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. Download our app here.
Would you use a ride-sharing app?
Live Rides is the first real-time carpool network in Canada and it may be coming to a city near you. The mobile app, developed by a startup of the Montreal Accelerator FounderFuel, allows drivers and riders spontaneously match by tapping into the massive pool of regular commuters, according to TechVibes.
While Live Rides claims to be 'the friendlier' way to ride-share, it's not exactly a new concept. In the U.S., Sidecar - a similar ride-sharing tool - announced in October that it had raised $10-million (U.S.) in Series A round of venture capital from Lightspeed Venture Partners and Google Ventures, reports The New York Times.
Along with a number of other transit companies like Lyft and Tickengo, Sidecar also happens to be in the midst of battling the California Public Utilities Commission, which argues that the company does not have the proper permits to operate a car service.
Whether Live Rides will run into the same kind of legal roadblocks other U.S. transportation-based companies have is yet to be seen.
For now, and in the immediate future, the company says it wants to gain a firm foothold in all major Canadian cities and even incorporate other methods of transit, including trains, buses and even taxis.
The name game
Got a great idea for a business, but can't think of a name for it? For some eye-opening inspiration, AMEX's Open Forum has devised a neat little infographic charting the genesis of how seven great tech companies picked their names.
Do you know where the name Hotmail comes from? Did you know that Sharp electronics was named after a pencil?
EVENTS AND DATES
Business breakfast with the leaders
On Dec. 22, come and learn how to do business with the government of Canada at a breakfast conference hosted by the NPBN Ottawa Chapter. The event will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Ottawa from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
From his parents' basement, entrepreneur builds accounting powerhouse
How to compete against a major entrenched player? That's what Freshbooks' founder had to answer in creating its cloud-based accounting software targeted to small businesses
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Uber puts cab companies on regulatory edge
Mobile app business is a challenge when trying to carve a niche in one of the world's most entrenched industries
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