Here's a war story...

I was hired as CEO of a public company listed on the TSE, NASDAQ and LSE the day before Christmas 1997. The board had accepted the resignation of the previous CEO the day before. I promptly flew down to Baltimore to meet with the staff at the headquarters (and one of 26 different subsidiaries in 15 countries). I discovered that:

Who they are
EDC is a Crown corporation that provides trade finance and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets worldwide.

Public policy mandate
To support and develop, directly or indirectly, Canada's export trade and Canadian capacity to engage in that trade and to respond international business opportunities.

What they do and what they do not do

As our ENT class is currently going through the processes of incorporating, managing, and hopefully profiting from our Micro-Financing Entrepreneurship Challenge, here is the official list of files needed for incorporation:

Form 1: Articles of Incorporation;


Form 2: Initial Registered Office Address and First Board of Directors;

        (*)If you requested prior approval of your name:

Shake it Like you Mean it!!

One thing that I feel is very important in business is the hand shake.  Having a strong or weak hand shake says a lot about a person.  There is nothing worse in my eyes than meeting someone for the first time, and stretching out your hand and feeling as though you are shaking the hand of someone who died 3 years ago. 

Some people may see this as a bit shallow, but I don't.  If someone has a weak, limp hand shake, it speaks volumes to me about their confidence, their mood, and their interest in meeting me. 

Fellow Entrepreneurs,

I wanted to take this chance to share a few useful tips that I have learned from my recent experience working for a start-up. I'm sure that most of you want to start your own business and will get around to it sooner or later.

The following is a list of government entities that offer incentives or help of some sort for start ups. Many of these benefits are intended towards the research and development of new technologies (the company I work for designs solar modules) but I'm sure some of you will find them useful.

One of the things I like about this story, it really teaches us something that no one really pays attention to, FOCUS ON THE PROBLEM ITSELF, NOT ON THE END GOAL OF MONEY.

If we adress the market need/want, or for that matter, are able to create a want effectively, chances are we will make money.

K2 Swim Inc.

 Here's a short story of our group's work with K2 Swim Inc.

When we first partnered with K2 Swim, the "company" was a one-person show. Kay Koulik, the proud owner, was offering swimming instructions primarily to young children in condominiums along Toronto's Harbourfront. Her venture had little processes in place for the company to operate efficiently and effectively.