Interview with Michael O’Sullivan

Renee — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:38:14 +0000

The organizers of the upcoming Search Engine Strategies (SES) Toronto show reached out to BizLaunch to ask if we would interview one of the speakers of this years show. BizLaunch got the chance to talk to Michael O’Sullivan, Ad Platforms and Strategy Lead, Microsoft Canada, about the ad products/services available to small business.

1. How does Microsoft Direct Response work for small business?

Microsoft Advertising improves SMB advertisers’ return on their investment by providing control and flexibility over their campaigns, and in-depth knowledge about their ideal target audiences. We respond to advertisers’ changing needs and serve as an effective marketing platform for small and midsized businesses equally well.

The Microsoft Media Network provides a dedicated account manager, that will work with a small business owner to get their creative assets (banners) live on the Microsoft Media Network. The Account Manager will also advise on what the best possible digital marketing strategy is, depending on the customer or offer. They’ll be offer multiple suggestions – whether it’s CPC / CPA or targeted offerings, based on what your unique goals are. If you are looking for a niche audience, we can help you find that. If you are looking to just pay for sales, we can absolutely make that happen as well. We like to think of Microsoft and the Account Manager as a consultant on your business – trying to identify what will resonate with your audience, and what aligns to your particular marketing needs.

2. Can small businesses, especially in Canada, benefit from such a service?

The Microsoft Media Network is great for small businesses, because their budgets are smaller, and small business owners only pay for performance, whether that is leads or sales – and the small business owner still reaps the benefits that accompany a rich display ad. Search is great for driving performance and volume, but the Microsoft Media Network provides both of these benefits, with the addition of a rich branding experience. Also, the ability to pick up the phone and speak to a dedicated online expert (the account manager) is of great benefit to our customers. It’s like having a digital media expert on retainer, for free, for your small business.

3. Can you showcase 1-2 small business success stories of those who have used this product for their business?

We have a number of great success stories but one in particular that stands out is involving a large computer retailer, who traditionally advertised a lot of their products through direct mail campaigns. This customer was looking to boost traffic to their website, increase their awareness, and drive additional sales. Using a variety of CPC and CPA buys, we were be able to build a marketing campaign that allowed the computer retailer to increase sales, and to increase them while having a higher ROAS (return on ad spend) then they ever did from a direct mail perspective.

Michael will be speaking at SES Toronto about Search & Display – Driving Customers Through the Purchase Funnel & Dispelling the Myths of Display: Looking for a more effective way of driving online sales with your current Search or Display campaign? Think that display has no place in your performance buy? This session covers why you should be executing both simultaneously to drive potential customers through the purchase funnel. Also, Understanding the value of performance display, and the role it plays alongside your search buy is key to growing your digital marketing spend. If you still think display is expensive, complicated, ineffective, this is the seminar for you.

SES Toronto begs to answer the ultimate question Your customers are Online – can they find your Website?

Lessons from the Trenches

Renee — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:08:08 +0000

Come and join some of Toronto’s successful business leaders as they share their experiences and discuss some of the challenges they have had to overcome in building their business. There will be lots to learn so don’t miss this event!

Business experts will also be available all evening to answer questions on small business topics such as financing, sales, marketing, cash flow management, and a host of other topics.

Toronto Success Stories
1. Anthony Lacavera • Globalive Communications and WIND Mobile
2. Rachel Young • Camaraderie
3. A.J. Jamani • Handsome Clothing Co.
4. Edie Weiss • Radke Film Group

Hosted by Steve Stunt of “The Entrepreneur Hour” on CP24 Radio 1050

Wednesday, May 19
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Register here

Start Up Story: Julie Cole, Mabel’s Labels Inc

Renee — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:52:47 +0000

Mabel’s Labels is the leading provider of personalized children’s labels. Highly customized, durable and adorable, they are a favourite among parents, teachers, daycare providers, camps and kids!

