BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The courage to pursue a passion and turn it into a business can be daunting, especially during times of global uncertainty. Yet, this is exactly what Tarila Morrone, the founder of Heart of Gems, decided to do. Her journey began with an Etsy shop specializing in party supplies, which thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, drastically reducing social gatherings.

Instead of succumbing to the fear and uncertainty, Tarila embraced the opportunity for deeper connection with her children during the lockdown. She realized the profound importance of this bonding time, which sparked the idea for Heart of Gems. Her new venture is dedicated to helping modern parents with busy schedules foster stronger connections with their children and promote self-love.

Determined to elevate her business, Tarila delved into research and discovered a program designed to aid entrepreneurs, which allowed her to secure the necessary funding to propel herself and her business forward.

Tarila is one of many individuals who has taken their business to the next level with the support of RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program – launched in 2020 with a $100 million commitment. RBC dedicated significant time to thoroughly understand the unique business needs of Black entrepreneurs, which enabled them to develop the following programs tailored to support their growth and success, and has two different solutions:

The Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP)

In partnership with Futurpreneur, they committed $40 million through the BESP to offer: small business loans, mentorship, and business resources to Black entrepreneurs aged 18-39.

The RBC Black Entrepreneur Business Loan (BEBL)

Launched in late 2021, the BEBL provides eligible Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey with loans of up to $250,000.

They have successfully provided $14.5 million in loans (approved and/or disbursed) through BEBL and BESP to over 400 businesses since the inception of the Black Entrepreneur Program in 2020.

Founder of Heart of Gems – Tarila Morrone

In addition to BEBL, RBC also continues to serve the entrepreneur community, including Black entrepreneurs, through its full suite of eligible products and services, including the government-backed Canadian Small Business Financing Loans (CSBFL).

In 2021, they invested $1 million in BKR Capital (formerly known as Black Innovation Capital), a venture capital fund that supports the growth of pre-seed and seed- stage Canadian technology businesses led by Black entrepreneurs. Initially targeted at $10 million, the fund had a successful final close with over $18 million in capital commitments in 2022 and is actively building its portfolio.

It is one thing to read about a fantastic opportunity, and it is another thing to hear about it from someone who has found a way to elevate their business by utilizing RBC’s programs. I had a chance to speak with Tarila, and she shared with me the story of her entrepreneurial evolution.

“The idea for Hearts of Gems came about during the pandemic. I knew that it would be helpful to other parents because it had helped me. I had an infant and a toddler, and I had started a party supply business, but the pandemic slowed that business down, and it was an opportunity to zone in and connect with my children.”

“When I decided to pivot, I went on Google to see what was available, and I stumbled across Futurpreneur, and I was then introduced to the Black Entrepreneur Program. I was nervous at first, because it seemed like it was going to be a lengthy, vigorous process.”

“Once I got started, my anxiety let up; I was pleased with the amount of support that I was provided with. The one thing that I learned throughout this process is that entrepreneurship is not meant to be done alone.”

“The financial support helped me obtain the things I needed to get my business going. The saying is true that you need money to make money. I needed people to help me realize my vision, and strategically execute it, and they provided mentorship throughout the duration of the program and after. This allowed me to navigate some of the challenging aspects of entrepreneurship, and a bonus; for the first year, you are paying interest only on the loan, and this allows time for your business to grow, without the weight of burdening payments on your mind.”

Tarila’s story is a testament to the resilience and creativity that can emerge in challenging times, inspiring others to follow their passions and create something meaningful, even amidst uncertainty. With the help of the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program, Tarila’s dreams became a reality, and if you are ready to take that leap, consider exploring RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program.

Visit rbc.com/blackentrepreneur and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Why is this so hard? I’ve studied, I’ve practiced… but what if I fail? What will happen to my family? The test is next week. If I don’t pass, I don’t know what I’ll do. Everyone says it’s really hard, and I can’t afford to fail…”

Canada is a land of opportunity, a place where dreams can come true. For many new immigrants, becoming a permanent resident, or Canadian citizen is a significant milestone in their journey. It can be a long, and paper laden process that includes medical examinations, background and security checks, proof of funds, educational credential assessments, biometrics, citizenship tests, the interview and of course.

The English Proficiency Test! This is one aspect of this journey that does cause a high level of stress. Naturally, taking a language test in another country, especially after a long hiatus from any form of testing, can be an intensely overwhelming experience. The unfamiliar environment, coupled with the pressure of demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language, can amplify anxiety. Additionally, the absence of recent test-taking practice may lead to self-doubt and apprehension, making the overall experience particularly daunting.

