So, you want to be an entrepreneur?  Where do you start?  This month, we searched the libraries, scoured the internet and tested out some of the most popular business apps out there.  To help you out, we’ve put together a list of great business resources and tools to help you succeed.

THE COMPLETE CANADIAN SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE  
By Douglas Gray & Diana Gray
$28.37 Online Price
Available online at Chapters.ca and also available at the Regina Public Library.

This is the most comprehensive and complete guide for every Canadian small business owner. It provides a great foundation for the day-to-day questions that any small business owner may encounter.  It covers a wide range of topics from how to incorporate to business taxes and so much more.

 

INC.
$24.97 - 10 Issues
www.inc.com

Inc. Magazine (print publication) and the online web version, www.inc.com, are two invaluable resources where entrepreneurs and business owners can find useful information, advice, insights, resources and inspiration for running and growing their businesses.  Online you can find how-to guides, blogs, small business tools (free job description templates, library of sample forms, interactive worksheets, spreadsheets and contracts), Inc. TV with live interactive forums, and Ask Inc., an online community and network of business owners dealing with the same trials and tribulations.

CamCard (Business Card Reader) APP
$6.99 – iPhone & iPad
www.intsig.com
Also available for Android, Blackberry and WinMo users.

Now you can have no problem managing all those business cards that every business owner collects.  Voted one of the Best Apps for 2011, CamCard(Business Card Reader) is the solution to business card management.  It allows you to electronically file all your contacts on your smartphone by capturing the information and organizing it for you.  You can actually download a trial or try out the free version(CamCard Lite) to see how it works before purchasing the full version.  Available thru the iTunes App Store or online at www.intsig.com.

RYAN HOLOTA’S BLOG
Freelance Writer & Marketing Expert
www.arholota.com/blog/blog/
Telephone:  (306) 551–1701
Email: ryan@arholota.com

Ryan Holota is a Regina-based freelance writer, marketing expert and social media guru.  His blog offers a wide range of topics from practical social media tips for your business, reviews on online marketing tools, and even thoughts on branding.  His humour and straight talk make his blog easy and enjoyable to read.  For more insight on how Ryan can help your business online, you may want to spend a day with him.  On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, Ryan will be presenting a social media workshop here in Regina.  For more information on his Social Media Marketing 101 seminar, visit www.arholota.com/blog/2011/10/24/social-media-marketing-101/.  To learn more about Ryan or to check out his blog for yourself, visit his website www.arholota.com or follow him on Twitter @ryanholota.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF SASKATCHEWAN, INC.
100 - 1919 Rose Street
Regina, SK S4P 3P1
Telephone:  (306) 359-9732
Toll-free: 1 (800) 879-6331
Email: info@womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca
www.womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca

The Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (W.E.) is a non-profit membership organization that works with women who are starting a new business venture, buying an existing business or are already established business owners.  They provide a number of services including:   a mentorship program, business advisory services, start-up and expansion loans for your business, training & seminar opportunities, and networking.  W.E also hosts a free lunch hour series every second Wednesday of the month from noon to 1 PM.  Members and non-members are welcome to attend but you must RSVP ahead of time.  These short seminars are designed to provide business education and training.  They are informative topics led by local experts in their fields.  To check out upcoming lunch hour series events, visit www.womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca/EventCalendar/LunchHourSeries/tabid/147/Default.aspx.

CANADA BUSINESS NETWORK (SASKATCHEWAN)
Government Resources for Entrepreneurs
www.canadabusiness.ca

The Government of Canada developed this well-designed and easy-to-navigate website with useful and timely information for entrepreneurs.  Entrepreneurs can learn how to register a business name, find out what regulations, licenses and permits are needed for your industry, and also topics like how to exit a business.  The website also offers support for financing with online tools such as the slick "Find Financing” tool.  You choose what you need the financing for, click the province you’re in, and then it provides a list of sources that you can go to for financing.  They also provide checklists and guides available to download so that you can prep beforehand and have everything you need, such as their “starting a business” checklist.

Do you have a business resource or tool to help a parentpreneur?  Send us a quick email:  editorial@kinderbuzz.com or join the conversation on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/kinderbuzz.  By sharing our tips above and by contributing your tips, we are helping to build a supportive business community!  Best Wishes, KinderBuzz Team.