MARIO ANZUONI
The latest news and information for entrepreneurs from across the web universe, brought to you by the Report on Small Business team. Follow us on Twitter @GlobeSmallBiz
The most successful franchises
If you've ever thought of owning a franchise, but couldn't decide which one made sense for you, here are ten chains that have had a solid track record in Canada over the past ten years. But a word of caution, initial investments can be steep, in some cases upwards of $400,000. And while the Shoppers' Drug Mart no initial investment policy may be appealing, don't bother pursuing it unless you're a licensed pharmacist.
If you're looking to open something south of the border, Huffington Post presents the top 10 franchises of 2011 in the U.S.
Finally, here's a list of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. (though many of them may not be familiar).
Listen while you work
Normally the holiday season offers a stretch of time to spend at home with friends and family (and if you're like me, it's an opportunity to bake, plough through the stack of magazines building up on my coffee table and watch the occasional – and usually terrible – made-for-TV Christmas special while sprawled on the couch).
For many small business owners, however, this time of year can be incredibly hectic, making "catching up" on life next to impossible. That's why this list of 100 best podcasts for small businesses – on subjects ranging from startups to home based businesses to franchises – is so handy. Simply download, pop in your earphones and listen away.
Hiring the girl with the dragon tattoo
Even if you haven't read Stieg Larsson's literary blockbuster Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you've probably heard of the book's tattooed heroine Lisbeth Salander. While she may be polarizing at first, Inc.com explains why you she's exactly the person you want on your team.
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Forecast dinner upcoming
Young Canadias in Finance will be holding its annual "forecast dinner" featuring keynote speakers including Doug Porter, managing director and deputy chief economist for BMO Capital Markets, and Eric Bushnell, senior vice-president and portfolio management and chief investment officer for CI Institutional Asset Management, and Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist for CIBC World Markets, on March 29 in Ottawa. Be one of the first 50 to register before Dec. 31 to receive a 10 per cent discount. For more information, click here.
Start your nGen with brand protection
Niagara Interactive Media Generator (nGen), a hub for interactive digital media project and business development, hosts a lunch-and-learn on Jan. 10, entltled Brand Protection and Legal Business Structures. Speaker is Michael Mann of Lancaster Brooks & Welch, the session runs from 11:30 to 1 pm (ET) in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., and cost is $10.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Mobile technology offers 'last mile' aid solution
World Vision is betting its Canadian-made technology will one day become the standard for aid delivery throughout the world
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
A packing manifesto: 10 essentials for men
Just a few stylish basics can go the distance
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