Creative Entrepreneur In Canada? Know These:

The Government Has A Crush On You

Anything involving increasing employment? The Canadian government loves it so much and can give their life for it. There are hundreds of grants and benefits the Canadian government offers new businesses in Canada, each one tailored to the kind of entrepreneur involved and their needs. The harvest is plenty but the workers are few, AKA the country is big but the people are few. Canada needs immigrants and business owners to add to its economy. Brethren, please research funds available to you as a potential business owner and take advantage of them. Then when you make a profit, come back and share the national cake with us.

The Economy Is Not On Three Legs

It’s like these people have built their economy on solid rock and not sinking sand. Canada has a long history of positive economic growth and stability; and stable economies are entrepreneur friendly. You can expect that all things being equal, all the country’s money will not stylishly and mysteriously disappear overnight. On top of that, the Canadian government offers tax breaks for business owners specifically, to give them the best possible chance of thriving despite any unfavourable economical changes that may occur. Research these tax incentives for business owners before you start your business, so you know how best to make the system work for you. And when you have done so, please come back and spray us small money; times are tough.

The Start Might Be Slow

In the beginning, you’ll have a lot on your plate. You might be the writer, camera-person, editor and everything else there is. You’ll need to teach yourself a lot, but please don’t be discouraged. Also in these months, be prepared for slow progress and inconsistent income-flow. So please, don’t allow poverty to sit you down face to face and threaten to kill you — keep your job. You already know this, but if your daddy isn’t Dangote, you can’t quit your 9-5 until you’re able to make a living from your business. You’ve seen the cost of egg in this economy, so you need to be wise.

Connections

Not even making a bad MTN joke here, but social capital is deeply important everywhere you go. Diaspora communities are usually small, so be trustworthy in your business dealings. Also, be so good at it that people can vouch for you — and they will, if they can. Also, meet people who are in the line of business you are trying to get into. Find creatives like you and collaborate with them so you can learn from each other. Let them tell you things about being a creative in the Canadian climate.

A Closed Mouth Is A Closed Destiny

You’re a hot cake, ask for what you are worth. Entrepreneurs generally have a tendency to undervalue themselves, and immigrants do it even more. So with an immigrant entrepreneur, this problem is double-double. We cheat ourselves because we’re not confident in our abilities yet or because we’re just so grateful for the presence of work. We understand it, we’ve all done it; but you can’t do it forever. If we catch any of you not asking to be compensated fairly, it’s gonna be bloody. Closed mouths don’t get fed, so ask. Do your research and ask for exactly what someone with your skillset is worth, and then add jara.