Why did you become an entrepreneur?
My business partners and I wanted to leave the traditional workforce to strike a better work/family life balance, and we had a good idea for a product that we wanted to bring to market.

What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur…and the worst?
It’s incredibly exciting and fulfilling to have an idea and execute the business plan. Watching the business grow and nurturing that growth is extremely exhilarating! Challenges include financing your startup and investing 24 hours a day without knowing if your business will succeed.

How long have you been in business?
We have had our product in the market for 7 years. We spent over a year researching and testing materials before launching.

Why did you get into your particular business?
As parents of small children, we recognized a market need. We had many of the same children’s products and play dates often ended with “whose sippy cup is this?” We knew we could do something cuter and more durable than names scribbled on masking tape!

What’s unique about your business?
There are many things! One is our close connection with other moms. We understand our market – heck, we are our market! We have a very strong online community and enjoy interacting with our customer base through various social media.

How did you raise the start-up cash?
Fortunately, all four partners contributed – it would be far more difficult to self-fund alone!

Identify and discuss TWO lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur.
1. Only do what you love. This applies to everything – from products and materials to language and website. If you don’t love it, you won’t be happy!
2. Do what you’re good at and know your limitations. At first, we did everything –until it occurred to us that there were people who could do a better job at some of that work.

What advice – relevant to your lessons above – would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
Don’t get so caught up working ‘in’ the business that you forget to work ‘on’ the business. Think strategically and do a lot of blue-skying!

Briefly, what are your plans for the future?
We plan to continue to be the leading provider of labels and to grow our amazing community through exceptional customer service and top quality products.

Any other information or advice you’d like to share?
Social Media and Word of Mouth has been invaluable.

You can find Julie Cole and Mables Lables at www.mabelhood.com and on Twitter at @mabelhood. Also, learn about their WOM program at www.buzzmamas.com

Give her your list, consider it done

Andrew Patricio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:16:27 +0000

Personal concierge service can handle anything

By Small Business Expert Roger Pierce, www.BizLaunch.com

There just aren’t enough hours in the day. Wouldn’t it be nice to get some help at home or work to complete your task list? “We enable our clients to spend more time on the more important things in their lives,” comments entrepreneur Rosie Young.

Young owns Rosie Young Concierge (www.rosieyoungconcierge.com,) a unique concierge service catering to busy families and individuals.

For clients requesting personal concierge assistance, Young will handle tasks such as grocery shopping, event planning, gift giving, pet management and automotive maintenance. If you’re going away on vacation and worried about your home, she’ll stop by to water your plants, pick up your mail and check on things.

Her executive concierge services include schedule management, office organizing, meeting and planning, supplier research and interviewing, business travel planning, and running business errands.

“Our executive service is geared towards busy professionals and small business owners who need a helping hand without the burden of hiring additional staff,” explains Young.

Young believes people crave a dependable, reliable person to help them manage their lives. “Imagine having someone you could trust 100 percent and call on an as-needed basis,” she says. “My clients have enough things to worry about, so we make sure the job will be done in a timely fashion and done right.”

“I tell them, ‘give me your list and consider it done.’”

While there are other personal concierge services in the marketplace, Young differentiates her business by offering a one-stop shop. “Whatever it is, I will take care if it,” she claims. “Organizing a summer dinner party, de-cluttering households, selling unwanted things, picking up the kids from school…we do it all.”

Since launching four years ago, Young says she’s learned to wear many hats. “Most business owners must multi-task marketing, management and finance responsibilities, but in my business I must do all of those things plus deliver a very diverse range of client services,” she comments.

“Every day is different. I love problem solving and am very organized and creative, so the chance to apply those skills in my business excites me.”