Of course! The test can be daunting, but what if we told you that there was a way for you to effectively, and efficiently prepare; a platform offering practice tests that simulate the actual English Proficiency Test required for Canadian permanent residency, or citizenship?

Introducing, Pearson|PTE English Language Tests the world-leading provider of English language tests recognized worldwide by universities, colleges, governments, and professional bodies. Trusted by 3,500+ universities and colleges globally, their ambition is to support test takers every step of the way for a true worry-free experience.

At Pearson, their purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. They believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That is why their 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. They are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in 200 countries with: digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data.

PTE Core was created in response to Canadian economic migration needs. It is already recognized by more than 97% of universities and 95% of colleges in Canada. the UK, Australian and New Zealand governments also accept PTE tests for all visa applications, and PTE Academic is also accepted by 100% of Australian, New Zealand and Irish Universities and 99% of UK universities.

With an increased focus on supporting Canada’s economic resurgence and post-pandemic growth, IRCC is increasing its Levels Plan to further address the growing demand for the coming years. With high demand in Canada for professionals in areas such as: nursing, engineering and web development, the approval of PTE Core arrives at a good time for test takers and opens new opportunities for Pearson.

“I am grateful to PTE for providing such an intellectual test. It was easy to prepare and understand the format. The training and support also helped a lot in explaining methods.” Syeda, Malaysia

Currently, they are offering a free taster test as well as an online guided practice test for test takers to familiarize themselves with the test experience and to optimize their preparation time and improve their skills. In addition, test takers have access to a ton of resources like the PTE Core Handbook to support their test taker journey.

PTE Core is a new addition to the Pearson Test of English portfolio, sharing many of the unique characteristics of PTE Academic. It is relevant for the vocational test taker, and designed with a real-life, non-academic focus. It was created to meet Canada’s specific migration needs and the IRCC’s language proficiency requirements but could be used to assess the English proficiency of vocational test takers in any country.

Approved last year by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), PTE Core can now be taken to provide proof of English language efficiency for the purposes of permanent economic immigration to Canadian citizenship. Some other great benefits include:

• It meets the Canadian Government’s requirements based on migration needs
• It tests four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• It enables people to be themselves in English – it has a vocational and real-life focus
• They use a unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise that reduces the risk of bias
• PTE Core test takers will enjoy the same features as PTE Academic test takers.
• The test can be booked online 24 hours in advance, is computer based and taken in a test center
• Results are usually within 48 hours
• Accepted for visa applications to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK

PTE Core uses similar item types to PTE Academic, but focuses on general English, making it more relevant for test takers. Test questions were developed with detailed specifications and field tested to ensure reliability and validity. Below is what you can expect as a test taker:

• Part 1: Speaking & Writing (This section will test your speaking and writing skills in around 50 minutes)
• Part 2: Reading (This section will test your reading skills in around 30 minutes)
• Part 3: Listening (This section will test your listening skills in around 30 minutes)

Pearson’s vision: to be the world’s leading destination for people committed to building and improving their English proficiency, and with 1.5 billion people currently learning English, there is a big opportunity to grow across the globe.

Gio Giovannelli, President of the English Language Learning division at Pearson, shares, “We are excited to roll out PTE Core to test takers across the world. It was designed to test real life language skills and allows test takers to showcase their proficiency and be themselves in English. Whether people are looking to work, study or migrate to Canada, there’s a Pearson English language proficiency test that suits their requirements.”

Support and preparation can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to seek the help you need. Start your journey today. Visit https://www.pearsonpte.com/ to learn more.

Prepare with confidence. Achieve your dreams. Welcome to Canada!

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

How did it come to this? Taxes… You always push them off until the last minute. Now, where did you put that receipt? Suddenly, the phone rings, startling you. You answer nervously “Hello?”

“Good afternoon, this is Agent Jones from the Canada Revenue Agency. I’m calling regarding your overdue tax returns.”

Your eyes widen in horror and you frantically search for an explanation. “Oh, uh, hi… Yes, I’ve been meaning to get to those. Just a small delay, you know, busy with business and all…”

The agent say’s firmly, “I understand, but we can’t overlook the matter any longer. Your taxes are considerably overdue, and there are penalties accruing. We need you to file them immediately.”

Your heart sinks as the weight of the situation hits you. “I… I’ll get right on it, I promise. Just give me a little more time.”

“I’m afraid we can’t grant any more extensions. You have to take action now, or we’ll have to pursue further measures.”

You hang up the phone, feeling overwhelmed and trapped. You slump back into your chair, staring blankly at the computer screen.

That’s right everyone; it is tax time, the dreaded season of the year, one that makes the majority of us anxious, but today we are going to introduce to the community a solution to your tax season trauma.

