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UCHANICS – Certified Mobile Mechanics Who Come To You!

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BY: ALYSSA MAHADEO

The weather outside is frightful, and with frigid temperatures comes something all Canadians dread more than having to shovel snow; car troubles.

No matter the time of year, car maintenance is always present in the mind of a car owner. Working year round to ensure regular oil changes are done, tires are changed and worn brake pads are switched out for new ones. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep up with yearly maintenance much less find the time to take your vehicle to your local mechanic.

What if there was another more convenient way to get your auto maintenance needs fulfilled?

Jemal Walker and Damion Platt are two local entrepreneurs and business partners who worked together to create a company where just this could be done. Damion and Jemal have been friends for just over 15 years and putting both of their diverse work backgrounds together they started up a company called Ucanics, a mobile mechanic servicing company that comes to you.

“I had a background in English and Political Science, before I got into customer service, working for the bank, and then working for the federal government,” Damion recalls. “I wrote a couple of novels and I was very involved in community service working for Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Peel and I was an instrumental part in helping them find black mentors to mentor African Canadians and Caribbean Youth across the Peel Region.”

Damion and Jemal have been friends since Grade 11 and both share an avid interest in the customer service industry, helping to make the client service experience as seamless and easy as possible. They are best friends, they’ve been through a lot together sharing similar mindsets and a strong desire to succeed by building their lives the way they see fit.

“I started off at a young age interested in entrepreneurship and starting my own business I just didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Jemal explains. “I kinda crossed tracks with a movie What Women Want, and I thought to myself I’m gonna become a marketer.” Like Damion, Jemal also found himself in financing starting a career in the banking industry before realizing it wasn’t for him.

“I was working different positions in customer service and marketing, but I still had that passion and drive to start up my own business and I wanted to pursue something where I could give back to the community, and I could control and take responsibility for the way my life turns out,” Jemal says.

Jemal considers himself a bit of a serial entrepreneur and it was one of the motivating factors to get back into his entrepreneurial mindset. “I always say if you’re going to get into anything immerse yourself in it and around that time I started reading up about business, joined up with the BBPA met a lot of people through there and ultimately my goal was to surround myself with like-minded people.”

There was one particularly busy day, and Jemal had a lot going on in his life. He had a cousin’s birthday party to attend and he was helping a friend out with the marketing side of his own business. “I had a whole bunch of things to get done that day and as I was leaving work to go help my cousin out for his party my car would not start at all.” Jemal shares.

Knowing all that he had to get done, and the limited time he was working with his car refusing to start left him feeling like he couldn’t do anything, and on top of that, he had to find some way to get his car to the mechanic then wait the 2-3 hours it might take for the car to be repaired.

“I just did not have that time, but the car wouldn’t start and so I still called around to a bunch of different places trying to get a quote, but most mechanics need a day,” Jemal says. “I finally found one at a reasonable price, but then I had to get a tow truck as well. I called around again to find out if someone had a tow truck and someone told me they had an independent mobile mechanic he can just come through and fix the car.”

In his predicament it was the most interesting idea he had heard for the day, so he took the number and called them right away. “My first thought was that this is going to be a lot more expensive than going to a shop and when I spoke to him he told me he was in the area and he could be there within the hour,” Jemal says. “It turned out being a couple hundred dollars cheaper than going to the shop.”

Jemal wasn’t able to make all his commitments that day but being able to have his mechanic come to him did save him some time and after about 2 hours the car was done, it started up and he was able to go about his day. After that experience, a lightbulb went off in Jemal’s head and he couldn’t believe he hadn’t known about this service beforehand.

In a similar string of events, Damion found himself in a situation where his own vehicle stopped working as well. “I was down in Texas for about 5-6 months when my vehicle stopped working as well, there were some issues with the alternator and we had a mobile mechanic that came out and fixed the care down there,” Damion explains. “When I got back and he told me his idea I thought it was amazing and that it made perfect sense because I had experienced it first-hand.”

Ucanics started in February of last year and since they have started servicing the GTA, they have been well received and experiencing steady growth over the past months. Jemal has always had a fascination with business models like Uber and Air BNB or Groupon how they work and how they become profitable without owning any assets.

“You don’t really find services like this in Canada,” Damion says. “In the States, they start all of their innovative ideas up first and Canada follows after so there are sometimes certain things we are lacking in the Canadian service industry.”

Ucanics puts the power of your auto repairs back in your hands by allowing you to book a service online or over the phone and have a mechanic come to your home or office to service your car.

They make the entire process easy for you. By using their website and mobile apps, you can access the maintenance schedule of all your cars, get a fair and transparent price, book an appointment, make payments, access service history and get maintenance reminders. Since they don’t have the overhead cost of a shop, they are able to charge less while providing a convenient service.

“Auto repair is something that once you have a car no matter what it has to get done,” Jemal says.

Some of their most popular auto repair services are brake pads and rotors, oil changes, car inspections, diagnostics, starter replacements, tire changes, alternator repair, battery replacement, used car inspections, engine checks, electrical work, and any other regular maintenance service needs.

“Once a customer calls us we take down their information, and details about the issue they are experiencing making detailed notes to ensure we have all of the information,” Jemal says. “If we can tell what the issue is over the phone, we can offer them a quote, and if we can’t diagnose over the phone, we will dispatch a mechanic to do a diagnostic at the customer’s location.”

