Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Competition | Oct 18, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Maico Amorim
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that promotes and safeguards competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. They emphasize that competition leads to lower prices, innovation, and economic growth.
The main goal of the research was to examine the general state of competition across the Canadian economy and understand how competition in Canada has evolved from 2000 to 2020.
The Bureau officials will conduct a technical briefing for the media to discuss the methodology and findings. They will provide opening remarks and then answer questions from the media.
The briefing is scheduled for October 19, 2023, at 11:15 a.m. EST and will be held virtually via teleconference.
A decline in competitive intensity can lead to several challenges:
Canada's competitive landscape is at a pivotal juncture. While the decline in competitive intensity over the past two decades is a concern, it also offers a chance for introspection and proactive action.
At NCFA Canada, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every business, especially small businesses representing the back-bone of the Canadian economy, can compete and thrive, driving Canada's economic future to new heights.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Oct 14, 2023

Image: Unsplash
Regardless if you're steering a large corporate project or a small business venture, the mastery of an effective resource management plan invariably decides your team's productivity and the eventual outcomes of your end goals. This article will demystify the process of creating a successful resource management plan, breaking down its basics and highlighting essential elements.
The foundation of any successful project lies in the thorough comprehension of its basic structure. A resource management plan, at its core, is a guide that aids in the efficient utilization of resources. This analytical tool is designed to maximize available resources by meticulously detailing when and where resources will be needed, enabling optimal productivity.
An integral part of project management, these plans establish a roadmap that helps in aligning resources with your project objectives. Be it handling financial assets, managing employees, or coordinating equipment – understanding how to synchronize various resources is the key to a smooth execution.
While the very concept might seem overwhelming, by focusing on the individual mechanics of your business, a resource management plan can be systematically structured. The knowledge of resource management aids in the identification of potential roadblocks and prediction of the outcomes, ensuring a smooth project completion.
However, understanding the basics of resource management is one thing; embedding its principles effectively into the core operational strategy of your business is a different story. This transition necessitates a deep understanding of the underlying elements that make an effective resource management plan.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for resource management; factors differ depending on the nature and size of each enterprise. However, there are universal features we can focus on. The backbone of any resource management plan is a well-defined, coherent strategy. This strategy needs to be tailored to the specific needs and end goals of the project while considering all essential resources.
The second element of a solid resource management plan is the proper allocation and scheduling of resources. This involves mapping out a plan for distributing your resources efficiently so that they can yield maximum productivity. Resource allocation is a recurring process, requiring continual adjustment to meet the demands of the project.
Another vital element is risk management. This process involves analyzing each resource in terms of availability, feasibility, and efficiency, among other aspects. Risk management helps identify any probable asset drains and formulate a backup plan.
Lastly, regularly reviewing and updating your resource management plan ensures its relevance and effectiveness. Adjustments might be necessary to accommodate changing project outcomes, technological advancements, or emerging market trends.

Image: Unsplash
Resource management planning involves complex procedures and intricate details. Thankfully, various tools and techniques can be used to simplify and streamline the process. Businesses can maneuver between digital tools, physical tools, agile methodologies, or matrix-based resource management techniques to find what works best for their goals.
Resource management software is one of the most popular tools used by organizations. These applications come equipped with features for project management, resource allocation, budgeting, and time-tracking, among other things. They provide insights into resource utilization efficiency and help enhance productivity.
Agile resource management methodologies are also beneficial. They emphasize adaptability and encourage continuous improvement through iterative planning and feedback loops.
Understanding these tools and techniques, and incorporating what works best for your organizational structure, can aid in creating a top-notch resource management plan.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Oct 13, 2023

