In episode 108 of The Business Development Podcast, the host, Kelly Kennedy, interviews Robert Lajoie, the Vice President of The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Alberta North, Financing and Consulting Group. The discussion centers on the ...
In episode 108 of The Business Development Podcast, the host, Kelly Kennedy, interviews Robert Lajoie, the Vice President of The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Alberta North, Financing and Consulting Group. The discussion centers on the role BDC plays in supporting business growth and development across Canada, their unique approach towards working with entrepreneurs, the broad range of financial services they offer, and how they differ from traditional banks. Robert Lajoie also shares insights on BDC's extensive history, their commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as their expertise in different sectors.
Moreover, they explore the importance of trust in business, the impact of current financial circumstances on entrepreneurs, and how BDC challenges and advises businesses to encourage their growth. Lajoie also provides advice to entrepreneurs navigating financial uncertainty and emphasizes the importance of understanding the opportunity cost of not investing in certain projects. He further encourages entrepreneurs to reach out to BDC for assistance in overcoming challenges as well as accessing resources and support to help their businesses thrive.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a significant organization in helping entrepreneurs grow by providing the right capital at the right time for the right project.
2. BDC is project-based, focusing on helping entrepreneurs manifest long-term projects while the day-to-day aspects are supported by traditional banks.
3. It's not just about funding, but the right strategic advice and challenging the entrepreneur to think beyond their current scope, helping them to grow more efficiently.
4. BDC supports not just in-house solutions but connects entrepreneurs with the right partners including other crown corporations, organizations, and resources.
5. BDC has a comprehensive approach that includes financing, advisory services, venture capital, equity, intellectual property-backed financing, and more, all targeting growth and transition of businesses.
6. Connecting with the right people in the ecosystem is key for the growth of entrepreneurs.
7. Even though interest rates might be a concern for entrepreneurs, it's important to look at the overall impact of not taking action.
8. The biggest lesson from engaging with indigenous entrepreneurs is that the organization must earn the trust of the entrepreneur to have a successful business relationship.
9. Entrepreneurs need more than just a term loan to grow, they need advice and strategic insights into their business operations and for reaching their potential.
10. For BDC, working with entrepreneurs is about building trust, establishing good relationships, and then executing transactions based on the personalized needs of the business.
In episode 35 of the Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy discusses the importance of business development for all companies looking to grow and compete effectively. He emphasizes the need to create brand awareness through active marketing strategies rather than …
Welcome to episode 37 of the Business Development Podcast! This episode takes us back to the beginning, as we discuss the 10 early lessons for thriving in business development. Whether you're new to marketing your own busines...
In episode 49 of the Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy reflects on the growth and impact of the show, expressing gratitude to the listeners and followers who have supported him along the way. He acknowledges the challenges and bad …
In Episode 55 of the Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy takes a moment to express his gratitude for the opportunities that led him to his current role in business development. Reflecting on his experiences in sales, Kelly emphasizes t...
In episode 56 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy addresses the importance of separating account management and business development. Kennedy recounts their personal experience of juggling multiple roles before realizing the nee...
Episode 57 of the Business Development Podcast explores the effectiveness of exhibiting at conferences as a marketing strategy. The host, Kelly Kennedy, emphasizes that attending conferences and setting up booths is not an active marketing approach...
In Episode 65 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy emphasizes the importance of active marketing over passive marketing for businesses. He emphasizes the need for businesses to engage in active marketing strategies, such as socia...
In episode 77 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and feedback in business. He shares his personal experiences and acknowledges that he has not always been good at receiving critical fe...
In Episode 79 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy discusses the importance of business development during a recession. Kennedy emphasizes the need to be open to having conversations, seeking new opportunities, and doubling down ...
In this episode of the Business Development Podcast hosted by Kelly Kennedy, the focus is on delineating the essential attributes to seek in Business Development Representatives during the hiring process. Through a comprehensive breakdown of 10 key...
In Episode 124 of the Business Development Podcast, Ross Huartt, the CEO of MBC Group and the Founder & Chairman of EcoClaim, shares profound insights into pioneering environmental excellence within the insurance and construction sectors. Huartt's ...
