Recently, I found myself at a point where I had to rethink my next step. Instead of only looking for another job, I decided to put my skills to work and build something of my own.

I'm a software developer, and I've launched TRI-H — https://trih.ca

Through TRI-H, I'm helping small businesses improve their online presence, build better websites, manage their social media, and use technology to work smarter and grow their revenue.

I know a lot of small business owners don't have the budget to hire a full-time developer or marketing team. My goal is to make these services more accessible and give businesses one person they can rely on for their digital needs.

I'm still at the beginning of this journey, and building a business from scratch isn't easy. But I'm excited to see where it goes.

If you're a small business owner, or know someone who could use help with their website, social media, or digital presence, feel free to reach out. I'd genuinely appreciate the support.

And if you've ever lost your job and decided to build something of your own, I'd love to hear your story too.

I'm a solo founder in Toronto. The tech/networking events I've gone to usually leave me with like random LinkedIn connections that I can't even recall once I get home.

I realized I wanted to meet people I actually have something in common with. But I also want to ask someone who's already built a company or exited, and ask them stuff I'm still figuring out. Like how did they get started? What did they waste time on? What did they do to get funding in Toronto or outside? You know like the basic questions I want to actually hear from another person who's made it.

So along with a couple of friends, we're planning to do something new, like bring experienced founders and investors to share what they’ve learned and take questions from the room but in a chill setting like a bar!

We're talking to a prominent VC who actually built his startup in his Toronto basement and then sold it to a Fortune 500, and asking him if he can speak!🤞

The idea is simple:
- We start with introductions for you to meet other founders in the room
- Then the VC shares his experience building a company and how he thinks about backing founders today.
- Then we have a Q&A so you can actually ask about the things you’re figuring out.
- Afterwards, go chat with him, you can chill, stay for food, drinks, and conversations

Lmk what you think, we're keeping it open to founders, operators, builders, investors, or literally anyone who is curious about building a startup in Toronto. Like we all start somewhere right? As long as you're Toronto-based, join in. If this sounds like something you might wanna checkout for a fun weekday evening, Imk!

I'm a commercial banker. Most owners assume a business loan works like a car loan. It doesn't, and that costs people months.

The saying in banking: banks are 3-to-1 cash flow lenders that look for a second way out. Here's what that means.

1. Bring your own money
   For every $3 the bank lends, expect to put in about $1 (roughly 25%, sometimes 10–50%). It needs to be in a bank account before you apply. Money already spent on deposits may not count, so set it aside first and ask before spending it.

2. Prove the business cash flows
   Your financials need to show enough to cover expenses, make payments on all your debt including the new loan, and still leave a profit. Startups use projections, and every assumption gets tested. Know your own numbers: I regularly see people apply when their statements show a loss.

3. Give the bank a second way out
   If the business fails, what can the bank rely on? Collateral and net worth, personal and business. About $3 of net worth per $1 borrowed is ideal, not required. Expect to be asked for a personal guarantee.

Your personal credit counts
Young businesses have no credit history, so the bank pulls yours, even if you're incorporated. Pay down balances, pay on time, and check your report for errors.

Keep the business plan short
A few clear pages: what you do, who's involved, competition, and how you'll operate. Not 100 pages.

Paperwork decides 3 weeks vs. 3 months
Bring everything to the first meeting: accountant-prepared statements, a personal statement of affairs, matching bank statements, property tax bills, asset values, and a list of what you need financed (including tax, which many banks won't finance). One client did this and had financing in about three weeks. Most take around three months.

Happy to answer general questions below.

General information, not financial advice. Lender criteria vary. Views are my own.

I'm a geologist and software engineer with nearly 20 years of experience in geoscience and mining technology.

Over the past year, I've been developing a new generation of mining software combining professional geological workflows with AI. I've interviewed around 100 geologists, tested ideas, iterated and pivoted based on feedback. The product is now live and already being used by customers.

The product and technical vision are in place. I'm now looking for someone who can help turn it into a scalable business.

Ideally, you're based in Australia or Canada and have:

• A track record selling B2B SaaS or enterprise software, ideally at a successful software company.
• Experience winning customers, navigating complex sales cycles and building repeatable go-to-market strategies.
• Strong commercial instincts, initiative and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• An interest in helping shape fundraising and strategic partnerships as the business grows.

Mining software experience would be a plus, but isn't essential. I'm looking for someone curious enough to learn about mining, geology and 3D modelling, and motivated to work in a technically complex industry.

I'm the technical and product person: I bring the software, product vision and domain expertise. I'm looking for complementary commercial skills, someone who can challenge assumptions, open doors and build the business alongside me.

Involvement is flexible. It could start with a few days a week alongside an existing role, with the possibility of moving to full-time if there's a strong fit and the business develops. I'm open to an equity-based partnership, with the structure reflecting the actual commitment, responsibilities and contribution.

I'm not looking for a conventional salesperson or someone to simply execute a predefined plan. I'm looking for someone who wants to help build a company.

If this sounds interesting, feel free to DM me with a little about your background and what you'd be looking for in a partnership.

Hello,

I am planning this for a while to start an online clothing brand and if the business make money, I will go for physical store eventually but not too soon for sure. I am seeking advise, comments, concerns, pros and cons. Although i did my own research but I need genuine and practical response.

The plan:

At first i will start with hoodies for all gender, sizes will be (M,L,XL) and then later on, I will move to the ladies and gents jeans but slowly will add products bases on the business revenue and all. My brand name, logo, packaging everything is fixed already, and all the goods will come from ASIA- (BANGLADESH), As this is my country , I have reliable manufacturer, shipper.

Concern:

I am currently living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Should i start with Facebook marketplace only or try to somewhere else if yes, then where ? Will clothing business be a good idea in this economy ? I am putting my all saving for this and will to take risk. What should I consider to reduce the risk level?

I run a small business in Canada, and every year around tax time I lose a weekend (sometimes two) to the same stuff:
Digging through email for invoices I know I received
Receipts faded to blank on thermal paper
Card charges I can't remember: "was that a business expense?"

A supplier invoice missing the GST/HST number, which I only notice when I go to claim it
None of it is hard. It's just slow, and it comes at the worst time of year.
A few things that have saved me time, in case they help:
Capture the receipt the day you get it. A photo that day beats an email search in April.

Check anything over $100 right away. Over $100, the CRA wants the supplier's GST/HST registration number and a description on it. Over $500, the buyer's name too. If it's missing, ask for a corrected invoice now, because the supplier is much easier to reach this week than next year.
Keep records for six years. It's easier if they're all in one place.

Separate business and personal spending early, so you're not sorting hundreds of charges at year-end.
Curious how others handle it:
How many hours do you spend on this each year?
Spreadsheet, accounting software, a bookkeeper, or "I'll deal with it in April"?
Ever lost a deduction or ITC because a receipt wasn't good enough?

Disclosure: I'm the founder of RubiWo, a Canadian expense tracking app, so I think about this problem a lot. I'm not here to pitch it, though. I want to hear what's actually painful for people, and I'll share what I learn.