Start Up Story: Wendy Woods and The Refinery

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:17:41 +0000

Name
Wendy Woods

Company Name
The Refinery

Email and Twitter
shop@therefinery.ca
@THE_REFINERY

Years in Business
2 years

What does The Refinery Do?
THE REFINERY is a creative image consulting company that sets out to help real women find clothing and accessories that enhance their personal style and are practical in their daily life. Whether you choose to tour the city, experience a one-on-one service, or enjoy a party with your friends, you will always be welcomed with a warm smile. THE REFINERY strives to create the relatable environment needed to discuss something as personal as your style. Learn the specific skills you need to refine your personal style so you feel confident, elegant, and chic everyday!

The common theme amongst the women in THE REFINERY target market is that they are going through some sort of change – whether that be graduating from school, a new mom, retiring, getting a promotion at work, etc. – and they are ready to invest in themselves!

What makes The Refinery different?
I’ve differentiated myself by offering unique services like “Shop Your Closet” and “Toronto Boutique Shopping Tours”. Many image consultants are focused on capturing the corporate market. I prefer to host parties, take a group of women shopping, and do one-on-one work.

Wendy Woods leading Style Seminar for Designers

Why did you decide to start your own business?
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I think there is an entrepreneur gene that runs in my family! When I took my commerce degree at MacMaster University, all I knew was that I wanted to keep my options open. A few months into working at IBM I stumbled upon the image consulting certificate at George Brown – I finally figured out which entrepreneurial path I was going to take.

What’s the Best Part About Being an Entrepreneur?
You get to make changes to your business whenever your heart desires. I love the creativity you can have owning your own business. A happy, confident client is my favourite part on the client side. The client transformations can be very rewarding!

What’s the worst part of being and entrepreneur?
I am the definition of an extrovert, so working on my own all the time can get lonely. I’ve had to purposefully create a network of “colleagues” around me so that I have people to bounce ideas off and just chat to about my day.

There are a lot of highs and lows owning your own business, and they can be tough to manage at times. It’s easy to wrap your life’s worth into how your business is doing. One day you book a lot of client appointments and you’re on cloud nine. The next day you have a trade show that you invested a lot of money in, and didn’t live up to expectations, so you get down on yourself.

How did You Raise the StartUp Cash?
I was fortunate to get a bank loan before I left my full-time job at IBM. I also feel very fortunate to have a supportive family who helps out when they’re needed!

What are some of the lessons you learned as an Entrepreneur?
One of the lessons I’ve learned recently is that you have to allow yourself to make mistakes, and take whatever lesson comes from it. I now think of these lessons as an educational investment!

Got any advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs?
People can give you all the advice in the world, but you won’t understand until you’re living it. Listen to what everyone says and use those trinkets of advice in the future when you need them.

Take risks, and go with your gut. Your gut is always right!

What are your future goals?
My main goal is to get the word out that the right image consultant/stylist/style coach is out there to help you. We want to help people decipher the style world and find items that work specifically for them. No matter your budget, we can help you!

Startup Story: Tony Cerminara and Frank Mangione of Pusateri Fruit Market

Daniel Patricio — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:56:57 +0000

Name
Tony Cerminara & Frank Mangione

Company name
Pusateri Fruit Market

497 Church St., Toronto

info@pusateri.ca
http://www.pusateri.ca

What does your business do?
Pusateri Fruit Market is a fresh produce market and specialty grocer in the heart of the Church-Wellesley village. We carry top quality produce selected daily from the Ontario Food Terminal, and combine this with a wide array of specialty grocery items from the finest brands.

What makes your business different? What is that you do that makes your business unique?
The culture that envelopes our business make us unique. We are lucky enough to be a proud member of the Church-Wellesley village and embrace the idea of open minds and cultural acceptance. We love our clientèle, and they truly help shape who we are.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
In 2003, Frank Mangione a long time employee and son-in law of original owner Joe Pusateri became a Partner in the business. In November of 2007, after 41 years in the business, Joe Pusateri retired. At that time Frank Mangione brought on Tony Cerminara to be a partner in the business.

What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
First-hand interaction with our customers.

What’s the worst part of being and entrepreneur?
The long hours certainly take their toll, but loving what you do makes it easier.

