Have you recently become self-employed or have you recently launched your SME?
In addition to the courage and discipline necessary to succeed in this professional avenue, you will certainly need to acquire new knowledge in order to undertake your project with complete peace of mind.
Your business plan should include the minimum income needed to keep your business going, but also the expenses needed to keep it running smoothly. By setting up a meticulous and realistic budget, you will be able to better plan the growth of your SME.
Do you need financing to carry out all your projects? Watch for scholarships, loan programs and investor support. The options abound. You still have to be sure to avoid wanting to grow too quickly!
As a new self-employed worker or as an SME manager, you must submit to various tax obligations, such as the collection and payment of taxes and source deductions, for example. You also know that some of your expenses are tax deductible, but you may be wondering which ones.
Revenu Québec’s support program answers all these questions and more! This is a totally free personalized service offered to SMEs and self-employed workers who have recently started their business.
You can therefore benefit from one or more meetings with a Revenu Québec specialist where you can ask all your tax-related questions and even obtain a brief analysis of your books and accounting records.
The program provides information on credits and refunds to which you may be entitled and offers support in registering for and using online services. And rest assured: the exchanges made within the framework of the program are not used for control purposes and are confidential.
Did you know that a good part of the businesses that close their doors do so because of a lack of customers? Whether you offer a service or a product, you need to determine what makes you unique, but above all what sets you apart from your competitors. Solid market research and knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses will help you here.
Starting a business requires a lot of creativity and adaptation. During the first years of operation, it may be necessary to review the selection of products in your store, for example, or your services will have to be adjusted according to the needs of your customers.
Do not hesitate to seek the help of a mentor, the opinion of your loved ones or that of other entrepreneurs and self-employed workers in your field in order to refine your offer.
Even if you have the best product or service in your neighborhood, no one will be able to benefit from it if you don’t communicate it properly. Regardless of your field of activity, your budget and the target clientele, make sure you have a clear and professional website.
You can then invest in other promotional channels, such as a newsletter, social media or advertising brochures. Do not neglect the contribution of graphic designers, press relations specialists or communication consultants for these initiatives!
Finally, don’t forget the importance of networking, especially if you are self-employed or provide services to other companies.
Starting a successful business requires support from both sides. Whether it’s your family, your accountant or your clients, you’ll need support to take on this new challenge with flying colors.
Revenu Québec’s personalized support program facilitated more than 10,700 information sessions last year. Register online now to take advantage!
