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The Globe and Mail has good news for entrepreneurs and business leaders: We’re launching a ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. This is going to be Canada’s premier business ranking, focusing on three-year revenue growth. If you’re a rapidly growing company, you’ll want to enter. (Entering is quick, easy and free.) More info at tgam.ca/topgrowing. -Sarah Efron, Globe and Mail Small Business Editor
Fitness subscription service ClassPass brings new business to studios, but at what cost?
A popular gym subscription service is reshaping the fitness industry by allowing consumers to book discounted classes at multiple studios in cities around the world. But while the ClassPass platform is a great way for studio owners to get people in the door, making a profit from these new clients can be a challenge. Some gyms are adjusting their business models to account for the lower margins that come with taking on ClassPass members. Story
Craig Sheridan and his wife Jill Sheridan, owners of Eastwood Cycle spin studio, pose for a photograph in Vancouver, on Friday February 15, 2019. Darryl Dyck/The Globe and MailDARRYL DYCK/The Globe and Mail
University of Toronto announces largest donation in school’s history for construction of new centre, institute
Billionaire investor Gerald Schwartz and Indigo chief executive Heather Reisman announced Monday that they will donate $100-million to the University of Toronto for the construction of a new centre for innovation and entrepreneurship as well as an institute that will study the impact of emerging technologies on society. Story
OMERS Ventures expands to Europe with $455-million fund
One of Canada’s top funders of early-stage tech companies, the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, is expanding its venture capital business into Europe with the launch of a new €300-million ($455-million) fund. Story
Canadian tech coalition wants to get smart-city data and policies right
Some of Canada’s leading urban-technology companies want to team up with policy-makers to develop clearer rules around data collection and its use in cities, as a Toronto project led by Google affiliate Sidewalk Labs shines a global spotlight on the country. Story
WHAT WE’RE READING ELSEWHERE
Confusion, lack of rebate details leave businesses on edge about carbon tax
Canada’s small business operators say they are not ready for the carbon tax to kick in next week — particularly since the federal government has still not told them how they will be compensated for the cost. National Post
Concerns growing from small businesses over the Employer Health Tax
Some small businesses in British Columbia are having to make the tough decision over cutting staff, passing on costs to consumers or — in the worst case — closing down because of the province’s new Employer Health Tax. Global News
Kitchener e-scooter startup waits on rule changes
Luke Mydlarz places one foot on the base of the electric scooter, pushes with his other foot to get it rolling and quietly zooms away. “You have to push the scooter along to start the motor,” says Mydlarz. The Record
How this Durham clothing firm is helping people with disabilities
Ten years ago, John Cook and Jennifer Gallienne had a vision — to create a company that sells outerwear for people with disabilities that suits their individual needs. With help from the George Brown Fashion Exchange in Toronto, they have built a successful business that competes worldwide. CBC
Unique startup studio model makes first mark in B.C.
The Vancouver-based tech entrepreneur was still in his mid-20s when he sold his startup, MetroLyrics, to the U.S. media giant in 2011. There were many years ahead for him to make a mark in the tech sector, so he turned to another Canadian who made it big in technology: Uber Technologies Inc. co-founder Garrett Camp, who had gone on to launch start-up studio Expa in San Francisco. Business in Vancouver