TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - A four-part study on
entrepreneurs commissioned by Staples and Startup Canada reveals that
entrepreneurship is growing in popularity in Canada, particularly among millennials and
retirement-aged baby boomers, and that the major drivers leading to
start-ups are not related to money.
When asked about their motives for starting a business,
approximately half of respondents cited a desire to fill a gap in
the marketplace (55 per cent) or gain more flexibility and
independence in their work (50 per cent). Forty per cent expressed
a drive to change the world and leave a positive legacy.
"I am passionate about what I do," said Shelly King, solo-entrepreneur and the founder
of Peterborough, Ontario-based
business Puppeteria. "I like to work on things that are meaningful
and entrepreneurship gives me the freedom to work on my own
terms."
Beyond these ideals, entrepreneurs generally do not view working
on their business as a 'job'. They enthusiastically embrace their
business as an important part of their personal identity – how they
see themselves, view the world and make decisions. For them
entrepreneurship is a mindset; a way of seeing, being and acting.
Their journey is one of heightened emotions that they relish – even
through the many challenges.
"Entrepreneurs can sometimes feel isolated and lonely," said
Victoria Lennox, Co-Founder and CEO
of Startup Canada. "We've held hundreds of entrepreneur and
small-business events and it's incredible the level of appreciation
we receive from entrepreneurs who thank us for providing a venue
and forum for them to exchange, find mentors, address their most
pressing questions, and have a voice."
The study, which was conducted over a period of 4 weeks was
commissioned in part by Staples
Canada, who continues to grow its service level to small
businesses and role as one of the most valued corporate supporters
of small business – a position it has earned due to its network of
stores, website and assortment of products and services as well as
a growing number of local, business-friendly events.
Other findings from the research included:
- Entrepreneurs relish and yearn for opportunities for networking
and peer-to-peer learning
- 8/10 would be comfortable approaching Staples for small business support and
advice
- When seeking advice and support, entrepreneurs overwhelmingly
seek advice from experts and coaches (83 per cent), professional
networks (82 per cent) and mentors (65 per cent), and to a lesser
extent family and friends (58 per cent) and online networks
(43.3).
- Entrepreneurs share a series of common traits including
optimism, confidence, competitiveness and, at times, a measure of
loneliness
- The top concerns for entrepreneurs remain finding customers (35
per cent), securing funding (20 per cent) and managing cash flow
and growing their teams (20 per cent)
"All Canadians have a stake in the wellbeing and success of our
entrepreneurial class," said Steve
Matyas, president of Staples
Canada. "Entrepreneurs are our neighbours, friends and
family members; they have deep roots in our communities and are
clearly driven by noble motivators that lead to stronger
communities. Staples is delighted
to be among their most staunch supporters."
Today, there are more than 2.3 million entrepreneurs in
Canada and 1.1 million small
businesses that together account for 78 per cent of private sector
job creation, 30 per cent of exports and 27 per cent of our
domestic gross domestic product. More than 98 per cent of all
Canadian businesses are small (1-99 employees).
The survey, which is part of a four-part broader study which
included in-depth focus groups in various cities, is available in
its complete form at blog.staples.ca. A blog post inspired by its
highlights is also available at blog.staples.ca.
SOURCE:
Staples Canada / Startup
Canada.
About Staples
Canada
Staples makes
it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to
shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery
capabilities, Staples lets
customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it's
in-store, online, on mobile devices, or through the company's
innovative buy online, pick up in store option. Staples offers more products than ever, such
as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety
supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services.
Headquartered outside of Boston in
the United States with offices in
Toronto, Canada, Staples operates throughout North and
South America, Europe, Asia,
Australia and New Zealand. More information about
Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is
available at www.staples.com and www.staples.ca.
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is a grassroots network of
entrepreneurs working together to build an environment for
entrepreneurship in Canada.
Through online platforms, grassroots Startup Communities and
cross-sector initiatives, Startup Canada is advancing
entrepreneurial momentum and a culture of entrepreneurship, as the
voice of Canadian entrepreneurs. Founded in May 2012, Startup Canada has quickly become the
most recognized, energized and active entrepreneurship organization
in Canada. Startup Canada has mentored more than 20,000 Canadians
and has grown to represent more than 80,000 entrepreneurs, 400
enterprise support partners, 300 volunteers and 20 Startup
Communities from coast to coast.
SOURCE Staples Canada Inc.