Trendspotting: Solar Roasted Coffee

Customers who want to start their day on an ecologically friendly note may want to fill their mugs with Solar Roast Coffee—a fresh new brew for java lovers that is roasted using clean abundant solar energy.
Based in Pueblo, Colorado, Solar Roast Coffee uses only 100% organic or fair trade coffee beans. Their special solar-powered roasting technique ensures the least impact on the environment. Not just a regular roaster powered by solar panels, Solar Roast’s Helios 2.0 catches rays of sunshine directly on a drum roaster filled with beans. The roaster is capable of reaching temperatures upwards of 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and swivels and tilts allowing it to track the sun throughout the day. No fossil fuels are burned to heat the beans, and no electric connection is needed to power the roaster’s fans and motors. The result? Likely the most earth-friendly coffee available on the market—and one the owners are hoping will be a hit with consumers.
The first Solar Roast Cafe opened in Pueblo early this year, and the company already has plans to open more locations in the western U.S, and also operates an online store. Coffees begin around USD 12 per pound. While speciality coffeehouses and roasters are nothing new, this very hands-on application of solar power adds a novel twist and true-green eco credentials. Key element? Fossil-free roasting makes for a great story for customers to share with their friends. (See trendwatching.com’s still made here for more on stories and status.) One to set up in sunny cities across the world:

Perth, Barcelona, L.A….?
Website: http://www.solarroast.com/Contact: info@solarroast.com
Spotted by: Barbara Winter

Where are the Government Grants?

"I have this great idea for a coffee shop in downtown Victoria and would like to know where I apply for the government grant?”
Believe it or not I get this question at least once a day at Business Victoria. I can't tell sometimes if these individuals just happen to be walking by the office and have a moment of inspiration to be entrepreneurs if or if they have worked diligently on a business plan for a couple of years and believe they can be the next coffee mogul to strike in rich in the multi billion dollar a year java business.
Either way most people have a look of disbelief on their faces when I tell them there is no application form for government grants for starting a business. "But I have a friend who knows someone that got a grant to start their business" is the quick response with a look of distrust, as if I have a drawer full of free money that I am keeping from them. That maybe there is a conspiracy perpetrated by individuals such as myself to keep the “Grant” money to ourselves. If we knew where the key to the free government cash drawer was being held, believe me I would not be sitting at my desk telling other people how to access it.

Now how can this be? We are reading all the time about how the Government is giving away money to big business. Well for the most part these would be tax credits, such as giving a P.S.T. exemption on capital expenses for re-tooling a manufacturing plant to keep hundreds of people employed, or waiving the G.S.T. and/or duties on equipment used for manufacturing that can not be purchased in Canada.

Send us Money and we will show you where the hidden grants are.
Buyers beware. About every three months I start to receive a series of phone calls from individuals who have been contacted by one or more companies selling books that show where to apply for grants. These books cost from between $150.00 and $400.00 and often have websites that look like they are part of the Canadian Government, usually with the name “Canadian” in them. These are private companies that compile lists of Government Grants and sell them to the public. Most government grants can be accessed for free through the internet, and the majority would only be available to not-for profit societies. Read the literature carefully and see if there are any businesses that are simular to yours that have benefited from Government Grants. Receiving a subsidy from the City Hall to help fray the cost of painting your heritage building is considered a grant and so are many other forms of subsidies and tax incentives. I have put together a sample of some of the financing programs available to small business, this is not an entire list, but should get your going on the path to financing your dreams.


Financing Options:
The Provincial Government, the Federal Government and private foundations do offer loans to individuals wishing to start a business. Go to http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/ and look for “The Overview of Government Financing”

The Canada Youth Business Foundation offers no-collateral loans of up to $15,000 for “Youth” between the ages of 15 and 35 (yes 35 is considered a youth, so 40 really is the new 20)

The Women’s Enterprise Centre offers loans of up to $100,000, however equity and security of about 30% of the loan amount is required

Yes there are non-repayable contributions (government grants) for business owners and people wishing to start a business, however the two most common forms of non repayable contributions are tied to Employment Insurance.
Wage Subsidy:
This program essentially will provide a subsidy to companies that have been in business for more than one year who hire individuals that have an active E.I claim or have had an active E.I. claim in the past three years. In Victoria contact Worksource.

