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Funding
The resources on this page can be a starting point if you are exploring funding opportunities for your startup. While there are sources of funding listed at the bottom of this page, the Library does not endorse or have connections to any of these funders.
How Will you Make Money?
- Business Model ValidationThis online, self-guided course from MaRS Startup Toolkit is designed to help emerging business leaders create a sustainable business model and develop a framework for validating that model.
- Value Proposition CanvasValue Proposition Canvas is a tool for marketing experts, product owners, and value creators. This method from the bestselling innovation book Value Proposition Design is applied in leading organizations and start-ups worldwide.
Acquisitions
A recent study from the BDC found that entrepreneurs who grow their business through acquisition are twice as likely to experience growth above their industry average. If you're considering selling your business, here are some resources to review.
- Business acquisition, a driver for small business growth: BDC studyKey study findings from the BDC.
- Legacy Leadership LabIncludes resources from the L3, including the Social Acquisition Primer.
What is Financial Benchmarking?
Financial benchmarking is a process of comparing a company's financial performance with other companies in the same industry. Financial benchmarking is used to assess a company's competitiveness, efficiency, and highlight areas of improvement. Financial benchmarking and statistics could be useful in funding applications and when speaking to investors.
- Financial Performance DataProvides financial bench marking data for businesses in Canadian industries by Province. This includes profit margins, proportion of companies that are profitable and a breakdown of expenses.
- Key Small Business StatisticsStatistical reports on important topics related to small and medium businesses. This will include but is not limited to data on revenue, growth and financing.
Library Resources
Pitchbook
- PitchbookPitchbook is a venture capital database of startups, private companies, and public companies. Find funders by name, or look up companies to determine what kind of funding they have received.
How to use Pitchbook to find investors?
- How to Find Angel Investors Using Pitchbook?This blog post from PitchBook will delve into the practical aspects of using the PitchBook platform to connect with the right angel investors, a crucial step in launching successful ventures.
Openly Available Resources
- Canada StartupsResources for starting and funding a small business in Canada.
- Business Grants and FinancingFrom the Government of Canada, this resource highlights grants, loans, private and public sector financing, and outlines
how to leverage personal assets. - Helping Small Business Get LoansThe Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
- FuturpreneurFuturpreneur is the only national non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and resources to young entrepreneurs, helping them build a successful future while driving Canada’s inclusive economic prosperity.
- Ontario Centre of InnovationHelping Ontario innovators get connected with the researchers, industry partners, and funding needed to commercialize the next generation of made-in-Ontario IP and solutions.
Books
The Art of Startup Fundraising by ISBN: 1119191831Publication Date: 2016-04-11This book helps you navigate the online world of startup fundraising with easy-to-follow explanations and expert perspective on the new digital world of finance. You'll find tips and tricks on raising money and investing in startups from early stage to growth stage, and develop a clear strategy based on the new realities surrounding today's startup landscape.
The Crowdfunding Handbook by ISBN: 0814433618Publication Date: 2016-05-26The Crowdfunding Handbook explains the JOBS Act and translates SEC regulations into a clear set of dos and don'ts for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to get into equity crowdfunding early-and do it right.
Financing New Ventures by ISBN: 9781606494721Publication Date: 2014-01-30This book offers readers a practical guide, informed by the latest academic thinking, on business angel investing and describes the role and processes undertaken by business angels in funding entrepreneurs and new ventures.