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    We want to give you as much value as possible. Our blogs and newsletters cover everything from T slips and tax deadlines, to tips on staying organized, and recommendations on great resources for small business owners.


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    How your accountant can help your Canadian healthcare business

    A healthy business starts with True North Accounting. And if you’re a self-employed health professional or run a healthcare company, you have a demanding career with many important decisions and...

    Nov 21, 2023

    How accountants can help maintain financial stability in mature companies

    As your small business evolves into a mature company, you’ll want to have your accountant by your side to ensure your financial ship sails smoothly. As a mature company, your priority will be...

    Oct 09, 2023

    Navigating the challenges of rapid business growth: The role of an accountant

    Skyrocketing growth is every small business owner’s dream, but the reality is that it comes with its unique challenges. To scale your business, you’ll need careful planning, strategic...

    Sep 05, 2023

    Financial planning: Best practices for local Alberta businesses

    Financial planning can sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. A financial plan helps small businesses plan for growth by predicting cash flows and financing needs. Knowing your goals is...

    Jul 17, 2023

    The value of seeking expert advice: how a growth advisor can benefit your local Canadian business

    If you're a local Canadian business experiencing growing pains, getting expert advice is essential to help drive your company forward. Explore the invaluable benefits a growth advisor from an...

    Jun 19, 2023

    Maximizing your practice's cash flow with the help of an accountant

    Your accountant is key for a successful practice, as they can recognize and take advantage of financial openings to maximize your business’s profits. You can maximize your practice’s cash flow by: 

    May 16, 2023

    From startup to scaling up: Why entrepreneurs need growth advisory from their accounting firm

    Modern accountants are more than just number whisperers; they're also strategists, advisors and business pros.All accountants do is listen to entrepreneurs and try to solve their problems or give...

    Apr 21, 2023

    FHSA 101: How does the First Home Savings Account work?

    Are you planning to buy your first home? The Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a great way to help you save for your down payment. Starting April 1, 2023, Canadians can make contributions...

    Mar 22, 2023

    What is the Underused Housing Tax (UHT)?

    As of January 1, 2022, Canada imposed an Underused Housing Tax (UHT), an annual 1% tax on vacant or underused housing ownership, including recreational properties. It’s billed as a foreign ownership...

    Mar 21, 2023

    Why would a sole proprietor want to incorporate?

    When you start on your own as a freelance consultant or self-employed trade or professional, sole proprietor is the default category. You may be wondering if it’s time to incorporate? You don’t need...

    Jul 08, 2022

    Alberta government small business grants and programs

    Note: For the latest in Alberta government small business supports, consult the Government of Alberta website. 

    May 23, 2022

    How to calculate business-use-of-home expenses in Alberta

    Now that we’ve looked at some of the grey areas in reporting expenses, let’s focus on how to calculate some of those expenses when using the home as your office. 

    Apr 12, 2022

    Personal finance 101: Calculating your net worth

    When it comes to money, it can be hard not to compare yourself to others — and this is especially true with the big ticket items, like your car and house. But, before you start beating yourself up...

    Oct 17, 2021

    4 tips for preventing burnout as a business owner

    Picture this: it’s 6 AM on a weekday, and you’re already on your second cup of coffee. You worked late last night, and you know you’re in for another long haul today. The business you love is...

    Aug 21, 2021

    Planning and saving for retirement as a small business owner

    Thinking about the future and retirement planning can be overwhelming for anyone. This can even be more daunting as a small business owner. Without a pension plan or matching program from an...

    Aug 08, 2021

    5 strategies to survive (and thrive) after losing a client

    This is a guest post written by a virtual assistant from Virtual Gurus, a partner of True North Accounting. Virtual Gurus is a talent marketplace that matches organizations with highly skilled...

    Aug 03, 2021

    Personal finance 101: How to create a budget for your lifestyle

    “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” 

    Jul 19, 2021

    The federal home retrofit program and Alberta small business

    Have you heard about the new federal home retrofit program for Canadians? If you’re a home business owner planning to do some renovations in the foreseeable future, read on. Even if you’re just an...

    Jun 21, 2021

    8 steps to financial planning for small business owners

    Small business owners are often guilty of pouring everything they have into their ventures — can you relate? From the sweat of your brow to dipping into your personal bank account, you’re willing to...

    May 10, 2021

    Does your company need an advisory board?

    Here’s what I learned from creating one for my business. 

    Jan 08, 2021

    10 questions with Mel McKay: how to build community

    Mel McKay is a freelance ad writer, instructor at AUArts and the founder of Camp Hoo-Ha, a social and skill building club that now spans 12 cities in 3 provinces. The Hoo-Ha journey started in 2017...

    Jul 10, 2020

    Retirement and financial planning for seniors

    A lot of people strive to plan for their retirement early on. While it’s never too early to start planning for the “Golden Years,” it’s also never too late. Even after the age of 65, you can still...

    Jun 17, 2020

    On Tap with Tyler Chisholm: Calgary's new business landscape

    Tyler Chisholm is the CEO of clearmotive marketing, and is obsessed with helping businesses connect with their customers in more meaningful ways. I love picking his brain on how we can gain a better...

    May 31, 2020

    Tools to take your business remote (like we did)

    Since the COVID-19 outbreak hit in Alberta, we have had to quickly adjust, like so many businesses. We temporarily closed our offices and pivoted to phone calls and online meetings, webinars and...

    Apr 19, 2020

    Do I need a business coach?

    Just as a personal trainer helps you reach your fitness goals, a business coach can help you reach your business goals. A business coach will help you clarify your vision, set the right goals and...

    Jan 28, 2020

    22 books for the business owner in your life

    For the holidays, we’ve got a roundup of our favourite business books for the business owner in your life. These are 22 books that I have relied on during my journey in business. I highly recommend...

    Dec 03, 2019

    6 self-awareness tests for small business owners

    Being an effective leader requires self-awareness. It also helps to recognize the behavioural tendancies and personalities of those you work with.

    Nov 14, 2019

    An inside look at ATBX with Empowerment Inc’s Shelley Hayes

    If you’re a small business owner, you may have heard of ATBX, an accelerator program for businesses that want to grow. The free (!) program offers weekly workshops, mentorship, co-working space and a...

    Jul 08, 2019

    Mid-year small business financial check-in

    We often hear from small business owners that they wish they heard from their accountants throughout the year. This year, we invite you to make a meeting with us for a mid-year small business...

    Jun 20, 2019

    The universal gift of beer

    Did you know that beer is becoming one of the most appreciated holiday gifts? Beer is really an all-season beverage, but in my house it’s become one of my favourite Christmas traditions; this...

    Dec 04, 2018

    Starting a brewery: getting a brewery off the ground

    We’re hosting Tears, Fears & Beers* at Ol’Beautifulbrewery next Thursday, November 15, an event about how start and survive small business ownership (because we’re all about small businesses )....

    Nov 08, 2018

    Money-smart kids: how to raise financially literate children

    Money isn’t something a lot of families like talking about at the dinner table, but my family did. Growing up, my dad was (and still is) always on the lookout for a good deal and he drilled the value...

    Jun 28, 2018

    New year, new goals, new plan: setting small business goals

    If you’re like most people, you probably go through the same song and dance every January. Set goals. Fail to make plan. Then feel bad about the whole thing. Well, January is here and we have some...

    Jan 05, 2018