The Complete Canadian Small Business Guide [Hardcover]

It's not easy to start or to run a small business. According to the authors of The Complete Canadian Small Business Guide, "four out of five small businesses cease to operate within three to five years of start-up." Hence the need for a comprehensive compendium of practical information so that you can be one of the few entrepreneurs who make it. Weighing in at more than 600 pages, the Guide covers tactics and strategies for just about every eventuality you might face, from financing to interior decorating. (And because Douglas Gray, who has written 17 other books about small business, is a lawyer, the legal aspects of entrepreneurship are especially well covered.) Each of the 21 chapters is organized with headings, sub-headings, and bullet points--so, while it's not the sort of book to read cover to cover, it is a valuable reference as you face the various issues that confront a small businessperson.

The Guide is generous in providing 36 charts, checklists, and forms you might need: letters to collect bad debts, a sample business plan, and a balance sheet. It also supplies plenty of other resources, Web sites, and an exhaustive glossary. The challenges in running a small business are daunting. At those moments when you feel there is nowhere to turn for help, this comprehensive reference can provide the answers. --Edward Trapunski

Every small business owner or manager faces a multitude of questions each day. The Complete Canadian Small Business Guide, a comprehensive and easy-to-read guide, has been the "must have" answer book for thousands of Canadian entrepreneurs since first published in 1988. Now in its third, fully revised edition, you will find every topic updated to reflect changes in technology, in the law, in resources and in the common practices of today's small businesses. You will also find two new chapters covering doing business on the Internet and managing your insurance needs.

Douglas Gray and Diana Gray provide a complete reference for every question - from the day you open your doors to when you make the decision to sell, and all the challenges you may face in between. They also offer street smart tips that can give your small business a competitive advantage.

They answer all your questions about starting, operating and expanding your business, including:
-How do I use the Internet to enhance my business? Do I need a web site? Should I sell online?
-Should I buy a business, a franchise or start from scratch?
-How do I hire the best employees - and keep them?
-How do I maximize the value of my lawyer, accountant, banker and insurance broker?
-Where do I get financing, how much do I need and how do I pay it back?
-How do I get credit from my suppliers and when should I extend it to my customers?

The Complete Canadian Small Business Guide is your first-stop reference when problems arise or key business decisions must be made. You will refer to it often.

Douglas Gray, LL B, is Canada's foremost authority on small business. Formerly a practicing lawyer, he is the author of 17 bestselling business and personal finance books.

Diana Gray is an experienced business owner and consultant. Her company provides centralized business services to small and medium-sized companies as well as home-based businesses.

Doug and Diana live in Vancouver.

Doug Gray is Canada’s foremost authority on small business. He has given seminars to more than 250,000 people and is frequently interviewed as an expert on entrepreneurship. A retired lawyer, he is the founder of the Canadian Enterprise Institute Inc.

Diana Gray is an experienced business owner. Her companies provide centralized services to small and medium-sized corporations as well as home-based businesses. She has written numerous articles and training manuals and is co-author of the best-selling book Home Inc.: The Canadian Home-Based Business Guide.

Doug and Diana live in Vancouver.