Founded in 2000, Nuages Consulting INC., Chartered Professional Accountants have had a single mission: to be the most successful, supportive, creative, and community focused Chartered Professional Accountants in the GTA. Nuage is French for Cloud, and this strategically represents the fact that even though they are centralized in Toronto, Ontario, Canada they are virtually everywhere. They have a team of: educated, determined, intelligent and energetic consultants with a passion to approach each of their clients with fresh eyes, and develop customized and unique strategies to assist you with your world-wide income.

They partner with their clients from start to finish, focusing on their needs while providing new ideas, developing effective strategies, and designing high quality and scalable solutions. They exist to solve the critical issues facing their clients, both large and small.

I had a chance to sit down with founding partner Gloria Kapuku, CPA, and she shared with me what separates Nuages Consulting Inc. from other consulting companies. “Our unique approach is not only what differentiates us, but also what makes us successful. We provide a broad range of services and solutions to help organizations: facilitate change, achieve their vision, and optimize performance and productivity.

We examine what organizations are doing to stay relevant and competitive in this fast-paced world, and which ones are doing it best. We then strategize using smart tools and global resources in order to understand the implications of every choice our clients can make.”

“How does your firm approach client relationships to build trust and long-term partnerships, especially if they are in the middle of a tax nervous breakdown?”

“With every single client, we take our time,” Gloria shares. “We partner  with our client from start to finish. There is no rush. It is like having a best friend, someone who listens to your issues, allows you to vent, and then helps you come up with solutions. We give them confidence; taxes are a daunting experience.”

“What specific services does your firm offer that sets it apart from others in the field?”

“We offer complete income tax services for: businesses, individuals, partnerships, charities, and not-for-profit organizations.  We don’t just file and go, we explain information to our clients as simply as possible to help them better understand their tax situation and the impact that various decisions may have on their return.”

​Nuages Consulting Inc. tax services include:

• Corporate Tax Return
• Self-Employed Tax Return (Sole Proprietorship)
• Personal Tax Return
• Sales Tax return (HST and GST)
• Payroll Taxes (PD7A, T4 slip, ROEs and Dividend)
• Investment Income

What I realized when speaking with Gloria is that what really differentiates her consulting firm from others is the personal care that is put into their client support. She shared with me six FREE services that clients get with signing up with a Nuages Consulting Inc., Chartered Professional Accountant, and Certified Public Accountants:

• They will represent you in all CRA matters, even making calls to the CRA on your behalf.
• Free re-files – If you forgot to include anything, they will re-file for you FREE of charge.
• CRA Audit and Re-assessment.
• Pre Return Assessment (Review the process of your tax year)
• Post Return Meeting (November). They reconnect with the client and see how their client is doing. With these updates, they can help their clients plan for the next tax season.
• Open Door Policy – Anything you need we will answer FREE of charge.

“No one else is doing this in the industry,” Gloria shares. “It is a lot of work, which is why it is not being done. We do it because we are committed to bridge the gap between complexity and clarity when it comes to taxes. We want to equip individuals and businesses with the insights needed to navigate the intricate world of taxation successfully.”

I visited their website, and found that they also offer a Bootcamp and Knowledge Hub. It is a six hour Small Business Bootcamp that provides access to funds, grants, and loans for your business, not-for-profit, or charity. They dive deep into vital topics like: business registration, bookkeeping, business structure, marketing, and funding, guided by our experts. You will also receive six hours of CPD/CPE credits!

The Knowledge Hub is a blog series focused on unraveling the complexities of taxes and holds numerous benefits for readers navigating this intricate landscape. Taxes, often viewed as convoluted and daunting, can intimidate individuals and businesses alike. However, this well-structured blog series serves as a beacon of clarity amidst the confusion. By stripping away the dense jargon and presenting information in a straightforward manner, the Knowledge Hub demystifies tax concepts, empowering readers with understanding and confidence.

Most importantly, all consultants and accountants at Nuages Consulting Inc. stay current with changes in Canadian accounting standards and tax laws, which is essential for a firm to provide clients with accurate and up-to-date advice.

“We do a lot of professional development and educational programs,” Gloria shares. “Every month we do about 10 hours of educational programs (CPE ). We pay very close attention to trends in the financial market, and we sit down with the CRA and go over changes.”

Time to take charge of your financial future? Visit Nuages Consulting Inc., Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants to ensure your taxes are completed accurately and efficiently. Don’t wait until the last minute—let their expert team guide you through the process and maximize your returns.

Your financial peace of mind awaits! Contact them at info@nuages.ca, or 416-477-1324.