Interested in starting a solo business? Making one in 2026 in Canada? Let’s go into tips, tricks, to getting started, and take your business to the next level!

Business and Taxes – The Beginnings:

Think about your expenses and deductions! What sort of software or materials or capital property will you require? Research their costs and write down how you expect it to help your business. CRA will typically allow you to write off business start-up costs but only if it’s carried in the fiscal period in which the expense was incurred.

Take reliable and complete business records, whether that be in electronic or paper format or both. Do your backups as well, in case, as you will typically need all your records in case the CRA inspects, audits, or examines your records. This is also important for establishing reliable documents that support your business, and meet your tax obligations, so you aren’t caught off guard come tax time.

Communication Methods – How do you want customers to reach out? Maybe you prefer face to face, phone calls, email, virtual meetings, or you want to incorporate all of the above? Find a method that works for you in reaching out to clients and prospects. For example, you may find sitting by your phone constantly distracting you and you prefer virtual meetings to prepare. Make that part of your strategy to ensure you aren’t distracted and can focus on what works best for your work flow.

5 Tips and Tricks for Growing Your Business:

1. Get involved with Business networking groups or associations – Learn from other business owners and people in the field, receive qualified referrals and start to build your network – locally. Remember to try them out, as many of them will offer perks or trial periods such as free breakfasts or events, so you can see how you will fit.
2. Take Workshops and courses – Explore your local library and their resources, you may find they host free workshops or events, or find non-profit organizations in your area such as ones like Invest Ottawa, https://www.investottawa.ca/, or BDC, https://www.bdc.ca/en, that offer free webinars and support.
3. Read and research! Read some books to assist you in your journey, you may like Autobiographies of successful businessmen or women, such as Jim Treliving’s Decisions, or The Moment of Life by Melinda Gates. Maybe you prefer fact-based business and strategy books such as The Canadian Legal Guide for Small Business by Nishan Swais or E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. I guarantee you’ll feel inspired and motivated to start your business.
4. Expand Your Online Presence You may want to start a website or blog, like this one. It’s a great tool to communicate with potential clients and current clients. Hire a website designer to create your website. A website is a great way to get started with your business and a way to grow in the digital landscape. Read my latest article on Hosting vs. Domains – What Are They and How Do They Work? In addition, a brand package complete with logo and style guidelines is important and a basis for all your marketing materials. Contact Us Today.
5. Think outside the box – not only using AI tools or assistants. As entrepreneurs, we must adapt to changing times, but must not lose our creativity and focus. You need to tackle obstacles and challenges head on and be creative. It will set you apart from the competition and allow you to have the foundation for the next greatest business idea or strategy.

Balance is Everything – Your business and lifestyle

Part time vs. full time

Want to get going and maintain a solo business? Many start part time and get their feet wet – they gather a few clients to motivate them and build their network. Once you feel comfortable, push into full time! So much goes into starting a business, it takes a lot of work and effort but it’ll feel so worth it.

Not all about the money

Going into the solo business only for the money? Think again. You don’t need to be a corporation, you’re a human being. Maybe you are in your college or university years and just want a side hustle to make extra cash on weekends but want to expand your network and talent in a certain area? Are you in your retirement years? Maybe you want to teach others a craft and start a business you’ve always wanted and have the funds to give it a shot? Take it!

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