700+ Reviews [Verified]
Canada Small Business Startups and Funding Canada Small Business Startups and Funding
  • Home
  • Assessment Tool
    • Funding Calculator Tool
  • Startup Portal
    • Startup Portal
    • Startup Guide and Timeline
    • Business Plan Builder
    • Funding Database
    • Investor PitchDeck
    • The Extra Services
    • Get Access Now!
  • Resources
    • Business Advice
    • Business Planning
    • Funding & Financing
    • Tools & Resources
    • Q&A’s
    • Walkthough
    • Centres
      • Alberta
      • British Columbia
      • Manitoba
      • New Brunswick
      • Newfoundland
      • Northwest Territories
      • Nova Scotia
      • Nunavut
      • Ontario
      • PEI
      • Quebec
      • Saskatchewan
      • Yukon
  • Become a Member
    • Register Now
  • COVID-19 HELP
  • Home
  • Assessment Tool
    • Funding Calculator Tool
  • Startup Portal
    • Startup Portal
    • Startup Guide and Timeline
    • Business Plan Builder
    • Funding Database
    • Investor PitchDeck
    • The Extra Services
    • Get Access Now!
  • Resources
    • Business Advice
    • Business Planning
    • Funding & Financing
    • Tools & Resources
    • Q&A’s
    • Walkthough
    • Centres
      • Alberta
      • British Columbia
      • Manitoba
      • New Brunswick
      • Newfoundland
      • Northwest Territories
      • Nova Scotia
      • Nunavut
      • Ontario
      • PEI
      • Quebec
      • Saskatchewan
      • Yukon
  • Become a Member
    • Register Now
  • COVID-19 HELP
Register Login

Join the Startup Portal

  • Home
  • Business Planning
  • 2018 Government Funding Success Story Interview

2018 Government Funding Success Story Interview




471

SHARES

Written by Suzanne Burton

Category: Business Planning

Tags: 2018 Government Funding, funding success story, government funds

Recommended Next: Government Funding For Small Business In Canada

2018 government funding barter system business

Imagine ending the year (2017) saying “I want 2018 to be the best year of my life and I want to start my small business!”, and just days later in 2018, getting a call from the government funding agency telling you that your business has just been approved for 2018 government funding.

This is the case for Travis from Vancouver, BC who successfully applied and obtained funding from not 1, not 2, but three different government funding programs totaling $782,750.

We were excited to be able to share Travis’s success story here with you guys in order to help jumpstart your search for funding and hopefully motivate you to start your own small business.

    Request More Information

    Need funding for your small business?

    Learn how you can get funding for your small business in Canada. It takes 30 seconds.

    Request More Information

    Here is a summary and a brief transcript of the questions/answers during the interview with Travis:

    Tell us about your small business..

    WANT TO LEARN MORE?

    Government Funding For Small Business In Canada

    We are a home renovation company. But we are also very different in our approach as to how we get everything done. While most reno companies will charge an arm and a leg, we created a system that uses the old technique of bartering in order to exchange services for other services.  Through this method we’ve build a network of over 20,000 members who are in our barter network and who exchange services daily.

    Why did you decide to start this type of business?

    We were in construction industry for a few years before branching out on our own, and one of the things we kept seeing often is our customers telling us; I do this for a living, how about I do it for you for a discount (on the construction work). I sell cars, i’ll give you a discount, or I am a tax accountant, let’s exchange, or I own a restaurant, here are discounted meals..etc So pretty much that’s how the idea was born.

    What were the issues you were faced with starting up?

    Our issue initially was that we didn’t have enough people in on the service. In order for it to work we needed more and more individuals and business owners signing up. So really we needed to develop an application or website and advertise. Money was the issue.

    How did you hear about CanadaStartups.org?

    We found CanadaStartups.org through a google search for government funding to help us pay for some of our marketing expenses and development expenses. This was a while back, a little over a year ago. 

    How did you benefit from our Small Business Startup Portal?

    We initially registered for CanadaStrartups.org to use the business plan builder tool as a lot of funding places and even banks needed a business plan. It was after a year that we decided to look for funding (government funding that is), and the funding database you guys offered was perfect.

    How did you know which funding programs to apply to?

    We used the tool. The Funding Database. It was fairly simple, and we had a little bit of help from your support team and the funding advisers. Once valuable piece of advice they gave us was to break down our search into smaller amounts and seek funding for more purposes versus just saying we need x amount for our business. 

    What was the process of applying like?

    Once we knew which programs to apply to and after using the funding database it was pretty easy. The applications offered by these programs are easy to follow as they instruct you what to do. Your funding application review service was also very helpful. We had to provide some financial projections and our business plan – as well as our presentation which made it exciting.

    How much funding did you receive and for what?

