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Illustration of the Venture Zone logo, which displays a bright yellow lightbulb with a dollar sign placed over it next to the words “CNIB Venture Zone”

Resources for Entrepreneurs

Looking for resources to help you start and build your business? On this page, you’ll find links and downloadable resources on topics from business strategy, to marketing and accessibility hacks for blind entrepreneurs.

a group of men and women sitting at a table with their laptops talking

7 Challenges Entrepreneurs Face and How to Conquer Them

What are some challenges of being an entrepreneur? While entrepreneurship can help you build your ideal lifestyle, starting a new business is by no means a simple journey.
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The Venture Zone logo (a lightbulb with a dollar sign inside) is shown on a yellow background.

Download our new app, the Venture Zone Game!

The new Venture Zone Game is out now! Download the app to learn about being an entrepreneur and have fun doing it.
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Two women shake hands over a table of six business people.

What is an Entrepreneur?

Have you ever wanted to open your own business, but feel overwhelmed by all the business jargon?
We'll break down some basic business terms for you to get you started.
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An electronic tablet shows website business statistics.

Your nine-step business plan

Use the business model canvas to create your business plan.

Learn more by downloading our “nine-step business plan” resource, originally from alexandercowan.com. 
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A calculator sits on a pile of money.

Making a Cashflow Statement

Learn how to make a simple cashflow statement based on Futurpreneur's template. Futurpreneur gives loans to Canadian startups. Use the template to model your monthly finances over the next 12 to 24 months. 
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A cell phone displays various social media apps.

Creating Your Social Media Presence

Social media is a popular tool for marketing and reaching customers.
Accessibility can be tricky with some sites, and you might wonder how to use them properly to gain customers. Learn how to use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for business.
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A woman smiles as she shakes a male colleague's hand across a table.

Choosing the Legal Structure of Your Business

Do you want to own a business by yourself? With a partner or many shareholders? Find out your options for structuring your business and who gets the profits.
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A woman's hand is shown signing a contract.

The Elements of a Contract

Check out this beginner's guide to writing business contracts and when you'll need them.
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Two women shake hands in an office.

Nailing the Pitch: Preparing

You've crunched the numbers and done the research, and now you need investors to help you grow your business. How will you get them on board? Pitching can be intimidating, but with these tips, you'll be ready for success.

Here, we break down the pitching process from planning to presenting.
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CNIB's Kevin Shaw gives a presentation at the Vancouver office.

Nailing the Pitch: Presenting

If you've read how to prepare for your sales pitch, here are some tips on presenting it.
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