At Ucanics their goal is to facilitate healthy relationships between customers and their business by offering high quality and convenient auto repair services and help save time and money. They aren’t just looking to repair your car, but also help educate their clients on how to take care of their own maintenance needs.

At Ucanics their fusion of convenience and high-quality car repair services is there to serve your auto maintenance needs. Give them a call today to find out how they can help. They are now serving Scarborough, North York, Downtown Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton Etobicoke, and Oakville areas and looking to expand into more cities in the GTA.

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Turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality with RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Startup Program

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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.

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Nervous about your English Proficiency Test; Worry no more! Introducing Pearson|PTE English Language Tests

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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!

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The Silent Hero: Why every business needs a good bookkeeper Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“I received a call, and the client started crying. She had a business, her bookkeeping and taxes were everywhere, and she was feeling overwhelmed. She only used Excel, and she wanted to save money.”

“I can do what you want me to do, but that won’t help you. How about we offer you something that will help you out.”

In the fast-paced world of business, where attention is often drawn to flashy marketing campaigns and innovative products, there exists a silent hero that operates behind the scenes, largely unnoticed yet indispensable to the success of any enterprise or small business. Meet Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants – the unsung guardian of financial integrity and stability.

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to overlook the crucial role that a good bookkeeper plays. They are the backbone of our financial operations, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for, every transaction is recorded accurately, and every decision is grounded in reliable data.

Beyond the mundane task of number-crunching, a skilled bookkeeper serves as a strategic partner, offering valuable insights and guiding prudent financial decisions. From budgeting and forecasting to tax compliance and financial analysis, their expertise is indispensable in navigating the complex terrain of business finance.

To think; the smallest financial oversight can have far-reaching consequences, and this is why the value of a proficient bookkeeper cannot be overstated. They are the guardians of fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the financial health of your business remains robust and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

“Having a good bookkeeper onboard provides businesses with the clarity and transparency they need to steer the ship in the right direction,” shares Gloria Kapuku, CPA and founder at Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants. “These reports enable us to identify trends, spot potential risks, and capitalize on opportunities for growth.”

“We have a meeting first; during our meeting we let you explain your system. I need to understand you. I then share our process and let them see how things could be. People are resistant, so we take things slowly.”

The full bookkeeping system involves the systematic: recording, organizing, and summarizing of financial transactions within a business. It begins with the initial entry of transactions such as: sales, purchases, payroll, and expenses into the accounting system. Subsequently, these entries are categorized and posted to appropriate accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting principles.

Throughout the cycle, reconciliations are conducted to match records and identify discrepancies, followed by the preparation of financial statements, including: the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Lastly, the cycle culminates in closing entries, ensuring that revenue and expense accounts are reset for the next accounting period. Overall, full-cycle bookkeeping provides a comprehensive overview of an organization’s financial health, facilitating informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.

“One of the first things that I tell my clients,” Gloria shares, “Is let’s set up proper procedure. We set up a step-by-step plan and enforce the workflow. We meet every month to ensure you are staying on course. Then we meet every three months, and then we do a yearly check -in.”

Incredibly, Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants have fantastic resources on their website including Mentorship and Coaching Services that will help you achieve your personal, business, or career goals. Their goal is to introduce you to new ways of thinking, challenging your limiting assumptions, sharing valuable life lessons, and much more.

They have your bookkeeping basics, a DIY in how to keep your books and records clean. Topics of discussion include:

  • Why is bookkeeping important?
  • Best way and software for bookkeeping
  • Important activities in bookkeeping
  • How to master bookkeeping

Bookkeeping practices

  • Mix or separate personal and business income and purchases?
  • What are internal controls?
  • Bank transactions, electronic or paper format?
  • What is bank reconciliation?
  • What are financial reports?
  • What are records?
  • Excel worksheet or accounting system?
  • Tax forms.
  • Accountants, CPAs, and tax professionals/planning

The team also does a deep dive into the numbers – financial statements and balancing the books. They also have a Bookkeeping – Advance Mentoring and Coaching Sessions (10-15 hours) where they explore different types of bookkeeping accounts, what they are, what they do, and how to book them. These sessions include:

  • Accounting Basics
  • Debits and Credits
  • Chart of Accounts
  • Bookkeeping
  • Accounting Equation
  • Accounting Principles
  • Financial Accounting
  • Adjusting Entries
  • Financial Statements
  • Balance Sheet
  • Working Capital and Liquidity
  • Income Statement
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Receivable and Bad Debts Expense
  • Accounts Payable
  • Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold
  • Depreciation
  • Payroll Accounting
  • Stockholders’ Equity
  • Nonprofit Accounting

Ready to get started? You can book a 15-minute free consultation for any of the topics below:

  • “Ask us anything” service provides a free consultation where you can ask us about tax, accounting, bookkeeping, incorporating and more.
  • Book a 15-minute scheduling call with us to discuss which mentorship and coaching is appropriate for you!
  • Tax preparation, where the focus is on operating your business and personal affairs, knowing that your tax needs are being fully met.

So, the next time you glance over the balance sheet, or pore over financial statements, remember the silent hero who works tirelessly behind the scenes – Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants, whose meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication keep the wheels of your business turning smoothly.

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