BMO Business Banking

From covering operational expenses to expanding your product line: You may need capital to support your business growth. If you’re new to the process, applying for a loan can be overwhelming. Learn what goes into the decision-making process: http://spr.ly/60450oGa3

Groupe Mamy Kaya World is a global not-for-profit organization that helps women and young people acquire skills that can promote their independence while contributing to long-term sustainable economic development in their communities. Mamy Kaya World promotes diversity and inclusion in Quebec along with the shared excellence of Canada-Africa-World. It was founded by current CEO Ndiallo Aw Badji and her spouse Assane Badji, a well-known activist in Africa and Canada, initially to support women farmers in Senegal. “As we sold their products, we saw the difference it made,” recounts Ddiallo. “Not only were we strengthening their capacities, we were empowering them economically. That’s when we felt it was time to take the next step by supporting and coaching them to become entrepreneurs.” Launched in 2021, Mamy Kaya World is now present in Quebec and Ontario. It started out by facilitating consumer access to small-scale African farmers and artisans, which in turn created opportunities for small businesses in Canada. Now, Mamy Kaya also supports financial education and business planning for future entrepreneurs in Canada while helping new business owners find strategic partners for microloans and mentoring. “The entrepreneurs really inspire me,” says Ndiallo. It’s extremely gratifying to see them grow and influence their communities. That’s the real essence of our mission—to transform lives and turn opportunities into success in the real world.” Ready to start or grow your business? Find out more: http://spr.ly/604404yF4

Ryan Oneil Knight is an experienced entrepreneur: A founder and owner of a car cleaning company who, after 15 years in operations, acquired a completely new venture. In 2024 he invested in Just Like Family Home Care Canada, a franchise with a mission to provide specialized home care services, including support for seniors, cancer patients, and those with progressive diseases. His new business deploys experienced caregivers across Ontario and alleviates the strain of caregiving for families who don’t have the medical know-how or the physical capacity. Ryan, who is also the director of the nonprofit Afro-Caribbean Business Network, intentionally brought Just Like Family into his portfolio as it aligns with his passion to bring comfort and care to his community. “We ensure our clients are paired with great care givers and we pride ourselves on matching for culture and accommodating special requests.” He notes two milestones in the past year: Completing the sale of the franchise with BMO’s help and scaling the business even faster than anticipated. “I came from a different industry and had no nursing knowledge. It’s been a very humbling experience,” says Ryan. “I hired a strong team I can rely on and, everyday, I learn how I can be a better business operator.” Ryan encourages entrepreneurs to consider a franchise rather than building a business from the ground up: “A franchise is an opportunity to buy into a business model that has already been tested. It can also come with much more support for building a successful company.” Learn about BMO financing solutions for Franchise owners: http://spr.ly/6049Lpktb

You spend a day behind the counter at Momentum Coffee – a beloved coffee shop and BMO client. With a commitment to quality, a love for community, and a dash of innovation, Momentum Coffee is brewing up something special. ☕️

Yung-Yu Ma, Ph.D., chief investment officer from BMO Wealth Management - U.S., joins NYSE TV Live to discuss optimism in the market as well as opportunities within volatility. Full discussion: http://spr.ly/6041xe1Zl

Nikki Nordick started Airdrie Puppy Pals in 2014 as an online community to connect dog owners and organize playdates. Despite more than 10,000 licensed dogs in Airdrie and its surrounding region, off-leash parks were often empty and dog owners struggled to find reliable care. Nikki, a fourth-generation Canadian entrepreneur and dog-lover, began offering dog walking and in-home pet sitting. With a passion for dogs and continuing education, Nikki is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and a Fear Free Professional. By 2015, she’d grown her side hustle into a full-service business, including a doggy daycare and a dog school with group and private classes. Her business has been awarded the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business Award and Greatest Impact Award. “Every milestone we’ve reached, from opening our facilities to being named a Western Finalist for Women of Inspiration, reflects the strong relationships we’ve built with our community,” says Nikki, a BMO Business Banking client. She attributes her business success to strong customer relationships, which is foundational to the Airdrie Puppy Pals team. “It’s not just about providing a service. We strive to understand each dog’s unique personality and create an environment where they can thrive. This approach fosters trust, loyalty, and a sense of community that continues to drive our growth and success.” Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Being a business owner will have highs and lows. Focus on your clients, support your team, take things day by day, and celebrate the wins along the way.”                                                    Looking to start or grow your business? Connect with a BMO banker: https://lnkd.in/e4uTzDHK

As we wrap up 2024, it's a time to reflect on the events of the year and celebrate the hope of what's to come. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Hassan Pirnia, Head of the Canadian Business Banking team, embarked on a countrywide tour to connect with our teams and clients through the fall. Since taking on the mandate to lead Canadian Business Banking earlier this year, Hassan has visited key cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Halifax to gather feedback, celebrate successes, and identify growth opportunities. Throughout his visits, Hassan has been impressed by the dedication and high performance of our teams, as well as the innovative spirit of our clients. We look forward to continuing this journey with Hassan, strengthening our connections, and driving success nationwide.

Meet Kristen Gale, founder and CEO of THE TEN SPOT beauty bar—a beauty bar she grew from a single location to a franchise of 45 locations across North America. Here are some of Gale’s top strategies for incubating, maintaining, and growing a thriving brand.

On Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we celebrate the women elevating our economies through the businesses they’ve founded and grown. Through initiatives like the BMO Celebrating Women Grant and by sponsoring programs like the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge, we’re recognizing the impact women entrepreneurs have on inclusive and thriving economies around the world. Tag a woman-owned business you love in a comment below!