Image: Unsplash/LYCS Architecture
Every step forward is a leap toward progress in the dynamic world of technology. This rings especially true when it comes to tech company expansion. When a tech company decides it's time to grow, it's not just about getting bigger; it's about embracing new horizons, seizing fresh opportunities, and, sometimes, finding a new home.
This guide will break down the essential steps for navigating the expansion process. From recognizing the signs of readiness to set up shop in a new location, we'll explore the practical strategies that can turn expansion challenges into triumphs. So, whether you're a startup on the rise or an established player eyeing new territories with market growth, join us on this journey that may pave the way for your company's brighter future.
First and foremost, before taking the plunge into tech company expansion, it's crucial to recognize the signs that your company is primed for growth. If it’s not, then seeking to expand may only hurt your business.
So, examine your current standing. Are you consistently meeting customer demands and craving for more? That's a promising indicator. Keenly assessing the market demand and keeping a close eye on the competition is essential. Knowing where you stand in the market landscape can be the key to successful expansion.
Moreover, understanding the scalability of your product or service is like having a roadmap. Can your tech solution handle an influx of users without hiccups? This is a critical question to answer before taking the leap.
This is a crucial initial step, too. In fact, Miracle Movers reports that many commercial relocations still end in failure, exactly due to poor assessment and planning. And given the tech industry’s unique challenges, as we’ll see next, you don’t want to cut corners.
By thoroughly examining these factors, you'll be equipped with the insights needed to make informed decisions about the future of your tech company. This careful assessment sets the foundation for a successful journey into tech company expansion, ensuring that you're prepared for the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
A solid strategy is always key for such endeavors. It begins with setting clear goals and objectives; here, you can consider the SMART acronym:
This plan acts as a guiding light, keeping you on track toward your goals – and, soon, solidifying your sales pipeline. You create a strong foundation for your tech company expansion by weaving these elements together. With a well-crafted strategy in hand, you're not just expanding; you're doing it with purpose and precision, setting the stage for a successful journey into new horizons.
If your plans are in order, the prospect of relocation can be a game-changer. This, too, requires careful consideration, however.
While the first two factors are entirely up to your individual case, the third is where the experts come in; let commercial movers lead the way. They bring expertise in handling the intricacies of relocation, ensuring a seamless move for your tech company.
With these considerations in place, your company's expansion through relocation becomes a strategic move towards broader horizons and greater success in the dynamic tech landscape.
Any tech company expansion will likely hinge on finding new markets. Here is where initial challenges may emerge unless it’s your primary motivator for expansion.
Identifying growth opportunities is, of course, a science in itself, which would require its own article to cover. It also highly depends on your unique circumstances and local markets. Still, any checklist on this front should include the following:
This approach to finding new markets expands your reach and enriches your company's presence in the global landscape. It's about not just entering a market but doing so with a deep understanding and a clear strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and success.
Having mentioned challenges manifold, expansion does indeed bring its fair share of challenges. Firstly, there's the task of managing increased operational complexities. Then, there's the matter of addressing cultural and regulatory differences in new markets. Additionally, overcoming resource constraints during expansion is a crucial hurdle. We have also written about fintech’s economic challenges if you’d like some highly relevant context here.
These challenges present hurdles, but they're not insurmountable. With careful planning, adaptability, and a strategic approach, expansion can be rewarding. It's about facing these challenges head-on and using them as stepping stones towards greater growth and success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Another crucial factor in expansion, and often a considerable challenge, lies in funding. There are no universal answers or correct routes here, so exploring various financing options tailored for expansion is crucial. Whether it's loans, grants, or bootstrapping to secure the autonomy advantage, each option has its strengths.
Attracting investors and venture capital is another significant step. These backers believe in your vision and provide the necessary resources to fuel your growth. However, it's not just about getting funds; it's also about making them work efficiently. This is what investors will also focus on, for that matter. Therefore, maximizing ROI through strategic financial planning is key. Careful allocation and smart investments ensure that every dollar invested yields the maximum return.
With a solid financial foundation, your tech company expansion is set for a successful and sustainable trajectory. It's about getting the funds and utilizing them effectively to drive growth and innovation in the dynamic tech landscape.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, embarking on a journey of expansion is about growth, innovation, and seizing new opportunities. By carefully assessing the need for expansion, strategizing with precision, and securing funding, companies can navigate challenges and find success.
Remember, the road to expansion may have twists and turns, but it's also filled with potential. With a clear vision, adaptable strategies, and a commitment to excellence, tech company expansion becomes not just a venture but a remarkable voyage toward a brighter future in the dynamic world of technology.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Oct 9, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Christian Wiediger
Becoming an Amazon affiliate can be a lucrative side hustle for creators, influencers, and bloggers. By understanding how the Amazon Associates Program works and utilizing various strategies, anyone can generate income from their online platforms.
This article highlights the Amazon Affiliate Program, provides a step-by-step enrollment guide, and examines the program's dynamics. Read on to discover practical strategies to maximize your affiliate earnings and explore high-paying categories for potentiated profits.
The Amazon Associates Program is an affiliate marketing opportunity that allows creators, influencers, and bloggers to monetize their reach. As an Amazon affiliate, you can earn a percentage of sales through your recommendations when you post Amazon affiliate marketing links.
Signing up for Amazon Associates is open to anyone, regardless of follower count. There are different affiliate programs under Amazon Associates, including the standard program for blogs and websites, and the Amazon Influencer program for social media creators.
Becoming an Amazon affiliate is a simple process. Sign up on Amazon Associates Central, add your website or social channels, create your profile, and provide tax and payment information.
If you're interested in building an Amazon Storefront, you can sign up for the Amazon Influencer program. Your earnings potential as an Amazon affiliate depends on your reach, engagement rate, and posting frequency.
Click through and use the Amazon Affiliate Earnings Calculator: Find Your Potential Revenue Instantly to estimate your earnings.

