Fall 2019 Your Business Magazine

business

YOUR

FALL 2019 ISSUE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Scaling Up Growing Your Business

NETWORK LIKE A PRO

ADVOCACY

UPDATE

THE SMART COMMUTE

DIFFERENCE

Business owners: Get MORE!

For details, or to request a free quote, visit:

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CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE

19

04

Inside Track

Cover Story

05

Calendar

06

Behind the Scenes

07

Learn News, Knowledge & Insights Changing Behaviour Chamber Update

09

07 Making a Change

Connect Bridging Business & Community Smart Commute Member News Event Photos

15

Thrive Tips, Trends & Intel Networking Tips Town of Newmarket Update

17

Features Scaling Up Your Business

22

Members

15 Get Connected On the Cover: Boris Fong, Christine Moran, Jessica Rawlley and Anton Anneston grace this issue's cover which was shot at Hungry Brew Hops on Main St. These entrepreneurs discuss scaling up their businesses in our feature article. Turn to page 19 to read more.

NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SMART COMMUTE CENTRAL YORK STAFF

Tracy Walter

Chair, Bri-Ann Stuart

President & CEO

Oxford Properties Group/Upper Canada Mall

Program Services Jennifer Brien & Andrea Stephenson

Rosanne Antunes Event Manager

1st Vice Chair, Jim VanDusen NewRoads Automotive Group

Jennifer Buchanan Manager, Member Services

Secretary/Treasurer, Pierre Bonhomme Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Professional Accountants

Lori Clayton Office Manager Leslee Mason Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives Tyler Nakeff Program & Events Specialist Abdus Samad Manager, Government Relations & Policy Adam Soppelsa Research & Policy Analyst

YOUR

business

Past Chair, Joshua Campbell Knowledge Broker Real Estate

CONTACT US 470 Davis Drive (The Old Railway Station) Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P3 T: 905.898.5900 F: 905.853.7271 W: newmarketchamber.ca E: info@newmarketchamber.ca

Kyle Burgis Minken Employment Lawyers James Daigle Treefrog/Ubiqweus Carol Shirtliff-Hinds Shirtliff Hinds Law Neil Stratton The Black-Stratton Group at ScotiaMcLeod

Your Business is published quarterly by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.

To advertise: advertising@newmarketchamber.ca

INSIDE TRACK

growing up F or some people, being a solopreneur suits them just fine. For others, it’s merely a starting point. If you fall into the latter group, you’ll definitely want to check out this issue’s feature article. In it, writer Lalaa Comrie takes a look at the key issues and barriers business owners face when it comes to scaling up, and offers some straight talk from the experts. She also speaks to Newmarket-based entrepreneurs for some insight into what it takes to grow a business.

(Read the article on page 19.)

Small businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy and we need those businesses to succeed. But for many of them, navigating the ins and outs of entrepreneurialism can often mean hitting one roadblock after another.

Not surprisingly, funding is a huge issue and probably the number one thing most entrepreneurs spend their time chasing—at least

at some point in the life cycle of their business.

Typically, as a business grows, more funding becomes available but talk about a Catch-22.

How do you grow without an infusion of funds?

For some, a Canada Small Business Loan may be an option. For young entrepreneurs, there’s Futurpreneur and Summer Company while business owners of any age can access Starter Company Plus. The latter two programs are available through the York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC). Visit yorksmallbusiness.ca for more info.

Whatever the stage of business, it’s critical to maintain a good handle on your financials and stay tapped into the community around you.

You can’t access resources if you’re not aware they exist. Network, get to know what’s offered around you (StartUp York and the YSBEC are two terrific options), seek out mentors and those in the know.

And finally, connect with us at the Chamber. We offer a wealth of programs and events designed to help you and your business thrive. If you have a business-related question, there’s a good chance Leslee Mason, our Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives, can help you find the answer.

You can email her at leslee@ newmarketchamber.ca.

