Articles
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Commercial discipline in M&A: The best practices to drive real value
M&A can accelerate growth, but only with the right discipline. Learn the strategic, commercial, and operational practices that drive real value.
May 04, 2026 – 6 minutes -
What are financial statements?
Understand the importance of financial statements to help you manage your business, pursue business opportunities, and become a more informed investor.
April 30, 2026 – 7 minutes -
How to get a mortgage when self-employed: A complete guide
Discover what you need to get a mortgage when self-employed, including income requirements, necessary documentation, and other strategies to improve your approval odds.
April 28, 2026 – 5 minutes -
Top tips for managing your business’s seasonal cash flow
Master seasonal cash flow management with expert strategies for budgeting, financing, and overall planning.
April 28, 2026 – 8 minutes -
Is equipment leasing right for my small business?
Consider whether leasing equipment is the best option for your SME, based on your business model and cash flow needs.
April 23, 2026 – 7 minutes -
Equipment financing: Lease or loan?
Learn the differences between a lease and a loan so you can choose the best option for financing your business’s equipment.
April 23, 2026 – 5 minutes -
Equipment financing: The advantages of leasing
Financing your equipment through a lease allows you to preserve your cash flow and invest it in the growth of your business.
April 23, 2026 – 5 minutes -
Business transfer: A seven-step guide
Transferring your business is an important step in your career as an entrepreneur. That’s why it’s important to plan carefully. Here are seven steps to help guide you.
April 23, 2026 – 7 minutes -
How to prepare for the sale of your business
Discover strategies to sell your business, streamline your operations, attract potential successors, and secure the best offer for your business.
April 23, 2026 – 9 minutes -
Anne-Virginie Schmidt from Miels d’Anicet | National Bank
Discover the story of Anne-Virginie Schmidt, who found a buyer to ensure the prosperity of her beekeeping farm.
April 09, 2026 – 5 minutes -
Portrait of a predecessor: Frédéric Gagnon of Gagnon Frères
Discover the story of Frédéric Gagnon, who handed over the reins of his family business, Gagnon Frères, to his wife Virginie Théberge.
April 08, 2026 – 5 minutes -
Evelyn Trempe from L’Amour du Pain | National Bank
Discover the story of Evelyn Trempe, who discovered her gift for mentoring when she sold the L’Amour du Pain bakeries to a young buyer.
April 08, 2026 – 5 minutes -
Bringing your banking and accounting together at tax time
Learn how collaboration between your financial advisor and accountant can maximize your tax savings as a business owner.
February 20, 2026 – 7 minutes -
10 helpful habits to strengthen your business operations
Sustainable success in business starts with building good habits. These 10 simple and strategic steps can ensure your company’s long-term growth.
February 19, 2026 – 5 minutes -
How to retain employees and build a loyal workforce
Attract and retain a talented workforce by strengthening your company culture, fostering employee wellness, and supporting career growth will help your business flourish.
February 18, 2026 – 5 minutes -
How to protect your wealth as a business owner
Separating your personal and business finances is the best way to protect your wealth. This involves maximizing tax efficiency, anticipating legal liabilities, and ensuring income diversification.
November 20, 2025 – 5 minutes -
Tax planning tips for small business owners
As a small business owner, smart tax management is key to your overall success. Learn which tax-saving tips are the most effective.
November 18, 2025 – 7 minutes -
How can business owners unlock equity to improve cash flow and drive growth?
Being able to unlock equity for your business is key to improving its liquidity. Learn how cash flow can help grow your business.
November 13, 2025 – 4 minutes -
The retirement guide for business owners
Plan your retirement as a business owner with tax strategies, exit planning, and funding options. Learn how to transition from entrepreneur to secure retirement.
November 13, 2025 – 5 minutes -
Gagnon Frères: The inspiring rebirth of a century-old company
Business succession opportunities can come up anywhere—even within a couple. That's what happened for Virginie Théberge, who took over the reins of Gagnon Frères, her spouse's family business and one of the largest furniture retailers in Quebec. Discover the latest chapter in the story of a company founded in 1904.
October 24, 2025 – 4 minutes -
Kaven Davignon from Miels d’Anicet
Discover the story of Kaven Davignon, who worked as the general manager of Miels d’Anicet before deciding to acquire the family business.
October 10, 2025 – 5 minutes -
Portrait of a new owner: Virginie Théberge from Gagnon Frères
Discover the story of Virginie Théberge, who was appointed CEO of the family business Gagnon Frères and is already planning her own succession.