Self Employment Program
This program is funded through Service Canada will allow individuals who are on E.I. or have been in last three years and cannot find work an opportunity to become self employed. This really is a grant as individuals can receive up to 52 weeks of funding to while in the start up phase of business with having earnings of the business clawed back.

First Nations
ABC
Aboriginal Business Canada:

This federal agency offers non repayable loans to First Nations, Métis, and other individuals of aboriginal ancestry.


So if your are looking for the “Free Money” and you find it please let me know, because I have this great idea I have been working on and just need someone else to finance it and assume all the risk.

Schmoozing at Swan's

Another great evening at Swan's Hotel hosted by Simplynetworking:
This great networking group is quickly becoming the place to practice the art of schmoozing with other entreprenuers in Victoria. For many new and growing businesses this is a fun and casual way to get out and meet other emrging businesses and professionals. The evening started off with cocktails and netwroking at 6:00 pm then quickly got under way at 6:15 wtih everyone having the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a quick overview of their business. With about 35 poeple in the room this only took about 25 minutes.

Each month Simplynetworking presents a feature business of the month giving the business owner an addtional 10 minutes to introduce thier business. This evenings speaker was Julie Sansbury the owner Distinctive Mangement Co. who wishes to inpsire us all to "use the law of attraction to be successful in business and life".

Many new entreprenuers attending the Simplynetworking mixers each month. With a distribution list of over 500 Entreprenuers this is the fresh new netwroking venue in Victoria. Entreprenuers in the Victoria are are invited to become members by "Simply" going to http://www.simplynetworking.org/
and registering for free. Yes free. The free membership also allows business to get on the business registry. Check it out, this is an easy to site to navigate.

How to Stay cool

Pretty Hot Today
Stay inside and drink (root)beer

Local Issues Survey

Recent discussion amongst business leaders and in the media has indicated a general concern about Victoria’s downtown core and what can or should be done about it. Particpating in Agency Research Consultants' "Local Issues Survey" focuses on issues of importance to local businesses and residents. The opinions information gathered from this can be used to improve the quality of of life in our community. Please take 10 minutes to explore some of those issues by participating in the "Local Issues Sruvey" For the purposes of these questions, please think about the area between Wharf/Store and Quadra Streets, and Chatham and Belleville Streets when considering “Downtown”.
Your opinions are important ; gathering this information will help demonstrate your needs and opinions and provide information that can be used to improve the quality of life in our community. All information that you provide will be kept confidential, and will be reported only at an aggregate level. For more information visit www.agencyresearch.ca.

Simply Networking

Simply Networking Celebrates One Year Anniversary with Launch of New Website
I thought many of you would be interested in this new networking group in Victoria.

Simply Networking founders Mylene Brousseeau and Danielle Van Schaick with the help of Jay from Magi Studios launched the new website http://www.simplynetworking.org/ to a crowd of about 45 entrepreneurs at Swans Hotel Wednesday evening.

The event was a great success with several people registering their businesses for a free membership that includes a B2B directory, monthly mixers, and opportunities for sponsorship.

“Simply Networking is a business networking group for young entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals in Victoria.
Our mission is to provide participants with cost-effective networking opportunities and offer a supportive environment for Victoria business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals to ‘talk business’.
Our innovative concept allows entrepreneurs to help each other succeed by making the right connections and sharing access to the resources vital to the growth of their business

It's Who You Know: Building Your Network

Everyone has heard the phrase: "its not what you know, but who you know". I have heard alot of people claim that their home town or city is a "word of mouth town" and this statment is no more evident than in the City of Victoria. We really are a 'word of mouth" town.

