Using social media for community outreach is a strategy that can be effective for small businesses in Canada . Here are some tips for small businesses looking to use social media to improve their community outreach:
Use Location-Based Hashtags: Small businesses can use location-based hashtags to reach a wider audience on social media. For example, a small business in Toronto could use hashtags like #TorontoBusiness or #SupportLocalToronto to connect with potential customers in the area.
Leverage Canadian Holidays: Canadian holidays such as Canada Day and Thanksgiving can be a great opportunity for small businesses to connect with their local community on social media. By creating themed content and promotions, small businesses can show that they are proud to be Canadian and celebrate the holidays with their customers.
Showcase Canadian Products: Many small businesses in Canada offer unique products that are made in Canada. Showcasing these products on social media can help to attract customers who are interested in supporting local businesses and buying Canadian-made products.
Collaborate with other Canadian small business: Collaborating with other small businesses across Canada can help to expand your social media reach and build a sense of community among small business owners. You can share each other’s post, exchange information and create a sense of camaraderie.
Connect with Canadian influencers: There are many Canadian influencers who have large followings on social media. Small businesses in Canada can reach out to these influencers to see if they would be interested in promoting their products or services. This can be a great way to get the word out about your business to a large audience.
Another strategy is to use social media to share customer testimonials and reviews. This can help to build trust and credibility for your business, and also attract new customers by showcasing the positive experiences of others.
Small businesses can also use social media to create a sense of community and connection with their customers by hosting virtual events, such as webinars or Q&A sessions. This can be a great way to build engagement and provide value to your customers.
Starting a business can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially when managing your finances. Here are some tips to help you manage your finances effectively in the early stages of your business!
1. Develop a Budget
Creating a budget is a crucial step in managing your finances. It allows you to track your income and expenses and see where you can make adjustments to save money. A budget can also help you identify areas where you may need to invest more money to grow your business.
A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went”
-Dave Ramsey
2. Control Your Expenses
In the early stages of your business, it’s important to keep your expenses as low as possible. Look for ways to save money, such as negotiating better rates with suppliers or finding ways to reduce your overhead costs.
Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
-President John F. Kennedy
3. Use Financial Tools
There are many financial tools and resources available that can help you manage your finances effectively. For example, you can use accounting software to track your income and expenses or use a budgeting app to help you stick to your financial plan.
The bad news is time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot”
-Michael Altshule
4. Seek Professional Advice
If you’re not sure how to manage your finances, consider seeking the advice of a professional, such as an accountant or a financial planner. They can help you develop a financial plan that meets the needs of your business and help you navigate any challenges you may face along the way.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that everyday. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new.”
-President Barack Obama
By following these tips, you can better manage your finances in the early stages of your business and set yourself up for success in the long run! Comment what you think below!
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many small businesses in Canada struggling to keep their heads above water. Now that provinces are starting to open, it’s time for business owners to take control of their destiny. We’re here to help you by providing 5 tips on how your small business can succeed post-pandemic!
1. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Although the past 2 years have been rough, we can be grateful that Canada is beginning to open up again. When running your business, a positive attitude will directly correlate to positive results. Look at your situation as an opportunity to be creative and innovative. Savings are at an all-time high due to the pandemic, and customers are ready to spend! As Bobby Unser once said, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”
– bobby unser
2. Network with Other Businesses
Building relationships through networking is one of the best things you can do for your business post-pandemic. By creating a network, in person or online, you’ll gain valuable insight into how other small business owners are surviving and thriving post-pandemic – plus it’s always great to have something in common! A large part of maintaining a healthy business is the connections it makes through professional networks. For example, if COVID-19 forced you to lay off employees permanently (or temporarily), there are many groups dedicated specifically towards helping employers find new jobs for their discharged workers; this kind of assistance could benefit both parties involved! Check out local Facebook groups and online forums in your area to find small business owners who are already part of a network, and then reach out if they seem like a good fit.
3. Keep Track of Expenses/Income
Keeping accurate records of your expenses and income will help tremendously when applying for relief-related grants post-pandemic. Additionally, maintaining this information will ensure that all relevant income and expenses are accounted for when filing taxes, which can become tedious and expensive without proper records.
As COVID-19 continues to stir uncertainty and impact small businesses across Canada, our grant search tool is a valuable resource for those seeking relief or monetary funding. Our simple, free database has over 300 grants ready for applications and can save you hours of searching on the web.
4. Be Flexible in Business Operations
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that life (and business) is truly unpredictable and full of surprises. Being open to new ideas as well as trying out different approaches such as expanding distribution channels through e-commerce, or increasing production will ensure that your business continues to thrive regardless of socio-economic conditions. Through digital channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and your own website, you can improve your business marketing operations and attract new consumers.
5. Utilize Government Resources
In addition to COVID-19 relief grants, there are a few other funding programs available for small business owners who want to strengthen their businesses. For example, the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) can help you if you’re looking for financing and working capital support. The CSBFP provides loans of up to $500,000 with terms ranging from one month to five years at an interest rate that is usually lower than commercial rates. If your business is in a remote or rural area, CO-QUEBEC is offering up to $100,000 in matching funds that will be used towards new equipment and machinery purchases. There are numerous government programs that may provide financial aid, loans, marketing support, or help. All you have to do is search! Luckily, with our FREE grant search tool, you can find grants that your business is eligible for in a matter of minutes. You can learn more about CSBFP and CO-QUEBEC, using our search tool here.
Conclusion
Being a small business owner can be hard enough without the COVID-19 pandemic. But it doesn’t have to feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle anymore. In this article, we’ve provided 5 tips that will help ensure your company’s success during this difficult time for Canada’s economy as a whole. Our team of volunteers is here to help you succeed in a digital age through our grant-finding tools, resources, and services. We’ve helped many Canadian businesses grow by providing them access to government resources, and connecting them with other entrepreneurs – so let us know what we can do for you today!