Tracy Walter President and CEO Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

A b i g t h a n k y o u t o o u r Pa r t n e r s PREMIER PARTNERS

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CORPORATE PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS For a list of all events, information and registration, visit newmarketchamber.ca/events

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 10 September Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | Silver Lakes Golf & Conference Centre SEPTEMBER 11 Energy Resource Sector Discussion 8:00-9:30 am | Cardinal Golf Course SEPTEMBER 11 Social Media Clinic: Analytics 12:00-1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce SEPTEMBER 19 LEARN Seminar Series: Value Ladders, Sales Funnels & Strategies 9:00-11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library

OCTOBER OCTOBER 9 Social Media Clinic: Engagement & Tricks for Getting More Followers 12:00-1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce OCTOBER 17 Business Excellence Awards 5:30-9:30 pm | The Manor, Event Venue OCTOBER 24 LEARN Seminar: Creating a Wicked Website 9:00-11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 5 Career Pathways Expo 9:00 am -4:00 pm | Newmarket Community Centre

NOVEMBER 12 November Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | Cardinal Golf Club NOVEMBER 13 Social Media Clinic: Generating Hashtags 12:00-1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

december DECEMBER 10 Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | Newmarket Community Centre DECEMBER 11 Social Media Clinic: Content Planning For 2020 12:00-1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce DECEMBER 11 Holiday Mix 'n' Mingle & AGM 5:30-7:30 pm | Cardinal RedCrest

ONGOING september 25, october 30, NOVEMBER 27 Member Orientations GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINES, 15TH OF EVERY MONTH Awesome Foundation Newmarket EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY Entrepreneurs In Motion Networking Group SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH Not-For-Profit Mastermind Group THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Mastermind Group

FEATURED EVENTS october 17 december 11 Business Excellence Awards Every fall, Newmarket’s business community comes together for the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards. Join us October 17th when we recognize businesses whose achievements or community involvement have made significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of the Town of Newmarket.

Early bird pricing of $160 per person for Chamber members, available until September 17th, 2019.

Register: newmarketchamber.ca/Business-Awards

Chamber Members’ AGM & Holiday Mix ‘n’ Mingle Save the date! The Chamber Members’ Annual General Meeting happens Thursday, December 11, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at RedCrest Golf Club. There are a few things to do at this members-only meeting before we get to the fun: Approve 2018 AGM minutes; Chair’s Report; President & CEO Report; Present the annual 2018-2019 financial statements; Elect the 2019-2020 Board of Directors; Appoint an auditor.

The AGM is followed by some holiday fun with our annual Mix ‘n’ Mingle. Register via our website at newmarketchamber.ca YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019

5

BEHIND THE SCENES

Get To Know The Newmarket Chamber

Neil Stratton

Director of Wealth Management, Scotiabank Q. What is your day job and what does it involve?

A. I’m a Director of Wealth Management with Scotiabank. I manage one of the largest Wealth Management teams for Scotiabank and assist High Net Worth Individuals with their financial planning and portfolio management.

Q. If you weren’t following this particular career path, what would you be doing?

A. I’ve worked my whole career in Wealth Management at Scotiabank. If I wasn’t doing this job,

BOARD

I would definitely be starting/running my own business. I’ve seen the sense of accomplishment that comes from having control of your own destiny and I would absolutely love the challenge of building my own business.

Q. What makes you laugh?

A. Without a question it’s my kids. They are so hilarious to me. I’ve loved watching them grow up and seeing the way they view the world. I laugh all the time when I’m around them.

Adam Soppelsa

Research & Policy Analyst Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you? (Or wouldn’t guess.)

A. Given my fairly prominent British accent, most people don’t know that I’m originally German.

Q. What’s your favourite quote or motto?

A. My favourite motto is ‘Audere est Facere’ or ‘to dare is to do.’ (It’s the UK Tottenham Hotspur Football Club motto.)

Q. What makes you laugh?

A. A number of things, but I’m a pretty big Monty Python fan.

STAFF

Q. Name one thing on your bucket list.

A. Play the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Q. If you could easily pack up and relocate, where would you move and why?

A. If I could pack and move anywhere it’d be back to Melbourne… purely for the food.

Christine Frigo, Enterpreneurs in Motion Chair

Sales Representative, Keller Williams Realty Centres, Brokerage Q. Name one thing on your bucket list.

A. I’d like to spend a night looking at all the stars in the night sky in the Sahara Desert. Camel required.

Q. If you could easily pack up and relocate, where would you move and why?

A. Tuscany, Italy. The rolling hills, food, aromas, the culture; the closest piece of heaven on earth.

Q. Best thing about your job?

A. The look on clients' faces when we exceed their expectations.

VOLUNTEER

Q. What’s the one piece of advice you wished you had received early in your career?

A. To focus on the journey and not the destination. You are going to go exactly where you want to go.

Why not enjoy the ride?

