If you speak to people who know business statistics, you will hear them say that many small businesses will fail within the first five years. These facts are a contributing factor to people buying long-established businesses in order to gain a higher chance of success compared to a start-up. So what are the odds of surviving more than five years? There are government organizations who keep statistics on this. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “About half of all new establishments survive five years or more and about one-third survive 10 years or more. As one would expect, the probability of survival increases with a firm’s age. Survival rates have changed little over time.” These statistics are backed up by the Small Business Administration (SBA), who state that nearly 66% of small businesses will survive their first two years. What that implies is that only about one-third of total businesses will actually fail in these first two crucial years. The reason that is given is the lack of business experience by the owner/management of the business.
According to Statistics Canada, “Thousands of businesses enter and exit the marketplace throughout the year…..The greatest number of SME births (13,820) and deaths (12,590) occurred in professional, scientific and technical services, followed by construction (12,050 births and 11,900 deaths). Mining and oil and gas extraction had the fewest SME births and deaths (780 and 800 respectively). In 2013, the total number of SME births was 78,430, compared with 83,240 deaths, which resulted in a net decrease of 4,810 businesses.” With all these numbers, what are start-ups to do if they want to survive? Most business experts will say that watching debt and expenditures are key to success. Others will say that budgeting with fixed expenditures will also help you keep your focus on growth rather than where you can save money next.
Even the Canada Business Network states on their website: “When you start your own business, you may have to wear many “hats.” You may have some great ideas, but how are you at handling business operations like administrative or managerial tasks? You need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Lack of management experience can lead to small business failure. Do not be shy about seeking out the advice of experts, networking with other entrepreneurs, and hiring employees to help you run the business.” In other words, paying attention to detail and motivating others are all key elements to achieving business growth and ultimately, survival.
Here are some of the survival tips that Canada Business Network gives to help avoid the pitfalls that often lead to small business failure.
Another mistake that some small businesses make when starting out is trying to build all their infrastructure while they are just start-ups. They want to use start-up funds to lease office space, furnish it and lease expensive office equipment. They fail to realize how much the infrastructure costs to develop and how much debt they will have to carry for this infrastructure. There are alternatives that they should look into first, such as serviced offices, shared offices and coworking spaces.
Serviced offices and shared office spaces come at a fixed rate per month and the infrastructure is already set up. so there are no worries about negotiating leases for photocopiers or having to wire the office for Internet and phones, as they are already in place. Very similar to shared offices, coworking allows for a space to get work done without the formal or traditional office environment.
1. Jennifer Smith
General Manager
The Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1E9
Tel: 416-863-9700
Website: www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
2. Mark Perry
General Manager
Executive Hotels and Resorts (Boutique)
8 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E1
Tel: 416-350-2419
Website: www.spazen.ca or www.cosmotoronto.com
3. Emeline Boul
General Manager
Hotel Victoria (Boutique)
56 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1G5
Tel: 416-363-1666
Mobile: 647-574-5832
Website: www.hotelvictoriatoronto.com
4. Omkar Sawant
Reservations Manager
One King West Hotel
1 King Street West
Toronto, ON
M5H 1A1
Main: 416-548-8100
Reservations: 1-866-470-5464
Website: www.onekingwest.com
5. Van Nguyen
General Manager
Cambridge Suites Toronto
15 Richmond Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1N2
Direct: 416-601-3757
Hotel: 416-368-1990
Website: www.cambridgesuitestoronto.com
1. Michael Pagliaro
Carisma (Italian)
15 Toronto Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2E3
Tel: 416-864-7373
Website: www.carismarestaurant.com
2. Patti Shaw
Terroni (Italian)
57 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1K6
Tel: 416-203-3093
Website: www.terroni.com
3. Declan
Restaurant 20 Victoria – Michelin guide approved
20 Victoria Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2A1
Tel: 416-804-6066
Instagram for reservations: https://www.instagram.com/twentyvictoria/
4. Mana
Nami (Japanese)
55 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1K6
Tel: 416-362-7373
Website: www.namirestaurant.ca
5. Restaurant Lucie
100 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2W1
Tel: 416-788-9054
Website: www.restaurantlucie.com
6. Niam H
Cantina Mercatto
20 Wellington Street East
Toronto, ON
M5E 1C5
Tel: 416-304-0781
Website: www.cantinamercatto.ca
7. Siva Sathasivam
Uncle Tony’s
38 Wellington St E
Toronto, ON
M5E 1C7
Tel: 416-455-6650
Website: https://uncletonys.ca/
8. Pizzaiolo
104 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2Y6
Tel: 416-860-0700
Website: www.pizzaiolo.ca
9. Robin Singh
Woods Restaurant and Bar
45 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-214-9918
Website: www.woodsrestaurant.ca
1. Thom Tullo
Morpheus8 by Inmode
47 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-863-6564
Website: www.amanspa.ca
2. Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-366-3838
Website: www.altitudeathletictraining.com
3. Physioheath Studios
33 Victoria Street, #130
Toronto, ON
M5C 2A1
Tel: 416-368-2525
Website: www.physiohealth.com
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