How long have you been in business?
Since June 1966

Identify and discuss a few lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
We used to think our previous jobs were ‘hard work’, but nothing compares to the time and dedication running your own business requires.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
You must play to your strengths. Orient your career to your passions, and do what you love.

What are your goals and plans for the future?
Continuing to offer great customer service, and continuing to keep the store looking it’s best for our customers through steady renovations.

Connect with us on Twitter:
@PusateriFruit

Find a BizLaunch Seminar near you at http://bizlaunch.ca

Startup Story: Ivan Ho and FIT from Home

Daniel Patricio — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:53:30 +0000

Name
Ivan Ho

Company name
FIT from HOME INC

ivan@fitfromhome.ca
http://www.fitfromhome.ca/

What does your business do?
FIT from HOME INC. is a Canadian based company dedicated to helping people achieve their fitness goals by delivering fitness right to their doorstep. No gym memberships, no travelling, no waiting for equipments. We bring expertise, motivation, and results right to our clients, at the convenience and comfort of their own homes/workplace. We teach our clients how to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle by providing a personalized fitness program and nutrition counseling. Every workout with us is fun, safe and effective, we bring all necessary equipments, so all they have to do is wait for the doorbell to ring.

Our target market is everyone age 14 and up. But most our clientele will be mainly the baby boomers because they are the ones most vulnerable to health problems at their age and have the resources to enjoy our services. Our goal is to help all our clients reach their fitness goals, whether they are weight loss, muscle gain, sport specific, post-rehab, whatever it is, we can help them get there.

What makes your business different? What is that you do that makes your business unique?
What makes us unique is that we are passionate trainers who enjoy helping people succeed and not just in thsi business for money, and the prices we charge is very affordable compare to our competitors. We’re not looking to make quick money, our prices are cheaper because we offer our services in packages (monthly memberships). We work with our clients for longer duration so we can first help them lose the weight, then maintain that weight, and incorporate that into living a healthier and more active lifestyle in the long run. We don’t sell sessions, we sell RESULTS!

Why did you decide to start your own business?
I first got the idea last October when I was working at the gym and picked up a magazine (FITNESS BUSINESS CANADA) someone had left behind. Inside was an article about a Vancouver university graduate who had started his own in-home personal training company and gained huge success with it and in 2 years he began franchising. I was very insipired of what he did with his passion and turned it into something very successful, he was able to reach out to so many people that needed the help and was able to change their lives not just by himself but with other trainers as well. That’s when I began my own planning and decided to pursue a similar business here in Ontario. I did reserach on the market need for trainers, why people stop going to the gym, demographics in GTA, what’s thriving in the dustry in the US, etc)

What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best part is knowing that you’re doing something you have a passion for, something you truly care about, something that can provide for you and family. Every day at work doesn’t feel like work because you enjoy it and everyday is a learning experience. To most money may be the upside of it, and if one can make good money doing what he loves to do, then that’s just bonus. What is the most important thing to me is knowing I love what i do, i love helping people and now I’ve found a way to help as many as I can.

What’s the worst part of being and entrepreneur?
The worst part is thinking about your work when you’re sleeping, in the shower, eating, and when you’re with your girlfriend. It is hard to balance personal life and work when it is something you love doing and can’t stop. The eyebags and lack of sleep will catch up to you also.

How long have you been in business?
I’ve been personal training for 2 years but in terms of FIT from HOME INC – it started May 11,2009.

How did you raise the start-up cash?
Personal savings and Summer Company grant.

Identify and discuss a few lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
One thing is that you need to find the right people on your team and sometimes you meet individuals who may not be right for you. I had a run-in with a lawyer who I felt treated me unprofessionally because to her, I was too young (22) to know business and to afford her services, she felt like I was wasting her time. It was harsh at the time, but I’ve used that to motivate me to show everyone that I can succeed. Also money plays a huge factor in your own business and how you allocate your funds is very important, you need to make the right decisions when it comes to spending. Always look into areas where you can save money and spend wisely always, I’ve made some bad choices but now I have better control in my finances.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
Make sure it is something you have a passion for. And think and plan before every decision. Try writing things down and asking others for their opinions before going through with things. Seek others for help, especially experts and professionals, ask for free suggestions and advices. Look into government programs, there are many help out there, you just need to reach for it. And be positive, even when you hit a bump, just know that the road will get better. Somethings are out of your control, but if you steer into the right direction, you have a lot more control.