Everyone knows of someone who got a job or an advancement because he or she "knew the right people". The truth is knowing the right people can't hurt. Knowing the right people leads to career and or business opportunities.

We all have a "guy"; you know that person that comes to top of mind when your neighbour or colleague asks if you could reccomend someone that can perfom a service or complete a job.
You need to position yourself to be that "guy"(person). One way to become that "guy" is to build your network.

You can pay to advertise your business in a local newspaper, the phone book, business directories and other media. Some marketing studies suggest that consumers to need to see your ad an average of 28 times to be effective. We have all seen commercials we remember and still do not know what product is being sold. You could literaly spend Tens of Thousands of Dollars to have people see your ad and become aware of what you do. Building a network of "fans" of your business can cost you as little as taking a stranger out for a cup coffee a couple of times a week.

Building your Network:

To grow your business through networking you need to put yourself out there and meet other professionals and business people. Listen to the peolple you are meeting and take an interest in their business, they may have a service you need or you may have a service they could use or they may know someone that can use your service. Its all about getting out there and letting people know what you do. So if you have not been to networking event, or it has been a while since you last one, get out their and get let people know who you are.

There are many business and professional networking groups that meet weekly or monthly in Victoria. Linda Conn "Your Business Coach" has written an excellnet e-book; Network Venue Reviews, that gives a great overivew of many of the networking opporunites in Victoria.

On Tuesday May 8th 2007, Karen Knight and Patty Kuttai will present "Circles of Success" Expanding your business through networking at Business Victoria fromm 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Registration is FREE!!
Contact me at 384-1516 to register.

What's in a Name?

Trade Marks vs. Business Names

By Douglas B. Thompson

In many cases, there is no difference between a Trade Mark and a business name. If a person starts a hair salon under the business name “Scissor Hands”, that business name also serves as an “unregistered” Trade Mark. You can establish rights in an unregistered Trade Mark by establishing use.

When registering business names, minimal screening takes place. It is possible for two persons to file very similar business names. What can a person who has been operating as “Scissor Hands” in Victoria for ten years do, if another person starts operating as “Scissor Hands”? The “senior user” can go to court and prove that he or she has established a reputation in Victoria as “Scissor Hands” and that having another person also operating as “Scissor Hands” is causing confusion. It is up to the Judge to decide whether the “senior user” has rights that deserve protection. If the “junior user” has also set up shop in Victoria, the “senior user” will likely be successful. If the “junior user” has set up shop in Nanaimo or Kelowna, the “senior user” may not be successful and there may end up being unrelated “Scissor Hands” businesses in other parts of Canada.

It is possible for persons to register their Trade Mark. This can be done after they have been using it for a while and realize that it has become valuable. It can also be done before they start using it. However, the Trade Marks Branch of the Canadian Intellectual Property will not register all “unregistered” Trade Marks. They won’t approve of any Trade Marks that they feel will restrict trade. This means that they will not approve of a Trade Mark like “Hair Salon”, because other persons must be free to inform the public what business they are in without harassment. This means that they will not approve “Victoria Hair Salon”, because other persons must be free to inform the public that they are located in Victoria. This means that they will not approve “Thompson Hair Salon”, because that might prevent other persons by the name of “Thompson” from getting into the Hair Salon business.

If you can meet the tests for Trade Mark Registration, you obtain the following advantages:
You obtain the rights to the name for a particular product or service throughout Canada. Not only can you prevent someone from Nanaimo or Kelowna from using your Trade Mark, but also someone from Toronto or Halifax.
The public is given notice of your rights. Saying that they didn’t know doesn’t help them, because they should have looked.
There is a “legal presumption” in your favour. You win unless persons can show that a mistake has been made in granting the Trade Mark to you.
You have the right to enforce your Trade Mark in the Federal Court, and obtain orders that are enforceable anywhere in Canada.
You can use your Canadian Trade Mark as a basis to obtain registrations in foreign countries, most notably the United States.