October 10, 2025 – 4 minutes -
Jordan Di Corpo from L’Amour du Pain: Passing on the passion
Discover the inspiring story of Jordan Di Corpo, who left his career in finance to take over an artisan bakery and hasn’t looked back
October 10, 2025 – 4 minutes -
When is the best time to start your business?
Wondering when the best time is to start your business? Discover key insights and practical tips to launch your entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
September 22, 2025 – 4 minutes -
How to Start a Business in Canada: Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs
Five things you need to know before starting a business, from the legal requirements to setting up financing.
June 20, 2025 – 7 minutes -
How to delegate tasks effectively to focus on your company growth?
Learning effective delegation techniques can prevent burnout, boost employee satisfaction and transform your business.
May 06, 2025 – 5 minutes -
Is a holding company the right option for you?
Holding companies have changed, and you might have considered setting one up. Find out if they’re a suitable option for you based on their benefits and drawbacks.
April 04, 2025 – 6 minutes -
How to finance a business
To finance a new business venture, first assess your needs, then choose among the options available to you. Learn more here.
March 18, 2025 – 8 minutes -
Commercial leases: 8 things to know before signing
There are different types of commercial leases. To make the right choice for your business, make sure you understand their legal terms.
February 20, 2025 – 8 minutes -
How can you protect your business from payment fraud?
Maintain your customers’ trust and avoid the risk of financial loss by taking measures against payment fraud.
February 13, 2025 – 6 minutes -
Ransomware: how to protect yourself and what to do if you’re attacked
Take all the necessary steps to prevent a ransomware attack from holding your company’s IT network hostage.
February 05, 2025 – 4 minutes -
Managing your farm sale or transfer
Discover all our practical advice on transferring your agribusiness, whether to your children or another party outside your family.
November 22, 2024 – 7 minutes -
VRSP or group RRSP: Which pension plan is right for your business?
Are you looking to set up an employee retirement savings plan in your business? Learn how VRSPs and group RRSPs differ, and the advantages of each.
November 19, 2024 – 6 minutes -
How to recruit the workers you need?
Do you have positions to fill at your company? Learn how to keep operating and recruit and retain skilled employees in a labour shortage.
November 19, 2024 – 7 minutes -
Does your personal credit history affect your SME’s financing?
You could be turned down for a business loan if your personal credit history is poor. Learn how you can avoid this.
November 07, 2024 – 5 minutes -
What does it take to be an entrepreneur?
Explore the essential skills, traits and mindsets needed to become a successful entrepreneur, from leadership qualities to risk and reward management.
September 24, 2024 – 5 minutes -
Business cybersecurity: Protect yourself from attacks
Business cybersecurity prevents fraud. Learn our tips for protecting yourself from cyber threats.
September 23, 2024 – 6 minutes -
How to strengthen team cohesion through team building
Team-building activities can strengthen team cohesion and build positive relationships within your company. Find out how to make the most of them.
July 24, 2024 – 5 minutes -
Immigrating and starting a business in Canada
New to Canada or planning to immigrate? Are you hoping to set up a business here? These tips will help you get started as a foreign entrepreneur.
July 22, 2024 – 6 minutes -
Capital Dividend Account: What for?
The capital dividend account is a tax account that is particularly appreciated by shareholders. When its balance is positive, it allows payment of a tax-free dividend to shareholders. Discover how it works.
July 12, 2024 – 5 minutes -
How can you prevent impersonation fraud?
Impersonation fraud is becoming increasingly common. Wondering what it is and how it can be prevented? Find the answers in our article.
July 05, 2024 – 6 minutes -
Management buyout: How to identify successors within your company
For a management buyout to work, you need to identify the right successors among your current employees. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
April 16, 2024 – 5 minutes -
What does a "win-win" succession plan look like?
Creating a succession plan is essential to ensure the sustainability of your business. Here are some tips to get you started.
April 15, 2024 – 6 minutes -
Working from home: How can the office work environment be improved?
Many entrepreneurs are wondering how to improve the workplace environment for their employees when everyone is working from home. Here are some tips and tricks.
April 15, 2024 – 6 minutes -
Rethinking your business model: Where to start?
It’s always a good idea to rethink your business model as your company advances in an ever-changing environment. We can help you get started.
March 13, 2024 – 7 minutes -
Business Innovation: How to create a winning strategy
Are you looking to increase your business competitiveness through innovation? Here are a few tips to help you create a successful action plan.
August 10, 2023 – 7 minutes -
Financing innovation within your business
Want to finance an innovation project for your company? Here are a few useful tips and resources to help you achieve your goal.