Here are five key points to understand about how Amazon Associates works:
To maximize your earnings, consistently engage with your audience and post relevant content. Here are five strategies, along with examples, to help you increase your earnings:
Example: SoundproofingSolution.com, a website dedicated to providing product recommendations, reviews, and informational blogs for soundproofing solutions, carves out a niche by focusing on a specific area – soundproofing.
They attract a targeted audience interested in their recommendations for soundproofing products available on Amazon. To maximize their website’s earning potential, they link to Amazon and other affiliated sites.
Example: A fitness influencer on Instagram who focuses on at-home workouts and exercise equipment can target their audience by recommending fitness products like resistance bands, dumbbells, and yoga mats available on Amazon. By staying relevant to their audience's fitness interests, they can increase their affiliate earnings.
Example: A beauty blogger on TikTok can create demo videos showcasing makeup products they recommend, such as foundation, eyeshadow palettes, and lipsticks available on Amazon.
Influencers can engage their audience and generate more clicks on their affiliate links by visually demonstrating these products and sharing their personal experience with them.
Example: An interior design blogger on Instagram can regularly share affiliate links in their Stories and static posts to recommend furniture, decor, and home accessories available on Amazon.
By consistently providing their audience with inspirational and shoppable content, they increase the likelihood of earning affiliate commissions.
Example: A tech reviewer on YouTube can create in-depth videos reviewing and recommending gadgets and electronics available on Amazon. By offering detailed explanations, comparisons, and demonstrations, they provide valuable information to viewers and increase the chances of viewers clicking on their affiliate links in the video description.
Remember to understand your audience, adapt your content based on the platform, and target high-paying categories and events. Consistency and relevance are key to realizing your earnings potential as an Amazon affiliate.
Focus on high-commission categories like Amazon Games, luxury goods, physical books, kitchen products, and automotive products to increase your earnings. Stay informed about any changes in Amazon's commission rates to take advantage of new opportunities.
You can target these high-paying categories to enhance your earnings as an Amazon affiliate and make the most of your affiliate marketing efforts.
Navigating the Amazon Affiliate landscape may seem overwhelming, but with the tips, tricks, and strategies suggested in the article, you'll be well-positioned to turn your online platforms into profitable ventures.
The key to success lies in identifying your niche, staying relevant, engaging consistently, and focusing on high-paying product categories. Don't let the opportunity to monetize your online presence slip away; open the door to the lucrative world of the Amazon affiliate program today.
Sign up on Amazon Associates Central, add your website or social channels, create your profile, and provide tax and payment information.
Each affiliate link you generate has a unique code. Amazon uses this code to track sales made within 24 hours of customers clicking on your link.
No, you can use your affiliate links across various platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and more, provided they align with Amazon's policies.
The frequency of posting links largely depends on your platform, content, and audience. However, consistency is key. Regular engagement with your audience through relevant content can increase your affiliate earnings.
Yes, focusing on high-commission categories like Amazon Games, luxury goods, physical books, kitchen products, and automotive products can potentially increase your earnings.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Fintech | Oct 6, 2023

DealPoint, a platform designed to digitize investor onboarding and execution, emerged victorious among 150 fintech startups from across Canada that applied for the award. The platform, which serves companies, venture funds, angel networks, investment deals, and securities lawyers, aims to streamline compliance and facilitate easier access to capital in the $135 billion private capital market in Canada. Gilbert highlighted the significance of compliance in the fintech sector, noting that DealPoint seeks to simplify the process and mitigate the risks of fines and penalties associated with non-compliance.
The event, a joint initiative of the Digital Commerce Group and Platform Calgary, not only celebrated the achievements of fintech startups but also aimed to nurture their growth through mentorship and workshops.
Blossom, a social app for investors, and Propra, an autonomous property management tool, were also in the limelight, each securing prizes of $100,000. Additionally, Elev, a tool that optimizes off-campus living for students and landlords, was honored with the Community Builder Award and a prize of $50,000.
The Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award goes beyond mere recognition. According to Digital Commerce Group CEO Jeff Smith, it embodies a belief in "nurturing fintech disruptors" and provides a "springboard for growth through mentorship and workshops." The competition involved an intensive three-month period of workshops and mentoring sessions for 25 selected startups, which was eventually narrowed down to 12 in August.
As reported on Livewire Calgary, Gilbert expressed her excitement and optimism for what the future holds for DealPoint, emphasizing that the award would significantly propel the company forward.
“The exposure has been fantastic. The team’s really benefited from a lot of the workshops that we went through, and I’m just really excited about what the future looks like.”
Interestingly, Gilbert, who runs a fund in Calgary named InterGen, found herself in a unique position during the competition. Accustomed to being the one who is pitched to, being on the other side of the stage was a novel experience for her. Her experience and insights from both perspectives – as an investor and a pitcher – undoubtedly provide her with a unique viewpoint on the challenges and opportunities within the fintech sector.
Terry Rock, President and CEO of Platform Calgary, underscored the impact of local business leaders in building Calgary’s economy and highlighted that the results in the fintech space are already yielding positive outcomes in the local economy.
The success stories of DealPoint and other winners underscore the vibrant and innovative spirit within the Canadian fintech sector. As these startups continue to evolve and impact the financial technology landscape, they not only contribute to the economic development of Calgary but also pave the way for future innovators in the industry.
NCFA Canada would like to congratulate all the winners, participants and huge shout-out to the organizers of the DC Calgary Fintech Awards, as we look towards the future.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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