If you have been thinking of starting a business OR have started and are ready to build a business that will last, then this is the program you have been looking for!

The StartSmart: Trades Business Blueprint program is a live, step-by-step, action-based program that includes training and exercises, business coaching, and hands-on activities that help you actually start a business (and not just learn how to do it).

Our program is all action-focused. By following our program and completing the exercises, you will start your business while in program and end with a real, operational business model and may be even a few sales or customers too!

No pre-work is required or needed.

By the end of this program, you will:

1. Start your business!

2. Choose a business structure and register your business and company name.

3. Set-up your business — from working hours to identifying tools needed for purchase to finding your first customer.

4. Identify your primary products or services.

5. Research and understand WSIB and business insurance, specific to your trade.

6. Learn about taxes and decide on clear pricing.

7. Understand how to budget, forecast financials/cash flow projections, and be financially accountable to the growth of your business.

8. Set-up back-end administration such as bookkeeping (including cash payments), legal, benefits, email signatures, auto-scheduling, etc.

9. Understand who your target market(s) is and how you will market to them.

10. Create and implement a marketing plan customized to your industry and business model — including logos, marketing materials, social media handles and web site domains.

11. Discuss the ‘rules’ of engagement with customers — from emergency hours and after-hours communication to saying ‘no’ to freebies.

12. Create and implement sales and client follow-up processes.

13. Create a goals strategy with an accountable action taking plan.

14. Learn the ‘rules’ of entrepreneurship and understand it’s impact on your lifestyle.

Who should join?

This program is for any person actively working in the trades or finished their trades program/apprenticeship and is wanting to start a business. This program fits individuals who want to start either a part-time or full-time business.

Specifically, the StartSmart: Trades Business Blueprint program is customized for a tradesperson who wants to build a business around a skilled trade — typically hands-on, technical work that requires specific training, certification, or apprenticeship.

Trades can include those across the technical, mechanical, or construction trade categories.

Examples:

• Electrical Contracting

• Plumbing

• Carpentry or Cabinetmaking

• HVAC Installation and Repair

• Welding or Fabrication

• Painter

• Flooring Installer

• Construction

• Roofing

• General Contractor

• Mechanic

• Motorcycle or Marine Mechanic

• Auto Body & Collision Repair Technician

• Parts Technician

• Recreation Vehicle Service Technician

• Appliance Service Technician

A trades business could provide products (like custom cabinetry), services (like plumbing repairs), or both. It’s a broad umbrella covering any skilled trade you want to turn into a business.