A favourite anecdote of many entrepreneurs is when they were younger, they would ask someone successful in business what are the keys to success as an entrepreneur. The famous response would be a good accountant and a good lawyer. In all seriousness however, a network is important to the success of your business. This network may include lawyers and accountants as well as other consultants, mentors or partners.

Without the proper advice from a professional, entrepreneurs could run into issues with regards to taxes and legal battles, which could have avoided. In addition, situations like registering the corporation correctly, or maintaining correct documentation, can save you time and money.

It is not necessary to have a lawyer or an accountant on payroll or contract. However, being aware of who you can reach out to and go to for advice can go a long way.

Another thing to mention as well are the various supports that you can reach out to, such as the local Chamber of Commerce, or Health Unit. For example, the Thunder Bay and District Health Unit has amazing resources on workplace health, which you can use to provide you and your employees a healthy work environment and support mental and physical well being.

You can find links to local support organizations on the resources tab.