FrontFundr’s Post

I’ve always had a deep respect for small and medium-sized businesses. They’re the backbone of our economy, driven by real people building something from nothing—and that’s no easy feat. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of companies—big, small, B2C, B2B, local, and global. When I was agency-side, I worked with some of North America's largest enterprise brands. And I won’t lie, it was exciting. It’s cool to say you’re working with companies that have trusted you with a massive budget (and that your parents actually recognize). But it’s the 400+ SMBs I’ve worked with that taught me the most valuable business lessons. It’s also where I felt the most pride—seeing the work you put in drive real traction for them. While the allure of working with recognizable brands is undeniable, working with SMBs is where the real challenges—and rewards—come in. SMBs don’t have the luxury of big budgets or brand recognition to lean on. Often, they’re risking their own money. That’s where you learn to be efficient, to make every dollar and every marketing effort count. Because if you’re not, they could miss their mortgage payment or fall short on saving for their kids’ education. I'll never forget one of my favourite clients telling me "Don't f*ck this up, or my kid won't be able to go to University". That’s the kind of pressure you feel when you’re responsible for their growth. You quickly learn to treat their budget as if it were your own money. I also found that peers who only worked with enterprise accounts often struggled when trying to work with SMBs. But those who cut their teeth with SMBs? They seamlessly transitioned to enterprise accounts. SMBs force you to master the fundamentals—without the safety net of brand equity or massive budgets that enterprise brands already have in spades. In today’s market, we can learn as much from successful SMBs as we can from the Fortune 500 giants and the new shiny VC-backed startup. SMBs are masters of resourcefulness, adaptability, and squeezing every bit of value out of limited resources—skills we can all benefit from. As we scroll through LinkedIn, we’re constantly hit with advice from self-declared industry pros and gurus. But let’s take a moment to remember that the local shop you visit on the weekend doesn’t have the luxury of a big brand (at least not yet), VC money, or the time to post pseudo-guru advice so they can pull you in as a lead. But they’re doing the work and they're counting YOU as a customer! There’s a lot to be learned from that quiet determination. As I gear up to speak at Launch Kawartha during Small Business Week, I’m excited to share insights on how SMBs can turn digital traffic into real, measurable revenue. But more importantly, I’m eager to continue learning from the incredible entrepreneurs who’ve mastered the art of doing more with less. To the SMB leaders out there—you are the heartbeat of innovation & perseverance. 👏 #SmallBusinessWeek

Until you achieve, everyday must be Monday… Always on the field to create markets for African SMEs, to transform ideas of young entrepreneurs… to create contacts for contracts… even during holidays… #businessdevelopment #youthempowerment #privatesectordevelopment #entrepreneurshippromotion…

Celebrating Small Business Week in Canada: October 20-26 From October 20-26, Canada celebrates Small Business Week, a time to recognize the vital role that small businesses play in our economy and communities. This annual event, organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), highlights the achievements, challenges, and entrepreneurial spirit of Canada’s 1.2 million small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). These businesses may be "small" in size, but their impact is massive, driving innovation, creating jobs, and supporting local economies. As we celebrate this year’s Small Business Week, let’s explore the importance of these enterprises and how we can all support their success. #SmallBusinessWeek #SupportLocal #ShopSmall #Entrepreneurship #CanadaBusiness #SmallBiz

Discover inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs who have harnessed our resources and support to achieve incredible growth and success. Stay tuned as we highlight their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. #SmallBusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurStories #CommunityImpact

the greatness of a nation is through its education.

Happy Youth Day, South Africa! Today we want to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation in our country 🇿🇦 What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs just starting their journey in today's business landscape? ⬇️ Share your thoughts in the comments section below and let's stand together to see the next generation of business owners thrive! #MotseCollectiveImpact #MotseSA #YouthDay #SAYouth #EntrepreneurialEnvironments #OwnYourFuture #EntrepreneurshipDevelopment

Success isn’t something that just happens overnight; it’s built over time, brick by brick. 💪 In the wise words of Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R, it takes hard work, dedication, and a solid long-term vision to truly make it. There are no shortcuts on the road to real, lasting progress. While it’s tempting to look for quick wins, those shortcuts often lead to temporary gains rather than the sustainable success we’re all striving for. It’s about the consistent effort, the relentless drive, and the willingness to keep going even when the journey gets tough. Tony’s message is clear: to achieve great things, we need to be patient and committed to the process. It’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about how we grow, adapt, and evolve along the way. So, embrace the grind, trust the process, and remember that every small step forward is a step closer to the bigger goal. Keep pushing, keep believing, and stay focused—success is closer than you think! 🌟 #TonyElumeluWisdom #SustainableSuccess #NoShortcuts #HardWorkPaysOff #DedicationMatters #LongTermVision

🌍#MondayMotivation for African Entrepreneurs! "Success rarely comes overnight. Hard work, dedication, and a long-term perspective are essential ingredients. Avoid shortcuts, that lead to temporary gains rather than sustainable progress." - Our Founder, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R 💡Let this be your reminder today: Stay focused, embrace the journey, and build to last! Your commitment today paves the way for tomorrow’s success. #EmpoweredByTEF #TEF2024 #TEFImpact

In Canada’s #SmallBusiness economy, entrepreneurs are at the heart of it all, playing a key role in securing the future. Despite challenges, #BlackEntrepreneurs continue to take bold steps into business. Their creativity and resilience drive innovation, build communities, and inspire future generations. Explore our 'Featured Entrepreneur' page to meet the go-getters helping to build a stronger, more inclusive economy! https://lnkd.in/etJDTg-s #SmallBusinessWeek

Exciting news for all entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Australia! 🇦🇺 Our team is here to assist you with getting the right visa and navigating the process seamlessly. Let's make your entrepreneurial dreams come true Down Under! #AustraliaEntrepreneurVisa #StartupSuccess #GlobalBusinessOpportunities 🌏💼✈️