If you want to start a laser engraving business at home it’s essential to carefully plan and consider various factors to ensure your success. Your business won’t make millions overnight-it’s a slow build of skills and networking over time. This article outlines some Canadian specific resources to help you with your business in the research and planning stages.
Identify your target market and the specific niche or industry you want to serve with your laser services. Research your competition and understand market demand.
Canada Business Network (CBN): They provide information and resources on market research in Canada.
Industry Canada: Offers data and reports on various industries in Canada.
Local business associations
Canadian Chamber of Commerce and your local chamber of commerce may provide region-specific market insights.
Check out our article on Marketing Your Laser Business: Top 25 Laser Products that sell>>
Create a detailed business plan outlining your goals, budget, revenue projections, and marketing strategy. A well-thought-out plan will guide your business decisions. Here are some organizations in Canada that can support you in your laser business as you plan and develop your ideas:
BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)Provides business planning tools and resources.
SCORE Canada:Offers free business planning templates and advice.
Futurepreneur CanadaBusiness support across Canada for people under 40 years old.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): Provides resources for small business owners, including pricing strategies.
Community Futures: Business support for people with disabilities
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program Established by the Canadian government, the program offers development assistance and training, business information, and counselling to individuals who have a cognitive or physical disability.
Women Entrepreneurship StrategyThe Government of Canada offers the WES initiative, which includes funding and support for women entrepreneurs through various programs and organizations across the country
Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)WBENC offers certification for women-owned businesses and provides access to networking events, business development opportunities, and supplier diversity programs. WBE Canada is the bridge between Canadian women-owned businesses and larger corporate and public buyers that were previously out of reach
National Association of Women Business Owners Canada(NAWBO):
Elevate Canada: A Group for Women Angel Investors
Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (WE-CAN)This Canadian program provides resources, mentorship, and training to women entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey.
The Forum for Women EntrepreneursA Canadian-based charity that energizes, educates, mentors, and connects self-identified women entrepreneurs across Canada
Government of Canada’s Business Registration Online Allows you to register your business online.
Canadian Business GST Registration- necessary for businesses that make over 30k annually.
Google My Business: Register your business profile and get listed on Google Maps
Your local region will have a business registry as well
Set up a safe and efficient workspace for your business and ensure your home or commercial space complies with safety regulations, such as provide proper ventilation and safety equipment.
Develop a strong brand identity and create a marketing plan to promote your business. Consider online marketing, social media, and networking within your industry.
Build a Brand– Shopify
Canadian Marketing Association (CMA): Provides resources for marketing professionals in Canada
Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce course– Scholarships available
TikTok and IG Reels Course- One Peak Creative (Based out of Kelowna BC)
Register your Alberta Business
Small Business Resources:A government website with information on starting and managing a business in Alberta.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs: Offers resources and support for women-owned businesses in the province.
Small Business BC Provides a wide range of resources and services for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
British Columbia Chamber of Commerce Offers networking opportunities and advocacy for businesses in BC.
WEBC Women entrepreneurs in BC
Register your business in Manitoba
Manitoba Business Start:Provides information and resources for starting a business in Manitoba.
Manitoba Women in BusinessSupports women entrepreneurs in the province.
Women Enterprise Center of Manitoba
Entrepreneurship ManitobaSelf-Employment for People with Disabilities (SEED): This program offers support and financial assistance to people with disabilities who want to start their own businesses in Manitoba.
Opportunities NB:Offers information and support for business development in New Brunswick.
Women in Business New BrunswickFocuses on the advancement of women entrepreneurs in the province.
Register your business in Newfoundland and Labradour
Business Development Support ProgramProvides funding and resources for businesses in the province.
NLOWE (Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs): Supports women-owned businesses.
Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Newfoundland
Atlantic Canada Business Grants
Labrador North Chamber of Commerce
Labrador West Chamber of Commerce
Government of Northwest Territories – Business Support:Offers information on starting and running a business in the territory.
NWT Chamber of Commerce:Provides networking and advocacy for businesses in the Northwest Territories.The Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy (SEED)
Register your business Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Business IncSupports business growth and development in the province.
Centre for Women in Business:Focuses on women entrepreneurs and their businesses.
Atlantic Canada Business Grants
Register your business Nunavut
Government of Nunavut – Business Services: Offers resources and information for businesses in Nunavut.
Nunavut Economic Developers Association:Provides support for economic development in the territory.
Grants for Small Business Nunavut
Nunavut Sivummut Grants and Funding
Register your business in Ontario
Government of Ontario – Business and Economy:Offers resources for starting and operating a business in Ontario.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce:Provides advocacy and support for businesses in the province.
InfoEntrepreneurs: Provides information on starting and running a business in Quebec.
Réseau des Femmes d’Affaires du Québec:Supports women entrepreneurs in the province.
Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan:Focuses on women-owned businesses.
Government of Yukon – Business and IndustryProvides information and support for businesses in Yukon.
Yukon Chamber of Commerce:Offers networking and advocacy for businesses in the territory.
Additionally, consider financial aspects such as startup capital, cash flow management, and financial projections. Seek professional advice from accountants or business consultants to set up proper accounting and financial systems.
Check out other blogs in our series where we teach you everything you need to know to start a laser engraving business at home.