    We actually applied to 7 different programs and got over $780,000 in funding total. The largest funding amount was for $405,000 which was a low interest loan to help us develop our infrastructure, our website and app and to hire our team of experts. The other was for purchasing land and doing some renovations to our location as well as getting funding to improve our cash flow in the initial stage. We got two different loans and one government grant. Now we are on the list of another few programs which we applied for.

    What is your next step?

    We are looking to further grow our network and our plan seems to be working. Now that we got the money for it all we can make sure our year is of to a good start. We are starting work on our facility, on hiring people and building up our website and app.

    What is your advice to others starting up?

    The best advice we can give to a startup is to create a good business plan that details every step of the way. Instead of thinking later what you should do and what you shouldn’t do, it’s much easier to work off of a task list.  A business plan is the key to a successful business as well as the way to get government funding.

    You may also like

    • Profitable Small Business Ideas for Canadians
      Profitable Small Business Ideas For Canadians
      17 November, 2020
    • best time to start a small business
      Why NOW is the perfect time to start a small business
      5 October, 2020
    • How to Start Your Own Small Business In Ontario
      Want to start a business but don’t know where to start?
      29 September, 2020

    SEARCHES RELATED TO 2018 GOVERNMENT FUNDING

    2018 Government Funding
    funding success story
    government funds

    Ask Experts

    I WANT START A BUSINESS IN...

    • Alberta
    • New Brunswick
    • Quebec
    • Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Manitoba
    • British Columbia
    • Northwest Territories
    • PEI
    • Saskatchewan
    • Yukon
    • Nova Scotia
    • Nunavut
    • Ontario

    I WANT TO

    • Expansion Capital
    • Funding For Equipment
    • Business Acquisition Funding
    • Consulting Services
    • Hiring & Training Staff

    IS THERE HELP IN MY INDUSTRY?

    • Expansion Capital
    • Funding For Equipment
    • Business Acquisition Funding
    • Consulting Services
    • Hiring & Training Staff

    • Management Support Services
    • Manufacturing
    • Mining
    • Professional and IT Services
    • Transportation and Warehousing
    • Accommodation and Food Services
    • Agriculture
    • Construction
    • Culture and Recreation
    • Finance and Real Estate
    • Forestry, Hunting and Fishing
    • Health and Social Assistance

    Try the Startup Assessment now and find out what your business needs to succeed.


      Need funding for your business?
      Learn how you can get funding for your small business in Canada. It takes 30 seconds.

        Membership to the Portal

        Recommended

        How to Start Your Own Small Business In Ontario
        Want to start a business but don’t know where to start?
        29Sep2020

        Starting a business, where to begin?
        Starting a business...

        Most Popular

        30 in 30 Challenge 2018
        30 in 30: 2018’s Small Business Challenge
        29Jan2018
        250 + small business tools
        250+ Small Business Startup Tools and Resources
        11Feb2017
        social media for business
        10 Benefits of Social Media For Small Businesses
        01Sep2016
        Business Model Canvas
        Business Model Canvas: The 20-Minute Business Plan
        06Sep2018
        Government Funding Cheat Sheet
        21Feb2018

        Need more help?

        Get help from a Canada Startups expert with your small business.