In a milestone episode 125 of the Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy delves into the transformative power of five simple yet profound words that can significantly impact one's business journey: "What are the next steps?" Through insightful...
In Episode 137 of the Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy underscores the critical role of effective calendar management in the entrepreneurial realm. By emphasizing the value of time and the strategic use of calendars to boost productivity...
In episode 139 of the Business Development Podcast hosted by Kelly Kennedy, listeners are taken on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the face of Imposter Syndrome. Kelly shares his personal experiences of launching the show and battlin...
In Episode 141 of The Business Development Podcast hosted by Kelly Kennedy, the focus is on the crucial role of beliefs and confidence in achieving success in both professional and personal endeavors. Kelly emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of c...
In Episode 143 of the Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy delves into the four fundamental steps of the active marketing process. The episode kicks off with an exciting announcement about the revamped Capital Business Development websi...
In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy is joined by joy expert Jillian Schecher to discuss the importance of finding joy amidst the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship. Jillian emphasizes the need for entrepreneur...
Episode 148 of The Business Development Podcast features an insightful discussion with Liz Ryan, a renowned expert on workplace culture and human resources. In this episode, Liz delves into the concept of a people-first workplace, emphasizing the i...
In the milestone Episode 150 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy welcomes expert guest Lasse Joergensen, a transformative life and business coach. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of aligning business endeavors with p...
In Episode 155 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business development strategies, focusing on how AI can enhance but not replace huma...
In Episode 159 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy shares ten valuable lessons from his podcasting journey, emphasizing the need for a clear vision and consistent authenticity. He reflects on the various challe...
In episode 160 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy engages in an insightful discussion with former CTV News Anchor Carmen Leibel, who shares her expertise on effective public speaking and her journey into ...
In Episode 163 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy delves into the essential components that drive success both in business and in life: passion, determination, and self-accountability. He explores how these th...
Episode 165 of The Business Development Podcast centers on the transformative power of positivity and resilience in the face of adversity. Host Kelly Kennedy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even a...
Episode 167 of The Business Development Podcast dives deep into the art and science of cold calling, offering listeners ten game-changing principles to elevate their approach and effectiveness. Host Kelly Kennedy begins by ad...
In Episode 177 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly takes a deep dive into the realities of burnout, a common but often overlooked challenge among high-performing individuals. He explores the different types of burnout—...
In Episode 193 of The Business Development Podcast , Kelly Kennedy dives deep into the transformative power of understanding your "why." He shares how having a strong purpose can fuel resilience, drive motivation, and help ov...
In this inspiring episode of The Business Development Podcast , host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Mike Fata, a visionary entrepreneur and bestselling author, to explore his incredible journey from personal health struggles to...
In Episode 195 of The Business Development Podcast , Kelly Kennedy explores the power of planning and why flexibility is just as critical as having a plan. He shares his yearly ritual of mapping out show topics, personal goal...
In this episode of The Business Development Podcast , host Kelly Kennedy celebrates the show’s 199th episode, coinciding with the dawn of 2025. Kennedy reflects on the remarkable journey of reaching the 200-episode milestone,...
In this episode of The Business Development Podcast , Brad Warren returns to break down the no-nonsense approach every entrepreneur needs to run a profitable business. Known for his operational expertise and relentless focus ...
In Episode 204 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy welcomes sales expert Marcus Chan for an engaging conversation about sales and personal branding in 2025 and beyond. Marcus, a renowned figure in the B2B ...
In this episode of The Business Development Podcast , we’re diving into one of the most important tools for your success in 2025 and beyond: personal branding. I’m here to show you why building your personal brand isn’t just ...
It's the two-year anniversary of The Business Development Podcast, and in true Kelly Kennedy fashion, this episode is all about pushing forward when others pull back. With tariffs looming and recession fears on the rise, many...
Solopreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of the economy, but balancing business development with daily operations can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Kelly Kennedy shares a powerful five-step framework to h...