Q. What makes you laugh?

A. A good Comedy Club show, a great story with a hilarious ending, and Italian grandmothers.

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newmarketchamber.ca

LEARN

News, Knowledge & Insights

MAKING A CHANGE

c

hanging behaviour can be the key to tackling many of the challenges we face in today’s society, but anyone who has ever made a New Year’s resolution knows all too well how difficult it can be to follow through. Use less plastic, drive less, eat healthier, exercise more—it all sounds so

Pre-contemplation • Nah, that’s not for me • Denial Contemplation • Well, maybe I do need to do something.

• Let’s just think about that.

• Am I ready to make a change?

By Jennifer Brien

simple. (That is, until someone brings a cake into the office!) Forming new habits requires time, commitment and effort and recognizing that it’s a process can be the first step to success. One of the most popular models of behaviour change is the transtheoretical (TTM) model developed

in the 1980s. TTM is based around the idea that there are five stages of change (see below for a brief snapshot of each).

The next time you want to make a change, consider where you’re at it in the process and if at first you don’t succeed, don’t be too hard on yourself, just try try again!

Preparation • Ok, what do I need to do now?

• Let’s do some research.

• Set some goals and think about small steps you can make to change.

Maintenance (Six months in) • I’m doing it!

• Just keep going.

• Resist temptation to revert back into old habits.

Action • Let’s do this!

Source: Why behavior change is hard - and why you should keep trying; health.harvard.edu

hERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN TRY

TO MAKE A CHANGE STICK

1. Make the change itself fun and something you can get excited about.

2. Try taking small, tiny achievable steps. The small wins create momentum to keep you moving towards your goal.

3. Remove obstacles that might get in your way. Make things as easy as possible. Tap and pay…need we say more?!

Speaking of behaviour change, did you know Smart Commute Central York is affecting real change in our community? Turn to page 9 to discover some of its impacts in the community.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019

7

LEARN

read on for a Chamber update!

Looking for new talent?

When it comes to finding your next team member, local is where it’s at. Our Job Board can help.

Located on the Chamber’s website, job listings stay up until you tell us to take them down, and get promoted weekly on social media. The Job Board is included with your Chamber membership. Email leslee@newmarketchamber.ca for details.

On Advocacy This year has seen a lot of wins on our advocacy efforts and we’re especially proud of one which has been a major issue for our car dealerships. In case you weren’t aware, the Newmarket Chamber has long pushed for the digitization of licensing of new cars sold at dealerships. After a successful two years of advocacy on this issue, the Minister of Transportation introduced legislation that was adopted by the Ontario Legislature which will remove the need for automotive dealership employees to physically attend a Service Ontario office to complete licensing and registration transactions. This will save Ontario’s new car dealers time and money and remove an unnecessary piece of red tape for dealerships.

Our work isn’t always visible and sometimes, it takes years for our efforts to be realized but this is a clear example of how your Chamber is continuing to push for policies that ensure a business competitive environment for members.

Starting your own business?

Discover all

that we offer

The Chamber has teamed up with Ownr to help.

Ownr offers an easy and convenient way for entrepreneurs to register or incorporate their business online. The service is affordable and can get you started for a fraction of what a lawyer may cost. Ownr also offers a logo creation tool, to help you create a custom brand. Get $50 off the cost of business registration. Visit newmarketchamber. ca/ownr to get started.

Chamber member? Take advantage of a wide variety of exclusive member programs, including the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, BombBomb Video Marketing, a UPS Members Benefit Program and so much more.

These programs are available to all personnel (owners, managers and staff). You also have access to a broad range of savings programs negotiated by the provincial and national Chamber organizations on behalf of all members. Get a refresh on all that we offer. Join us at one of our monthly orientations, book a one-on-one consultation or visit newmarketchamber.ca/savings-programs for more info.

95,000

The average number of businesses that were created every year between 2010 and 2015 in Canada.

Source: Key Small Business Statistics, January 2019; ic.gc.ca

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CONNECT

Bridging Business & Community

smart commute – Smart Community!

Because no one wants to be stuck in traffic!

S

ince 2007, Smart Commute Central York (SCCY) has been helping people discover active and sustainable travel choices, such as cycling, walking, carpooling and public transit. Check out some of its impressive impacts to date.

Employees at Smart Commute workplaces drive to work alone 19.2 % less than the average GTHA commuter. They also:

cycle 140% more

In the past two years, the percentage of employees at SCCY workplaces driving alone to work has decreased from 77.1% to 70.5%! *

Walk Take carpool 45% transit 45% 32% more more more Look around the next time you’re stuck in traffic. How many empty seats do you see? Remember you’re not stuck in traffic, you are the traffic!

