24Aug
How LOJIQ Can Help You

How L'OJIQ Can Help You Montreal is a city with a great entrepreneurial climate, and provides many resources for start-up growth. Many of these opportunities present themselves in the form of contests, prizes, loans or government grants. Resources are also available through organizations set up especially to assist young entrepreneurs, and lead them to success. Les Offices Jeunesse Internationaux du Quebec, or LOJIQ, is an organization for Quebec residents that provides opportunities for start-ups to build international business ties. Founded in 2007, LOJIQ aims to enhance the professional networks and enrich the entrepreneurial experiences of Quebec youth on an international level. They offer internships, volunteer opportunities, and conferences in Europe, Oceania, America, Asia, and Africa. Of all the projects they offer, most fall into one of three categories:

1) Entrepreneurship Training
LOJIQ offers international seminars for students and aspiring entrepreneurs who are not quite sure how to start a business. These trips are often organized as group projects aimed to teach students the basics of entrepreneurship and inspire them to launch a start-up. These programs include lectures by successful professionals in the world of entrepreneurship. In order to participate candidates are not required to have an operating start-up, but must demonstrate passion and interest for entrepreneurship during the application process.

2) Entrepreneur Resources
Established entrepreneurs can also take advantage of a multitude of programs offered by LOJIQ. Programs offered include partnership opportunities, lectures and events, and international development. Although small and emerging start-ups are prioritized, all entrepreneurs are welcome to apply. LOJIQ programs are mostly focused on growing start-ups on an international scale, and helping you build worldwide business connections. If you intend to set up shop in different countries and make important connections in the business world, LOJIQ should definitely be considered.

3) Mentorship
Finally, LOJIQ offers international mentors to entrepreneurs to allow them to grow their start-up on an international scale. Entrepreneurs are matched with mentors based on their area of interest as well as their preferred location. These mentors are crucial to start-ups who need advice on how to develop their start-up in other countries, and how to reach new markets.

LOJIQ is heavily centered on international expansion for entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it offers grants and bursaries to new and aspiring entrepreneurs that range from 1000$ to 2000$. Most of the programs that this organization offers require international travel, but you can apply for funding to pay for all of your travel expenses.

If you want to attend an event that the organization does not currently offer, you can pitch your own business travel idea, be it to a conference or an event, and LOJIQ may be able to sponsor you. For entrepreneurs with international ambition, LOJIQ is definitely worth checking out. Note that program information is only available in French but you can speak to someone at the organization that could help you in English.

27Jul
All About Idea Generation

Before you start thinking about sales and investors, you need an idea. You can’t start a business without an idea. However, finding an idea that would successfully launch a start-up is often easier said than done. Consider these tips:

Brainstorm

Again, this is easier said than done. Start by listing all of the things that interest you, as well as things you are good at. Also, ask yourself why you even want to start a business in the first place. This list doesn’t have to make sense: it is meant to make you think about your strengths and weaknesses, and how you could use them in your start-up. If your idea is something you are passionate about, chances are you will be successful.

You should also consider your financial situation, and know how much money you can afford to invest in your business, as this may influence your start-up ideas. Don’t start a business relying solely on investors: be prepared to use some of your own money as well.

Fill a Need

Think about your own life, and how you can make it better. You can think of small improvements or big ones. Ask yourself: how could my life be better as a father, mother, husband, wife, grandparent, etc.?

Look for inspiration in the outside world. Whenever you go out, think about how you can make it better. If you are thinking it, chances are you are not the only one, and your idea can fuel a start-up. Here is a good example: Reed Hastings once got charged 40$ of late-fees while returning a DVD. Instead of simply paying the fee and moving on with his life, he thought about how he could make this small aspect of his life better: and that’s how Netflix was born.

Think about the long-term

Get inspired by everything around you, but don’t forget to consider your business idea’s potential in the long run. Think about current market needs, trends, and demographics that are ever-changing and could impact your business idea. You can use the media to constantly stay connected to market trends.

You should also consider competitors when you search for an idea. Sure, every business has competitors, but you shouldn’t be wasting all of your money in a pricing war. Use something with minimal competition so you can invest money on growing your business instead of competition.

Above all, your idea is about you: your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. If you choose an idea you don’t care about, it will be harder to stay inspired and make it successful. Don’t forget that once you found your idea, protect it: use non-disclosure agreements, trademarks, and patents, to keep your idea to yourself.

Wherever you go, keep looking for inspiration: you never know when you will find the idea that will start a successful new business.

14Nov
What Montreal’s Best Startups Think of Montreal

ProMontreal Entrepreneurs is proud to have been a part of the organizing committee for the Rendez-vous des professionnels de l’entrepreneuriat, that took place on November 3rd 2014. This video, produced by Rachel + Michel, asks the entrepreneurs behind Montreal’s successful startups what made them choose this great city. We thought that asking the people that run the businesses their opinion was key in defining what matters the most to them. One of our alumni members, Noemie Dupuy of Budge Studios, is featured. Noemie also made top 10 in Profit Guide’s list of top 100 Female Entrepreneurs in Canada.