At the Business Sanctuary, we want you to have everything you need to be successful. We understand that those needs will vary as you go through the different stages of designing your business to suit your own definition of success. This resources page will be updated with information, tips, tricks and tools that are useful for you. Check back often to find inspiration, support and tools that will support you.
Can’t see what you are looking for? Send us a message to ask for what you need and we will find it for you.
1.) The Business Sanctuary’s Meditation Series
We understand the critial need for a positive mindset to succeed in your business or career. Check out our collection of growing mindfulness meditionations. From creating a success mindset to growing confidence and finding balance in the bustle of your day.
You can also find our series on our YouTube Channel.
See you in the gap!
2.) The Sanctuary’s Podcast Series
We love this technology to convey important business tips and share entrepreneurial stories with listeners. It’s easy to subscribe and listen to as you drive the car, walk the dog or go for a workout.
This is our interview podcast series with local entrepreneurs who share tips on business leadership, showcase their products and services and actively share what they are seeking from local providers in Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler, BC. Every episode provides golden nuggets of advice from seasoned business leaders.
You will learn about tried and tested business success tools, insights on vertical expertise and thought leadership on pitfalls and best business practices. Interviewees come from diverse backgrounds and different industries such as health, wellness, finance, real estate, marketing and entrepreneurial support organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and small business funding.
3.) Trusted Partners
Finding the right people to do a great job and not overcharge you for their services is time-consuming and frustrating. We take the guess work out by sharing our trusted pick of the best of the best. When you contact these providers, you can rest assured that they operate in harmony with our own core values and to the same high standard that you are accustomed to through the Business Sanctuary’s promise. If you prefer, ask us for an introduction.
Branding
Print and digital, graphic design, GIS mapping & product packaging
Sally Bell – Art Director @ Whitespaces
Wealth Management
Investments, TFSA, strategic planning, insurance (group & individuals)
Lynn Williams – CEO @ The Lifestyle Protector
Accounting
Accountancy, TAX planning, business finance management
Eva Tone – CPA, CA @ Sangha Tone with offices in North Vancouver and Langley.
Legal
Corporate, personal, estates, trusts
Eddie Carter – Lawyer (approachable and down to earth) @ Paperclip Law
Trademarking & Intellectual Property Protection
Sandra Wright – registered Trademark Agent @infuseworks
Gina Lupino – Intellectual Property Lawyer US & Canada @ Ascendion Law
Human Resources
Recruitment, documentation, team development
Tess Evans – HR Consultant @ HR Galaxy
4.) Money Matters
Peruse these important sites and resources to help you find access to current grants, business banking and funding options:
- BC Innovation Council – www.bcic.ca
- BC Job Grants – Eligibility criteria
- Business VISA card – no fee, cash back (Scotia Momentum)
- Business banking – RBC for small business (no fee, business bank account for low transaction rates)
- Small business financing – FrontFundr (investing and capital funding platform for savvy entrepreneurs)
5.) Tech Tools
To grow and scale your business, you need to make technology your friend. This does not mean you have to do everything yourself. However, it does mean you implement tools that help to systemize and automate your processes to allow you spend more time in your own zone of genius. Here are some of the Business Sanctuary’s favourites:
Organizing & document management
- Scannable – Download the app and easily scan & share documents, business cards (with LinkedIn profile find)
- Evernote – The idea book you can’t live without. Out of your mind and into a system. Great for team task sharing, too!
- Google Drive – Online, offline document management. Easy sharing, collaboration and commenting with clients and teams.
- WeSendIt – Free software, no sign up required, for sending really large files (like audio, video, etc.)
Customer & contact management
- Insightly – Plays nice with Evernote, Google Drive, Calendar and Gmail and Mailchimp
- WebEX – Video conferencing and webinar cloud software with recording option and online whiteboard
- Zoom – Another great video conferencing tool with unlimited team support, recording of meetings, online sharing
Project management
- Trello – Simplified concept for workflow, team communication, data depository and free for shared use with ease
Accounting
- Sage One – Cloud-based, simple bookkeeping system that links to your bank accounts. Invoicing and online payment options.
- Xero – Cloud-based, bookkeeping system that is meant to be one of the best for small business with cross compatibility to other systems.
We strive to provide you new, useful and helpful resources on this site. If there is something you recommend we should add, let us know.