Just what the doctor ordered Getting to GO Since partnering with Smart Commute in 2009, the number of Southlake Regional Health Centre staff who drive alone to work has decreased from 82% to 66% reducing traffic in the community and freeing up valuable parking for patients and families.

As a matter of ‘fact’ Have you ever thought about how much time you spend in your car? Did you know: A ½ hour one-way commute five days a week = 240 hours or 30 work days spent in your car per year. That’s six weeks!

It’s all fun and games

’til you’re stuck in traffic According to the 2016 Transportation Master Plan, York Region is expected to grow by 630,000 people (almost eight times the size of Newmarket) and 325,000 jobs by 2041. Given that transportation continues to be the number one concern, now more than ever we all need to consider alternate ways of getting around.

We can help! Drop us a line at info@sccy.ca

*Based on 1,578 employee responses from the SCCY member businesses who participated in the 3rd annual Smart Commute Month survey

SCCY completed a two-year project (2017-2018) which included personalized travel planning, station outreaches and awareness campaigns that encouraged GO train riders to consider other ways of getting to the station. As a result, drive alone travel to the station decreased by 9%.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019

9

CONNECT

Congratulations to our Finalists!

W

hen it comes to business, Newmarket has so much to celebrate. It was with that in mind that we announced the finalists for the Chamber’s 2019 Business Excellence Awards at a reception held at H.J. Pfaff Volkswagen. An annual celebration of vision and the entrepreneurial spirit, the Awards recognize business achievement, leadership and community involvement in the Town of Newmarket. Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala on Thursday, October 17th at The Manor. In the meantime, please join us in congratulating the following finalists: Employer of the Year Solutions360 Southlake Regional Health Centre Vince’s Market

Entrepreneur of the Year Anil Abrol, Eco Guardian Jennifer Hoskin, Gaining Ground Counselling Services Mariam Ekram, KOA Natural Foods

Innovation of the Year

Large Business of the Year AEC Daily Buckley Insurance Brokers H.J. Pfaff Volkswagen

DeafBlind Ontario Services Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation St. John Ambulance – York Region

Manufacturer of the Year

Professional Services of the Year

Celestica Eco Guardian Mars Canada

Honsberger Physio+ Knowledge Broker Real Estate Downsizing Diva

New Business of the Year Small Business of the Year

Completely Managed Inc. InternationalSafety.com Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd.

Design Smart Interiors iLoveKickboxing Sunnyside Grill

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Not-for-Profit of the Year

Cachet Supper Club iStage & Organize OrangeTheory Fitness

Young Professional of the Year Ashleigh Eldridge, Needham Promotions Greg Moulton, Matrix of Motion Joe Derochie, OrangeTheory Fitness

Can’t make it to the event?

Don’t worry—we’ll be updating our social media feeds all night. You’ll miss a great party, but you won’t have to wait to hear who won!

CONNECT

member news Kudos to…

Photography by Larry Arnal, Arnal Photography.

Crypto Escape Rooms on Stellar Drive.

Katherine Porath (left) of Katherine Joy Interiors.

From left, Giancarlo Trimarchi (Partner at Vince's Market) with Nigel Oliver, Management Team.

Crypto Escape Rooms for receiving a 2019 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor.

The company, which first opened in 2000, offers registered massage therapy, Bioflex laser therapy as well as Osteopathy.

Katherine Porath of Katherine Joy Interiors for taking home three awards at the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada awards gala held in late spring. Along with a Gold in the Universal Kitchen or Bath category, and a Silver for Interior Decorating under $45K, Katherine also received the 2019 Pinnacle, a people’s choice award for best interior decorating project.

Upper Canada-Oxford Properties for receiving an ICSC 2019 MAXI Award. The company took home Gold for Marketing Excellence for the launch of Market & Co. Newmarket-based RC Design is the agency behind the beautiful design work.

Newmarket Massage Therapy on their new bigger location, opening October 1st at 16700 Bayview Avenue, suite 208.

Vince’s Market on receiving the prestigious Retailer of the Year Award at the DCI Star Awards in June. The small footprint fresh food retail chain was also recognized in 2018 and 2017 as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

Christine Elliott MPP - Newmarket-Aurora

16635 Yonge Street, Unit 22, Newmarket, ON L3X 1V6 905-853-9889 1-800-211-1881 905-853-6115 Christine.Elliottco@pc.ola.org www.christineelliottmpp.ca YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019 11

CONNECT

Events There’s always something going on at the Chamber. Check out what we’ve been up to ❚ Regional Chair’s Luncheon

Bri-Ann Stuart (Board Chair) with Kyle Burgis (Board Director).

