Small Business Guides

Find guides and articles to help you do better business, and understand the often weird world of accounting.

Starting and growing a business

Your intro to the milestone moments in small business.

How to start a business
Thousands of new businesses open every day. If all those people can do it, why not you? Here’s what to do, and when.
How to start an online business: 9 steps to get started
Learn the key steps to launching and running a successful online business in Canada.
How to finance your business: loans, grants and more
Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.
Sales revenue: definition, formula, and how to grow
Are you ready to drop the hammer and take your business to the next level? Let’s look at how to grow.
How to hire employees
Hiring help can improve your business, and your lifestyle. But it’s a big process. Here are the main things to keep in mind.
How to invoice
Looking for help on making and sending invoices and getting them paid? Check out these tips on the art of invoicing.
How to do bookkeeping
Bookkeeping includes everything from basic data entry to tax prep. Let’s look at the core jobs and see how they’re done.
What is bookkeeping?
Whether you’re bookkeeping for a family business, or planning a career in it – this is a good place to start learning.
Guide to inventory
Inventory management is more than just knowing what’s been sold and what you’ve ordered. Find out what else is involved.

Your intro to getting money in from customers, and out to suppliers and employees. See all payments guides

Profitability ratios: what they are, types and uses
Learn which profitability ratios to track and how to use them to strengthen your business.
Invoicing process: 9 steps to faster client payments
Learn how a better invoicing process can speed up payments and improve your cash flow.

Your intro to budgeting, cash flow, and what to do when you need more money. See all money guides

Overhead costs: what they are and how to manage them
Learn how overhead costs shape your pricing and profit, and how to bring them under control.
Operational efficiency: how to measure and improve
Learn ten practical ways to boost operational efficiency so you save time, reduce costs, and grow with confidence.

Your intro to business planning, goal setting, key performance indicators, and financial reporting. See all planning and performance guides

Business success: how to achieve it and measure progress
Learn what business success means, how to measure it, and practical strategies to achieve it for your small business.
Inventory management system guide for small business
Discover simple steps to create an inventory management system that boosts accuracy and cash flow.

Your intro to building a vision, establishing consensus, and inspiring action. See all leadership guides

Employee retention strategy: a complete guide for Canadian businesses
How to build an employee retention strategy that reduces turnover and keeps your best people.

Your intro to financial admin, taxes, and the technical side of running a business. See all accounting and bookkeeping guides

What does an accountant do for your small business?
Learn what accountants do, the types available, and how to find the right one for your business.
Ontario sales tax: 13% HST rates, registration, and compliance guide
Your guide to Ontario's 13% HST, including registration, exemptions, and filing tips.
T4 slips: What they are and when employers need to file them
Here’s our simple guide to help you prepare and submit your T4s on time.

Your intro to finding and winning new customers, and keeping the old ones. See all marketing guides

What is a value proposition? How to write yours well
Learn what a value proposition is and how to write one that wins customers and sets your business apart.
Upselling techniques to boost your small business revenue
Practical upselling techniques to help your small business increase revenue and strengthen customer relationships.

Your intro to starting, managing, and making money from an online business. See all ecommerce guides

What is dropshipping? How it works and how to start in Canada
Learn what dropshipping is, how it works, and how to start a dropshipping business in Canada.
Online reputation management: a guide for small businesses
Learn how to monitor reviews, handle crises, and build a reputation that wins customers.

Download helpful templates for things like quoting, invoicing, reporting and planning.

Use accounting calculators to help plan and run your business.

Learn the meaning behind all those weird and wonderful accounting terms.