July 26, 2023 – 8 minutes -
Business transfer: Plan for a successful business turnaround
Need to develop a recovery plan in order to transfer your troubled business? Here’s how you can do a business turnaround and get back on track.
June 14, 2023 – 8 minutes -
How to manage currency risk and exchange rates?
Does your company do business in a foreign currency? Learn all about currency risk and the tools that are available to protect you.
June 07, 2023 – 7 minutes -
ISO 20022: The payment revolution
Learn more about ISO 20022: The payment revolution in the messaging development standard. Discover our conversation with CGI and RedCompass Labs.
December 02, 2022 – 9 minutes -
Taking the forestry equipment business to new heights with Novafor Equipment & National Bank
Novafor Equipment had a banner year in 2022, greatly benefiting from the judicious advice of its account manager at the National Bank.
November 21, 2022 – 3 minutes -
Bromont Campervan and the startup road to success
It’s been quite a ride for Olivier Marcoux, the founder of recreational vehicle (RV) startup Bromont Campervan.
November 21, 2022 – 3 minutes -
Solpak: A business that’s the entire package.
For David Salerno, the founder and president of Solpak, a big business came in small packages.
November 21, 2022 – 3 minutes -
Business succession: Taking over the family business
Are you interested in business succession and taking over the family business? Here’s a short guide to help you make a successful transfer.
September 27, 2022 – 7 minutes -
How to recession-proof your business
Learn about strategic planning, all the advantages it represents for your business, and how to make your plans a reality.
July 29, 2022 – 6 minutes -
Take over Business : How do I buy a business?
Ever thought of buying a business? Here’s a quick look at steps involved and things to consider before making an acquisition.
July 28, 2022 – 6 minutes -
Business liquidity: How to optimize cash flow?
Close monitoring of your business accounting and cash flow can help you get through difficult times. Here’s how.
July 04, 2022 – 4 minutes -
Invoice factoring companies: What are the benefits?
Invoice factoring is a service offered by companies that buy your unpaid customer invoices and pay you for them. Find out how it works.
June 20, 2022 – 5 minutes -
How does a policy interest rate hike affect businesses?
A policy interest rate hike and inflation are sure to impact your business. Here’s how you can protect yourself.
June 17, 2022 – 6 minutes -
How to expand your business internationally
Are you planning to expand your business internationally in order to boost your sales and increase profitability? Here's some advice to help you create more business opportunities.
May 25, 2022 – 6 minutes -
Buying a franchise: What you need to know
Interested in starting a business? Opening a franchise with a well-established banner has many advantages. Here’s what you need to know.
May 10, 2022 – 6 minutes -
Business accounting: managing the finances of your SME
Properly managing your business accounts can generate valuable information. Check out our simple tips to set and optimize your SME’s accounting.
April 14, 2022 – 7 minutes -
How to calculate your hourly rate as a self-employed worker
Learn how to calculate your hourly rate as a freelancer so you can make the most of your contracts and maximize your profits.
April 08, 2022 – 7 minutes -
Understanding cash damming
You are self-employed or a rental property owner ? Find out how cash damming could help you pay less tax. Read our tips.
April 01, 2022 – 6 minutes -
Is it better to pay yourself a salary or dividends?
Make the right choice and reduce your taxes: Should you opt for a salary or dividends? Here's what you need to know.
December 31, 2021 – 8 minutes -
Filing a tax return for your business in Canada
Does filing your business tax return feel complicated and confusing in Canada? Here are some basic guidelines to help you.
December 09, 2021 – 8 minutes -
Tax returns for the self-employed
Are you self-employed? Find out how to fill out your tax return, what you have to pay, and if you should pay in instalments.
December 06, 2021 – 6 minutes -
How to find private investors and win them over
Learn how you can find investors and convince them to make a private equity investment in your business projects.
December 01, 2021 – 6 minutes -
Strategic planning in 5 steps
Learn about strategic planning, all the advantages it represents for your business, and how to make your plans a reality.
October 28, 2021 – 7 minutes -
How to use startup culture to accelerate business development?
Are you an entrepreneur? Find out how to accelerate your business, at all stages of its development, using startup culture.
August 18, 2021 – 7 minutes -
How do you achieve work-life balance when running a business?
Do you have your own business? Discover our tips for achieving a healthy work-life balance, despite all your responsibilities.
August 17, 2021 – 4 minutes -
How much to set aside when you are a freelancer?