Kyle Burgis, Bri-Ann Stuart, Tracy Walter, Regional Chair Wayne Emmerson, Mayor John Taylor, Laura Mirabella, Doug Lindeblom and Luke Scott.

STAND OUT. Looking to promote your company or organization in Newmarket?

Councillor Tom Vegh with Regional Chair Wayne Emmerson.

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CONNECT ❚ Annual Members’ BBQ

Stephanie Dyriw, Liz Cripps and Jessica Rawlley.

Evert Akkerman and Richard Mewhinney.

find us on: YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019 13

CONNECT ❚ Annual Members’ BBQ

Javed Khan, Mayor John Taylor and Neil Stratton.

Ryah Lopizzo, Jaimie Park, Trish Riswick and Joshua Campbell with items for the Newmarket Food Pantry.

MP Kyle Peterson with Heather Cairns-Mills and Brad Jones.

Bookkeeping Shouldn’t Be this Exciting

James Daigle, Jennifer Walker and Kim Bridge.

Tracy Walter, Jane Ramos and Dallas de Wolde.

York Region’s Full-Service

Bookkeeping & Payroll Specialists Mobile Accounting Solutions Virtual Receipt Inbox Free consultation

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THRIVE

Tips, Trends & Intel

geT connected Networking events are a staple for all business communities. The trick to success is knowing how to navigate them. With these tips, you’ll be a networking pro in no time

By Sahil Asthana

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ESTABLISH A NETWORKING GOAL Networking is about expanding your business connections, developing relationships and exchanging knowledge with like-minded professionals.

Before an event, set some networking goals— like meeting at least three new people. Goals are a great way to help you stay focused and motivated while making new contacts and strengthening existing relationships.

make introductions Try to introduce each new person you meet to at least one other person. This not only helps strengthen your network, but also expands the network of others as well.

By developing a reputation for helping other people, you also build and strengthen your own professional credibility.

Arrive Early Resist the temptation to be fashionably late and arrive early instead. Walking into a half-filled room is typically less stressful for most people than one that’s already packed. It’s easier to find people to connect with if groups have not already formed and it also gives you a chance to introduce yourself to the organizers.

exchange business cards Have business cards on hand to exchange with those you have meaningful conversations with.

Write a quick note or additional contact information on the card so it stands out for the other person. Jot down the date and event name on the cards you receive to later jog your memory about where a particular connection was made.

listen actively Don’t just talk about yourself.

Use your conversations with new people as a learning opportunity by listening and asking open-ended questions. Take a genuine interest in what people say and use their names in the conversation to build rapport. People remember those who leave a good impression and take the time to develop a real connection.

follow up Follow up with new business connections you wish to maintain with timely emails to reinforce your conversation, pass on information, or arrange a future meeting. (Never use follow up emails to sell your service or product.) Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, are another way to continue to build a positive relationship.

Prepare a 30 to 60 second “elevator pitch” to explain who you are and what your business does.

Keep it concise, conversational and easy to remember.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019 15

expert advice? breaking news? today’s top stories?

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THRIVE

from the

town of newmarket Elizabeth Bryan discusses the Financial Incentive Program, an initiative which has played a key role in re-invigorating Newmarket’s Main Street South

The Financial Incentive Program has played an important role in re-invigorating Newmarket’s Main Street South.

D

owntown Newmarket has sure changed a lot over the years. What was once a Quaker settlement and trading post is now a bustling, trendy downtown with amazing retail shops and restaurants. It’s become a first choice dining option for many people as well as a place to gather to relax, enjoy the outdoors and catch up with friends. The downtown Newmarket of today is a historic restaurant district that offers everything from world-class burgers served alongside a local pint, to locally roasted coffees to be enjoyed while shopping at local gems like the Neon Flamingo Emporium.

Restaurant owners such as Boris Fong, have taken a shine to downtown Newmarket—so much so that Boris has opened three restaurants within a stone’s throw of one another. His restaurants, including Hungry Brew Hops, each serve up something a little different but equally delicious. (Read more about him and his businesses on page 19.)

