Selling your Wares on the Web - Part 3

Setting up business on the Internet should be as well thought out as any
“physical” business venture.  You should have a business plan, a technical
plan (most service providers would gladly contribute to a technical plan,
especially if they end up hosting your site) and a solid marketing plan. If you
would like to develop a web presence without delay or without straining
current operations you might also need financing.

Financing can be tricky as a financial institution may look upon developing
the intangible assets of the Internet with skepticism, but if you are serious
about developing e-commerce capabilities there is financing available. The
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has created the Techno.Net
loan.  Techno.Net is flexible financing to help small and medium-sized
businesses take up the challenge of e-commerce.  An existing small business
can obtain up to $500 000 in financing.  Phone 1-88-INFO-BDC
(1-888-463-6232) or visit www.bdc.ca for more information.

The BDC summed up the excitement and opportunities of e-commerce in the
following paragraph:

“E-commerce is the latest and one of the most stimulating challenges facing
growth-minded entrepreneurs today.  It increases the customer base of small
businesses and helps them establish a presence in international markets.
With e-commerce, business and innovation converge.  It allows companies to
accelerate transactions, improve communications with suppliers and clients,
and streamline operations.  Most of all, it can foster growth and success in
new areas for Canadian small businesses.”
 
Other Articles in the Series
Go to Selling Your Wares on the Net - Part 1
Go to Selling Your Wares on the Net - Part 2
Go to Domain Names