Are you a freelancer? See our tips on how much to set aside for taxes and other obligations if your cash flow fluctuates.
August 09, 2021 – 4 minutes -
The right way to draw down your investments in a holding company
Discover some key principles for drawing down your investments in a holding company and reducing your income taxes after retirement.
July 26, 2021 – 6 minutes -
What is a Shareholders' Agreement?
Do you own a business with other shareholders? Find out how a well planned shareholders' agreement can make your life easier!
July 08, 2021 – 5 minutes -
What are the benefits of defining your company values?
Learn how you can stand out from your competitors and cement your position in the market by identifying and promoting your company’s core values
March 30, 2021 – 4 minutes -
Incorporating a business in Canada in 7 steps
Discover the pros and cons of incorporating your business and find out how to incorporate successfully, wherever you are in Canada.
March 29, 2021 – 6 minutes -
What is a VRSP?
Employees: should you contribute to a VRSP? Employers: should you offer one?
March 12, 2021 – 4 minutes -
Women and leadership: Daring to start a business
Our expert shares some tools and advice to help women confront the challenges of starting a business.
February 23, 2021 – 7 minutes -
11 Elements Essential to a Business Plan
A solid business plan must contain essential elements that will help you start your business. Here’s some advice from our expert.
November 27, 2020 – 6 minutes -
4 Business Growth Strategies
Are you thinking of growing your SME? Depending on your vision and your company’s market positioning, you’ll need to establish effective strategic planning. Here is our advice.
November 23, 2020 – 5 minutes -
How to optimize your business development process
Business development is important for any company that wants to continue their operations or grow. Here’s some advice from our expert.
November 20, 2020 – 8 minutes -
Our guide on business incubators
What is a business incubator and why should you join one? Here’s some expert advice to help you propel your business.
November 20, 2020 – 6 minutes -
Working capital: A precious tool for businesses to lean on
Working capital is crucial to the growth and financial health of any business. Learn how to calculate it to come out on top.
April 07, 2020 – 7 minutes -
6 tips for importing to Canada
For entrepreneurs who want to get started in the import industry, being prepared is the key to success. Here are some tips to succeed easily.
March 04, 2019 – 6 minutes -
Communication Strategies to Build Your Business
Growing your business in a saturated market can be complex and challenging. Here, four surefire communication strategies to boost your business.
November 04, 2018 – 5 minutes -
Entrepreneurs: various investment strategies
When a business generates profits, what should be done with these funds? Here's what a chartered accountant has to say about investment strategies.
November 04, 2018 – 6 minutes -
Lean Management: Beyond Cost Savings
Inspired by Toyota's lean manufacturing method, Lean Management aims to improve business performance, thereby creating value for customers.
November 04, 2018 – 7 minutes -
Organizational agility: The new challenge for SMEs
Organizational agility requires a complete makeover in a company’s culture and its way of doing business. How can it benefit you?
November 04, 2018 – 6 minutes -
Find alternative funding sources
The popularity of crowdfunding is undeniable. More and more entrepreneurs are using it to raise capital to launch their start-ups. Here are some tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign.
November 03, 2018 – 6 minutes -
Protect your company's intellectual property
Like any other type of business owner, SME entrepreneurs need to make protecting their intellectual property a top priority.
November 03, 2018 – 6 minutes -
5 Ways to Improve Productivity with Technology
When used properly, investing in technology can be an effective strategy to increase productivity for you and your business.
November 03, 2018 – 6 minutes -
Choosing a growth industry for a new business
By opting for a growth industry, your future business has the best chance to succeed. But what information should you consider to see if your idea for a business is promising?
November 03, 2018 – 6 minutes -
5 things you can do to reduce international business risk
If you do business internationally, here are five things you can do to reduce international business risk.
November 02, 2018 – 5 minutes -
Using stock options to motivate and retain employees
Stock options are an effective way to keep your best employees. But they may lead to complex tax issues for the employees themselves. Here’s what you need to know to create a “win-win” plan.
October 31, 2018 – 7 minutes -
How to grow through partnerships
It is becoming common for companies to opt for mergers or acquisitions or alliances with other companies as a way to reduce risks and potentialize results.
October 23, 2017 – 6 minutes -
Starting a business: finding the right training program
Entrepreneurs have access to a host of training programs to help them succeed. Here are a few tips to choose the one that’s right for you.
July 03, 2017 – 6 minutes -
How to identify customers’ needs and expectations
Have your customers expressed dissatisfaction? Take the time to listen to them. They may be able to help you improve your business.
January 19, 2017 – 6 minutes