It’s not just restaurants, of course, that has made the area such an attractive destination. Many other things have come together to create this vibe in the downtown core, including investment and dedication by former councils who saw the benefit of creating amenities like the outdoor, public play and meeting space at Riverwalk Commons. This, along with the vision of local historians, committees and staff persons who were able to see a way forward for this part of town while still celebrating the historic attributes of this former trading community has made it into a vibrant neighbourhood that has been featured in publications such as Foodism Toronto and blogTO. The Financial Incentive Program has been a major aspect of the reinvigoration of the downtown core. This program provides matching funding (up to certain caps) to businesses and/or building owners to improve or restore their building’s

The area is a popular year-round destination.

facade and interior structural attributes. The program sees a private to public investment ratio of over 3:1. It provides a small amount of funding that allows business owners, entrepreneurs and landlords to invest in the downtown and keep the historic charm alive and well. Many local businesses and entrepreneurs have accessed these funds and the change has been significant over the last 15 years as business owners restored the historic facades of their buildings to their former glory and re-imagined what the inside of a downtown Newmarket business could look like.

The program accepts applicants all year long and is available for any businesses or building owners in the Community Improvement Plan Area (Main St., from Water to Davis and along Davis between Niagara and Charles). For more information, please contact Elizabeth Bryan at the Town’s Economic Development office.

Elizabeth Bryan is the Business Development Specialist in Economic Development with the Town of Newmarket. Elizabeth welcomes questions and comments on this article as well as suggestions for future blog posts. To reach Elizabeth directly please call 905-953-5131 ext. 3 or email ebryan@newmarket.ca.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019 17

Treefrog: The Digital Transformation Agency

“

We can help you rethink your use of technology to unlock unrealized business potential.

Sean Stephens, Treefrog CEO

”

How can my business transform?

Web Design & Development

Digital Marketing

Branding & Design

Hosting & Infrastructure

Mobile App Development

Web Application Development

IoT & Artificial Intelligence

Product Development

Augmented & Virtual Reality

At Treefrog Inc., we like to shake things up, think outside the box, and go beyond. In other words, we believe that there’s deep value in breaking down the walls of traditional marketing, modernization and use of disruptive technologies. We’re dedicated to sparking those “I never knew this was possible” moments.

Do you need a Marketing tune-up?

Treefrog is hosting an interactive one-day workshop which will give you the tools to execute a marketing plan that will drive sales. You will leave with: • A digital marketing plan that includes defined business goals • Audience personas • Competitors review in the digital space • Key performance indicators

• A tactical strategy to employ digital marketing in ways that are relevant and realistic for your business, that you can implement immediately

Dates: Sept. 18 or Oct. 9 from 9:30am to 4:30pm | Info: www.treefrog.ca/treefrog-digital-bootcamp

Chamber Member Savings!

Save an extra $300 by calling Olivia at 905-836-4442 ext. 101 and mention this ad.

(Online registrations do not qualify for the extra discount)

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www.treefrog.ca Advertorial

FEATURE

To Scale

or not to scale

By Lalaa Comrie

In many respects scaling a business is like climbing Mount Everest—many want to but not everyone has what it takes to reach the summit.

In essence, your scalability is the ability to maintain your performance and quality as your business grows. Being scalable means you’ve got what it takes to attract great talent, investors, clients and potentially even buyers for your business.

Experts and business owners agree that the first thing to do when scaling is to nail down who you are and what you do, nail it down completely. When trouble comes knocking (and it will), your vision for your business remains crystal clear.

Left to right: Anton Annestan, Christine Moran and Jessica Rawlley with Boris Fong, owner of Hungry Brew Hops (pictured here).

TIMING IS EVERYTHING There are no shortcuts or magic formulas when it comes to scaling up. Business Consultant and Co-lead of Start Up York, Lucas Chang explains that one of the key contributors to failure is scaling too soon and the lack of scalability of the business.

“Timing is everything when it comes to growing your business,” says Chang.

“You have to be aware and realistic about what’s going on in your business and form a plan for growth from where you are.”

For restaurant owner Boris Fong, the need to scale came after the whopping success of his

first restaurant, Hungry Brew Hops, located in the heart of Newmarket’s Main Street.

The restaurant is the first gastropub in the area and serves an assortment of beers and tasty pub-style foods. Even at 2 pm on a weekday the restaurant is bustling, filled with dozens of happy diners who crowd the sunYOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019 19

FEATURE

Boris Fong, owner of Hungry Brew Hops, Lil' Brew Hops and HopBop Noodle Shop.

drenched patio and big open dining room.

After 20 years in the restaurant business, Fong opened Hungry Brew Hops in February of 2014. Just a few years later, he followed its success with Lil’ Brew Hops right next door. On its heels (and just across the street) came HopBop Noodle Shop, which serves up a tasty twist on noodle bowls, rice dishes and Asian street food. Fong scaled and he scaled quickly. Today, he employs over 90 people during the peak season.