          Testimonials

          Hiring grant for cleaning company
          $27,900 Government Grant To Hire Staff
          Hamilton, Ontario
          "Take advantage of the government grants for hiring and hire the staff to help. You pay into takes each year so take advantage and benefit from the funding available" - Read my story
          government funding for painting company
          $19,500 Government Funding for a Painting Company in Ontario
          Oakville, ON
          "Get your business plan done as the first step. Be sure that your plan clearly outlines your funding needs and your plan for success. Then apply for funding." - Read my story
          startup gets funding
          $17,300 Government Loan To Help Business Startup
          Ottawa, ON
          "Funding is available but you have to know where to look, you have to have a business plan and if you have a proven model this is your best tool to use to get you the funding." - Read my story
          construction company gets funding
          $92,300 in Government Funding for Construction Company
          Hamilton, ON
          "Well all I can say is if you need funding, look for it. Be active and proactive about it. Don't just sit on the idea that you need it but go and do it." - Read my story
          Daycare gets funding
          $24,500 Government Funding For Daycare Facility
          Edmonton, AB
          "Having knowledge in your industry is what will keep you motivated, and having expert guidance along the way doesn't hurt one bit. We benefited from government funding greatly and it's all thanks to CanadaStartups.org." - Read my story
          junk removal company
          $76,750 Government Funding For Junk Removal Company
          Saskatoon, SK
          "Your business plan is very important to the success of your business. Everyone looks at this! Be sure to have your idea on paper and to show how you will make money." - Read my story
          2018 government funding barter system business
          2018 Government Funding Success Story Interview
          Vancouver, BC
          "A business plan is the key to a successful business as well as the way to get government funding." - Read my story
          Tech Company From Toronto Ontario Gets Government Grant
          Interview with a $75,485 Government Grant Recipient
          Toronto, ON
          "Perfect your business plan as it's in my option the number one thing small businesses need in order to attract and impress a funding agency." - Read my story
          cleaning company monitoring technology
          $17,500 Small Business Loan for Toronto Startup
          Toronto, ON
          "If you have a business idea, get a business plan made, don't waste time and start your funding search sooner rather then later." - Read my story
          Cleaning Business Hamilton, Ontario Success Story
          $32,750 Government Grant Helped Me Start My Business
          Hamilton, Ontario
          "Giving up is easy. Anybody can do it. If you need funding for your business do what it takes to get it. Banks can say no, but the government can be an option. It was for us" - Read my story
          Earth Friendly Soap Business Story
          Oakville, ON Small Business Starts Up With $76,300 Government Grant
          Oakville, ON
          "Just focus on what you are good at, don't waste your time researching, get help from experts who have already done the work, such as CanadaStartups" - Read my story
          government grant
          Interview with a $138,000 Government Grant Recipient from Milton, Ontario
          Milton, ON
          "Have a support team with you and always start with a business plan as it will be the guide for your business. A business plan will take you on the path of success" - Read my story
          Toronto Retailer Gets Government Loan
          $472,930 Low Interest Government Loan For Toronto Retailer
          Toronto, ON
          "Banks said no to due to my poor credit and business inexperience, but the government funding program had a different reaction to my well developed business plan" - Read my story
          doggy day care
          $21,315 Government Provided Loan For Doggy Day Care Business
          Oakville, ON
          "No matter your situation, if your plan is to start a small business - don't give up. Use tools and resources that are available all around you and don't be scare of a small investment" - Read my story
          Home Renovation Company Gets Funded
          $83,588 In Government Funding and Training Support For Home Reno Company
          Toronto, ON
          "Remember, funding programs have deadlines so be sure to apply on time and follow the requirements as outlined by each funding program. They act as a guide to applying successfully." - Read my story
          Toronto eCommerce Business Gets $78,932 in Government Funding Support
          Toronto eCommerce Business Gets $78,932 in Government Funding Support
          Toronto, ON
          "Don't give up. If you have an idea, go and do it. Create your business plan, go present you idea to investors/government agencies and get what you want." - Read my story
          Vancouver Software Developer Gets $12,390 in Private and Government Funding Support
          Vancouver Software Developer Gets $12,390 in Private and Government Funding Support
          Vancouver, BC
          "The first step when you are looking for funding is to make sure you have a business plan. Because if you don't, every single funding program will refuse you" - Read my story

          Latest

          Profitable Small Business Ideas for Canadians
          Profitable Small Business Ideas For Canadians
          17Nov2020
          best time to start a small business
          Why NOW is the perfect time to start a small business
          05Oct2020
          How to Start Your Own Small Business In Ontario
          Want to start a business but don’t know where to start?
          29Sep2020

          Search Articles

          Categories

          • Alberta
          • Ask an Expert
          • Blog
          • British Columbia
          • Business Advice
          • Business Planning
          • Business Type
          • Centre
          • Coronavirus
          • David's Corner
          • Free Downloads
          • Funding & Financing
          • Government Funding
          • industries
          • Infographics
          • Locations
          • Manitoba
          • New Brunswick
          • Newfoundland and Labrador
          • News
          • Northwest Territories
          • Nova Scotia
          • Nunavut
          • Ontario
          • Prince Edward Island
          • Q&A's
          • Quebec
          • Recommended Reads
          • Saskatchewan
          • Success Stories
          • Tools & Resources
          • Uncategorized
          • Walkthough
          • Yukon

          Our Proud Partnerships

          Logo3

          1-800-288-9691(All calls are toll free)

          Contact Us

          CanadaStartups.org

          • About Canada Startups
          • Why Choose Us?
          • Customer Reviews
          • Success Stories
          • Register Now

          Business Resources

          • Startup Assessment Tool
          • Entrepreneur Test
          • Business Resources
          • Startup Portal
          • Funding Calculator Tool

          Startup Database

          • Database Walkthrough
          • Startup Guide and Timeline
          • Business Plan Builder
          • Investor PitchDeck
          • Funding Database

          Contact Us

          • Contact Us
          • Consulting Services
          • FAQs
          • Members Login
          • Our Centres

          © 2020 - CanadaStartups.org - Helping small business owners and entrepreneurs startup. Privacy Policy. Lost? Use the Sitemap Directory to find your way around.