Join Dave Knight, Kartik Singla, and Jimmy La as they dive deep into small business growth strategies with Charn, a seasoned CPA with a passion for empowering entrepreneurs. Discover the tools and insights you need to bridge the gap between surviving and thriving.

Understanding the Growth Plateau

Many businesses hit a point where growth seems to stall, despite their best efforts. Charn explains how to recognize the signs that your business has reached this plateau and why it’s crucial to take proactive steps. From evaluating market saturation to reassessing your product or service offerings, Charn provides a roadmap for reigniting growth and taking your business to the next level.

Financial Management Tips

Managing finances is one of the most challenging aspects of scaling a business. Charn shares expert advice on maintaining a healthy cash flow, managing debt, and securing the right kind of funding for expansion. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding your financial statements and how to use them to make informed decisions that will drive sustainable growth.

Building a Resilient Business

The business world is constantly changing, and those who adapt are the ones who thrive. Charn discusses the importance of building a resilient business that can weather economic downturns, industry shifts, and unexpected challenges. He highlights the role of innovation, diversification, and continuous learning in staying ahead of the curve and ensuring long-term success.

Practical Tools for Entrepreneurs

In today’s digital age, having the right tools can make all the difference in how efficiently a business operates. Charn shares his top recommendations for software and resources that can help entrepreneurs streamline their operations, improve productivity, and drive growth. From accounting software to project management tools, these practical solutions are designed to help you focus on what matters most—growing your business.

The Role of Leadership

Scaling a business requires more than just financial acumen and market knowledge; it demands strong leadership and a clear vision. Charn and the hosts discuss the qualities of effective leaders and how they can inspire their teams to achieve greater heights. They explore the importance of setting a clear direction, fostering a positive company culture, and making tough decisions that align with the long-term goals of the business.

Charn Hansra Links:

Website: www.charnhansra.ca
Email: charn@clearhouse.ca

Jimmy La Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-la-7188b3a9/?originalSubdomain=ca

Kartik Singla Links:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kartik-singla-b6810610/?originalSubdomain=ca

Urban planning might not sound like the most exciting topic, but when you dive into the intricacies of zoning bylaws and public engagement, it’s practically the latest binge-worthy drama series. Enter Alicia Monteith, a planner from Corbett Land Strategies, your go-to expert for navigating the wild world of urban development. She’s here to guide you through the twists and turns of planning approvals, community pushback, and legislative changes with the finesse of a maestro conducting an orchestra.

The Planning Process Unveiled

Planning a development is like planning a heist—minus the balaclavas and getaway cars. Alicia kicks things off by emphasizing the importance of due diligence and pre-consultation with municipalities before you even think about acquiring property. Think of it as your blueprint phase. The types of approvals you’ll need range from minor variances (the easy-peasy stuff) to zoning bylaw amendments (the "buckle up for a long ride" kind).

Missing Middle Development Strategies

Now, let’s talk about the "Missing Middle Development Strategies." Picture this: properties already zoned for your intended use are like finding a cheat code in a video game—fast track to building permits. But if you’re dealing with major amendments, you might as well pack a lunch because it’s going to be a while. Minor variances might take a few months, but official plan amendments could take years. So, patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a necessity.

Public Engagement and NIMBY Challenges

Ah, the joys of public engagement. It’s like hosting a party where half your guests are thrilled and the other half are complaining about the music. Alicia advocates for proactive communication strategies, such as virtual town halls, to smooth over neighborhood concerns. Transparency and communication are your best friends here, unless you want your project to become the latest victim of NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) syndrome.

The Legislative Rollercoaster: Bill 185

Buckle up, because Bill 185 is here to shake things up. Recent changes include the removal of minimum parking requirements (yay for those major transit station areas) and alterations to appeal rights. No more mandatory pre-consultation requirements and a rollback of refund requirements for municipalities. It’s a whole new world out there, folks, and Alicia’s got the map.

So, whether you’re a seasoned developer or just dipping your toes into the urban planning pool, Alicia Monteith's insights are your golden ticket to navigating the complex maze of urban development. Let’s get building!

Alicia Monteith Links:

Website:https://www.corbettlandstrategies.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alicia-monteith

Ever wondered how to navigate the maze of construction financing while keeping up with the housing market’s wild dance? Well, grab a seat and let’s dive into the fascinating world of construction financing with Robert Liu, VP of Real Estate Finance at CMLS Financial. Liu’s insights will make you wish you’d been taking notes all along!

Key Takeaways:

Meet Robert Liu, the guy who knows the real estate finance game like the back of his hand. CMLS Financial, the third-largest non-bank lender in Canada, is Liu’s playground, where they dabble in nearly $10 billion worth of commercial mortgages. Their secret sauce? A one-stop shop for commercial lending that keeps them busy, with 70% of their loans linked to CMHC programs. That’s right, folks—CMLS is all about making big things happen in the real estate world.

CMHC Programs and Market Trends: Enter CMHC’s MLI Select program, a superhero in the fight against the housing crisis. With a surge in multifamily projects (think $75 to $150 million and 200-400 units), CMHC is here to save the day. From rates based on Canadian Mortgage Bonds to construction loans tethered to prime rates, Liu explains how these programs are a game changer for tackling housing shortages.

Construction Financing and CMHC: Private or CMHC financing—what’s the deal? Liu breaks it down. Timing and rental rates are your new best friends when deciding on financing routes. CMHC’s program is tied to a loan-to-cost ratio, while private financing typically caps out at 75-85%. It’s all about balancing income and debt service ratios when it comes to securing that sweet CMHC takeout financing.

Takeout Financing Process: Planning to build? Start the takeout financing process 6 months before the occupancy permit—because nobody likes last-minute paperwork and surprise fees. Ensure your Certificate of Insurance from CMHC doesn’t expire and remember, stabilized income and debt service ratios are crucial when the time comes to cash out.

Project Feedback and Closing Thoughts: Liu gives a shoutout to SDG’s community engagement tactics. It’s not just about constructing buildings; it’s about connecting with neighbors and keeping track of site improvements. Keep those receipts, folks, and engage with the community. And, of course, maintain transparency with all your stakeholders.

Action Items:

- Keep all receipts for costs incurred before construction

- Engage with CMLS for takeout financing 6 months before expected occupancy

- Consider community engagement and feedback in project development

So there you have it—your crash course in construction financing with a side of humor and practical advice. Time to put these insights to work and maybe impress a few people at your next real estate meeting!

Robert LiuLinks:

Website: https://www.cmls.ca/

Email: robert.liu@cmls.ca

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliu1/