FUNDING CAN BE CRITICAL Fong says he had many challenges from the very beginning, mortgaging his family home in order to open his first restaurant, and undergoing a huge renovation on the historical building which houses Hungry Brew Hops.

“It was a big gamble,” says Fong.

“Thankfully, it paid off.”

While Fong's first restaurant funded the other two, the majority of businesses don’t have that option and instead must find ways to secure capital for their scaling venture.

So how do you get from $10 to $10,000 or even 10 million? Odds are businesses don’t have that type of money laying around. The key to accessing capital is to be as informed as possible about what is available, according to Deborah Jardine, Business Centre 20 newmarketchamber.ca

Manager at the Business Development Bank of Canada, the only financial institution devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. “Speak to your advisors, your accountant, your bankers. Seek out resources that promote small business growth,” says Jardine. “Banks want to know that you are a good risk.”

While working out the funding was important for Fong, finding the right time to grow the business was equally important.

How did he know it was the right time? Fong attributes his rapid growth to his customers, listening to what they wanted and providing it.

“I always knew that we would scale the business,” he says. “Knowing the right time to grow was all about listening to the community and being ready. Turns out that even when we thought it was the right time it really wasn’t.”

Fong opened restaurant number three 18 months ago and at the same time that he and his wife welcomed their first child.

It’s no surprise that he doesn’t recommend having a newborn and opening a restaurant at the same time! But the demand was there from the community and he felt he needed to strike while the iron was hot.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SYMPTOMS According to Chang, customer demand is one of the key indicators of a business’ scalability.

“Often times your customers will tell you when it’s time to scale,” says Chang.

“Then sometimes you have to pay attention to the symptoms that are taking place in your business—there are many factors that can be an indication.”

For starters, one of the elements to look for is whether your business is a thriving one.

That was definitely the case with TIEIT, a cloud-based application that helps organizations improve the customer journey. TIEIT enables an organization to manage the many aspects of their business in one application from lead management to marketing, invoicing, scheduling and more. With all this data in one application, TIEIT can provide users with important insights to take their business to the next level. The company was founded by Jessica Rawlley and Anton Annestan.

When they launched in 2016, TIEIT’s main focus was to assist the small business owner—the person wearing 10 different hats— to help them be more efficient and automate

Jessica Rawlley and Anton Annestan launched TIEIT in 2016.

their tasks. Since then, TIEIT has diversified to service the needs of a wide array of businesses in size and industry, including larger enterprises and government organizations, with most clients being in the U.S.

FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS TIEIT is in the process of taking the business to the next level which means more resources and a bigger team for them.

“From day one, we’ve been customer funded,” says Rawlley, Head of Growth.

“But now as we move forward, we’re meeting with mentors to learn from them to navigate investment opportunities and strategically hire the right team members with specific expertise as we continue to scale.”

According to Jardine, hiring an expert is a smart and diligent way to take your business to the next level. “It’s difficult to be an expert at everything,” says Jardine. “You will have needs as you go through the growth stages and that’s where different experts can shed light and provide information you might miss.”

For TIEIT, the need to scale has been driven by customer demand. The company has a distributed team, made up of 15 team members, and as they continue to expand, its founders recognize attracting the right talent is as key for growth.

BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION While some businesses seem to quickly take on a momentum of their own, for others scaling is a process that happens over time.

That’s been the experience for Christine Moran, a Homeopath and Registered

FEATURE

Getting Help wearing multiple hats. According to BDC, as a business grows many things can get overlooked but failing to properly plan for growth can hurt them in the long run.

“We use the analogy of building a house,” says Jardine. “You need to start with the foundation for your company—it is your willingness to grow. You also need a plan, it doesn’t need to be complicated but it needs to exist.”

BDC and many banks have a business plan template on their website, and BDC offers entrepreneurs a wide range of Dr. Anita Moosavi, ND, seen here with Christine Moran, is one support, including advisory support of several practitioners who work out of Harmony House on and strategic planning.

“We help Eagle Street. entrepreneurs set the goal of where they want to be and help them get Holistic Nutritionist who launched there,” says Jardine. “The three essential Harmony House Wellness in 2014. elements businesses should consider are the “The process of growing from a single people, the money and the marketing.” practitioner office to a multi-practitioner clinic happened over approximately two years but is still ongoing and continuously BE AS INFORMED AS POSSIBLE changing,” says Moran who notes without a While their journey and outlook on scaling strong business plan, it would be very difficult vary, these entrepreneurs agree the most to keep up. “When I moved my practice important part of their scaling journey is to Newmarket from Toronto I made many providing for the community they serve. mistakes and rushed the process,” she says.