What are your goals and plans for the future?
I have short-term and long term-goals.
My short term goal is to have enough clients that I will be hiring other personal trainers by September.
My long term goal is to begin my first franchise one year from today. Further goal is to have a FIT from HOME personal trainer in every neigbourhood in Ontario. Then in Canada. Though my long term goal may not be achievable, it is something I will keep striving for.

My other goal is to also pursue other business opportunities outside of FIT from HOME with the revenue I generate. I’m an entrepreneur afterall, so I’m always intersted in other opportunities if profit is acheievable and the act is moral.

Find a BizLaunch Seminar near you at http://bizlaunch.ca

Startup Story: Justin Kozuch of Refresh Events

Daniel Patricio — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:05:54 +0000

Name
Justin Kozuch

Company name
Refresh Events

justin@refresh-events.ca
www.refresh-events.ca

What does your business do?
Refresh Events is a Toronto-based community organization initiative dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the interactive industry through affordable, accessible and relevant digital media programming. We provide designers, developers and other interactive types with a launching pad for connecting to others within the interactive community.

We hold gatherings at the Centre for Social Innovation on the 3rd Monday of each month. These events feature 6 Ignite presentations, as well as a guest speaker. Our gatherings are recorded and made available online (audio only for now, video coming soon!). We also serve free refreshments (beer/wine) at our monthly gatherings.

Our audience consists of web designers, web developers, information architects, flash designers/developers, motion graphic artists, managers, and creative directors, as well as entrepreneurs and a handful of superstars from Toronto’s interactive community. In other words, we encourage creative talents of all skill levels, streams of business and disciplines to participate through discussion, collaboration and the sharing of ideas.

What makes your business different? What is that you do that makes your business unique?
Refresh Events is focused on inspiring, educating and sparking dialogue through the organization of free or affordable events, open to all creative talents of all levels and disciplines within the interactive community. We don’t charge for admission to our monthly gatherings and we don’t charge for membership.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
Refresh was borne out of a need to provide the interactive community with a forum to discuss ideas, solve problems and help those in the community break out of their bubble and get to know some of their peers. It was also borne out of a passion for community organization and event design.

What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?

In the past 2 years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredibly talented and passionate people, and their successes have inspired me to work harder to reach that level of awesome.

I own my own success. I have a flexible work schedule with complete creative control.
Happiness. I am happiest working in an environment that I can control. Being an entrepreneur affords me that opportunity.

What’s the worst part of being and entrepreneur?
Nothing. Refresh has been incredibly fun, and I don’t expect that to change – ever!

How long have you been in business?
10 months

How did you raise the start-up cash?
Boot-strapped and self-funded, until Aquent sponsored the cost of refreshments at our monthly gatherings.

Identify and discuss a few lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
Never back down, never give up. Starting your own business is hard work. Push yourself to your limit, and you will never be unhappy!

Be passionate! People love those that show passion, it’s infectious and it shows you care.
Smile when you answer the phone. The person at the other end can hear it in your voice, and they will always respond positively!
What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
Market research is critical. Find out what others are doing, and how you can make your product/service offering different. Be innovative! Stand out from the pack!

What are your goals and plans for the future?

Build the Toronto community and make it sustainable.

Provide more tools on our site to build an online community.
Curate events in other Canadian cities.

This is only the beginning, we have so many more plans in store!

To find out more about Justin and Refresh Events take a look at www.refresh-events.ca

Find a BizLaunch Seminar near you at http://bizlaunch.ca