Oh, Canada! 4 Reasons to Start a Business Here

Launching a business in Canada carries many advantages

By ROGER PIERCE

Canada is well known for its beautiful landscapes, clean water and diverse wildlife. We are respected around the world as a nation of warm and friendly people. It’s no wonder Canada is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to live.

But there’s more to love about Canada: We are a nation that makes it inviting to start a business.

Consider these four reasons to launch a company in this great country of ours.

1. Our diversity breeds business. Over 250,000 newcomers choose Canada as their home each year. Immigrants create exciting business opportunities because they bring ideas and products from their country of origin that Canada may not otherwise get to enjoy. And, they bring their connections – creating new opportunities for international trade.

2. Our governments support startups. Entrepreneurs here can access programs, tax credits, resources, training and services worth billions of dollars that are available from our municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. BizPal.ca, for example, makes it easy for startups to cut through the red tape associated with opening a business by streamlining the business permit and licensing process.

3. Entrepreneurship is in our blood. With approximately 100,000 businesses starting up each year and almost 20% of our working population now self-employed, it’s safe to say Canadians like being their own boss. To support this hot career choice, thousands of small business groups have sprung up to help us get connected, share resources and learn from one another.

4. There’s a big customer next door. Our close proximity to the United States gives our entrepreneurs access to one of the largest markets in the world – and a distinct advantage over business owners operating elsewhere. The short distance between our most populous centres and US customers makes it easy and affordable to ship products and supply services.

It’s hard to believe a country already this good just keeps getting better.

Happy Small Business Month!