There’s nothing like hearing from those who have ‘been there, done that’ when you’re trying to gain new information. Recently, NPC hosted a session with key members of the innovation ecosytem to dig into some issues and solutions around building a business.

The conversation featured two companies: Spa Dent, a 13-year-old business known for its excellence in oral health line including natural teeth whitening solutions; and HEALI Medical, a 3-year-old company that has created HEALI Tape, a game-changing new version of kinesiology tape. We also heard from two financial experts who have served hundreds of Canadian entrepreneurs: Export Development Canada, and TD Bank, the sponsor of the event and the adjacent Game Changers report showcasing over 100 Canadian female founders.

The wide-ranging and frank discussion addressed key challenges and insights about the entrepreneurial journey, including:

• taking proactive control and responsibility for your finances
• sources of capital and where to find them
• cash conversion cycles
• managing and mitigating risk
• the benefits of exporting and how to determine if you’re ready
• product/market fit and channel selection
• the value of data, partnerships and resources

Some helpful resources mentioned or related to the discussion:

• Natural Products Canada: a suite of services for entrepreneurs developing bio-based innovation, including Commercialization Programs
• TD: financial services for businesses of all sizes
• Export Help Hub: Detailed answers about trade, taxes, financing and more, to help turn your challenges into solutions
• Webinars: Insights and opinions on the subjects that matter most to your business from an ever-changing panel of world-class trade professionals.  
• EDC-FITT Lite Learning Series: Build practical business skills and get the foundation for full Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) certification. 

If you have questions about anything in the video, please contact us and we’ll be happy to try to help.