Another key? Being as informed as possible.

“Because of that I had to redo and rebuild “Just talking to other business owners has really a lot but that gave me the opportunity to helped during the process,” says Moran. “I also do it right and come back stronger.” used the Newmarket Chamber as well as the That experience is a common one for many York Small Business Enterprise Centre and the business owners—especially when they’re information they provided was invaluable.”

These are just a few of the organizations in York Region that provide local businesses with a variety of resources.

To see more, visit newmarketchamber.ca/ business-resources:

BDC (bdc.ca) A financial institution owned by the Government of Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) actively supports the development and growth of small and medium-sized businesses through its complementary financial, investment and consulting solutions. BDC serves SMEs through a Canada-wide network of over 90 branches.

Startup York (http://startupyork. wixsite.com/website) Startup York is a community of business owners in York Region, which hosts events for entrepreneurs to meet and share. They also connect businesses with organizations that can help them grow.

York Small Business Enterprise Centre (yorksmallbusiness.ca) The York Small Business Enterprise Centre, (YSBEC) provides support to start-ups and companies with less than 10 employees in the northern six York Region municipalities, including Newmarket. It offers oneon-one consultations, business plan development, entrepreneurship programs, free seminars, resources and more.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2019 21

MEMBERS

Extracurricular

MEMBERSHIP

The start of a new school year is a great opportunity to delve into some extracurricular fun. Here are just some of the options in the Newmarket area.

The following companies are celebrating anniversaries as Chamber members.

Thanks for being part of the Newmarket Chamber!

Activities FOR KIDS Brad Jones Martial Arts & Fitness bradjoneskarate.com Brad Jones Karate Do is a traditional JKA Shotokan Karate dojo located on Main St. In addition to JKA Shotokan Karate training, older teens can take classes in aikido, fitness kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, tai chi, kendo, kali and zen meditation. For the younger set, there’s Junior Karate (ages 8–13) and Tiny Tigers (5–7). Call for info.

CDA Dance Academy M2M cdadanceacademy.com Get the kids moving at CDA Dance Academy where they offer beginner and advanced recreational, competitive and performing programs for ages two and up. Featuring more than 4,000 square feet of studio space, CDA is newly renovated with a fully equipped ballet studio and a parents’ waiting area with TV monitor screens for viewing.

Member to Member Discount: Chamber Members skip the $50 registration fee, PLUS save 5% on your yearly dance fees.

STEM Minds stemminds.com Kids and youth ages 4 to 14 will love the wide range of fun and educational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs at STEM Minds in Aurora. Programs for ages 8-14 include Coding and Robotics, Video Game Design. App Development and more!

22 newmarketchamber.ca

For the youngest engineers ages 4-7, program include Robotics 101, Little Computer Engineers, Junior STEM Club and more. Through hands-on, playbased experiential learning opportunities students build the skills they need for success in the 21st century while having fun!

The Arts Music Store theartsmusicstore.com From drums to the banjo to the ukulele and piano, you’ll find plenty of lesson options at the Arts Music Store on Eagle St. Each private session is 30 minutes in length. With no registration fee and lessons starting and stopping on your schedule, it's an easy and convenient way to explore music making.

The Piano Studio thepianostudio.com Despite its name, you’ll find plenty of instrument options at The Piano Studio where kids six and up can take private lessons that are 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length between Monday and Saturday.

Group lessons are available for little ones between 4–5 years of age. Look for them at 17665 Leslie St. just north of Davis Drive.

milestones 20 YEARS Sherman Renovations The UPS Store #21

15 YEARS Casey Accounting Services Eric W. Holt & Associates Financial Services Inc. Gateway Casinos Innisfil Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area JV’s Produce Paradise Vasken Jewellers

10 YEARS CDA Dance Academy Inc. Flightdeck Solutions Inc. Keller Williams Realty Centres, Brokerage Minken Employment Lawyers Pace Credit Union Picamix.ca Simone Performance Tangles Hair Salon & Spa The Alps Group The York Communications Inc.

5 YEARS David Schembri Design-Associates Inc. Domain Design Inc. Horizon Tax Services Inc. Liptons Audio Video Unlimited MRJ Financial Solutions Newmarket Minor Softball Association Pedi N Nails The Arts Music Store The Uptop Shop Videocamguy York Professional Pet Sitting York Region Food Network

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