CALGARY's START-UP COMMUNITY: AN OUTLINE OF SERVICES AND SUPPORT
INTRODUCTION
Calgary has many resources and opportunities to support entrepreneurs at all stages in their ventures’ development. Community supports exists for all the hurdles that growing ventures must overcome, whether your business is at the conceptual stage and you need help getting it off the ground, or your venture is growing fast and you need advice or support with bringing employees onboard, marketing your product or service, or finding the right investors. This blog post provides a non-exhaustive rundown of places and services in Calgary that can support entrepreneurs on their journey..
 
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
School provides a unique opportunity to learn theory and develop skills across a variety of disciplines, and to network and collaborate with like-minded people, in and out of the classroom.  While these opportunities can help students come up with novel and creative business ideas, often a little more help is needed to take an idea from concept to reality. Many post secondary institutions in Calgary provide resources to help students get their ideas off the ground.

• Hunter Hub

The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary has many regularly scheduled and special events for budding entrepreneurs. The Hub offers Touch Down Tuesdays, where students can get drop-in support from experts in business and innovation. Hunter Hub also offers a Summer Incubator program that runs from May to September each year and provides selected graduate students with the resources and training needed to grow their start-up. In November, Hunter Hub celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to celebrate and share ideas. And of course, the weekly drop-in legal clinic hosted by the BLG Business Venture Clinic on Friday mornings is a great place to get information on issues like intellectual property, business incorporation, employment agreements and much more. Click here to learn more about Hunter Hub.

• WannaB Wednesdays

Bow Valley College hosts bi-monthly ‘Lunch and Learns’ that teach attendees how to tackle many of the problems facing entrepreneurs. Over a free lunch, participants learn about how to generate revenue, choose the right business name, set themselves apart from their competitors and most effectively reach their target market.  Although spaces are reserved for Bow Valley students until three days before each session, any remaining spots are open to the public at no cost. Two weeks after the event, participants apply the tools they have learned by helping a social start-up or struggling social entrepreneur solve a problem they are facing. Find out more here.

• 150 Startups

150 Startups is a province-wide entrepreneurship development program for post-secondary students. Over the course of the program, students have the opportunity to develop, validate, and launch their ventures, as well as collaborate with each other, and compete for cash and prizes in a series of challenges. Lean more here.
 
COWORKING SPACES
In addition to providing a means to keep overhead costs down and maintain flexibility in the early stages of a company’s growth, coworking spaces allow entrepreneurs to connect with one another, sharing skills, costs, connections and ideas. There are many coworking spaces across the city, forming a diverse range of entrepreneurial communities.

• Infusion Coworking

Infusion Coworking is conveniently located downtown. Infusion integrates its members and itself into the broader start-up community by establishing networks with key partners in the city, and with university, private, and venture capital organizations. Infusion offers several different levels of membership, which offer technological amenities like conferencing and AV services, and facility perks such as bike storage, 24-hour access and security, and free coffee and tea. Also available are business consulting services, weekly development programs, and community building events with strategic contacts such as investors and tech specialists. Just need a place to work for a day? They’ve got that too.

• ​Work Nicer

With three locations in inner-city Calgary and one in downtown Edmonton, Work Nicer is Alberta’s largest coworking community. In addition to the basics like mail handling, meeting rooms and printing services, Work Nicer also has perks like pet-friendly areas, beer on tap, and fitness facilities. Work Nicer’s credo is that no one succeeds alone. To that end, the organization carefully curates its membership to bring together people with complementary strengths and a desire to help each other, fostering innovation, and keep costs down, and letting each entrepreneur spend more time focusing on the work that really matters.

• Fuse 33 Makerspace

Fuse 33 Makerspace in southeast Calgary caters to the hands-on creative crowd, providing access to hand and power tools, welding equipment, sewing and electronics labs, embroidery machines and 3D printing. Weekly workshops and certification classes ensure users can operate equipment safely and effectively. Fuse 33 is open seven days per week, so work can be done whenever it’s convenient, and some membership plans even offer temporary storage, guaranteeing projects that can’t be finished all at once remain safe between sessions.

• Trico Changemakers

The Trico Changemakers Studio at Mount Royal University is a coworking and learning space for social entrepreneurs, innovators, activists and artists. Members of the co-working space include entrepreneurs within the for-profit and non-profit sectors who are driving change through innovative products, services and business models. Entrepreneurs can engage with the Studio community to broaden their networks and learn more about applying their skills and passions toward positive, sustainable change across multiple sectors. The space also regularly hosts events for the social entrepreneurship communities of Calgary and beyond. The Trico Changemakers Studio is the combined effort of the Institute for Community Prosperity, the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Bissett School of Business at MRU. Click here to learn more, and join their newsletter for regular event updates.
 
FOR THE LADIES

• Chic Geek

Chic Geek is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a welcoming environment for women at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. This is done in several ways. Chic Geek facilitates a mentorship program, and hosts events and workshops that allow participants to connect with experts and the community at large, learning about topics like coding and robotic process automation. There is also an annual ‘Geeky Summit’, featuring speakers with expertise in engineering, blockchain, media, finance and more. Learn how you can get involved here.

• YYC Girl Gang

Girl Gang connects female small business owners, providing an avenue to network and share skills, stories and support. Girl Gang hosts 6 events and 6 workshops per year, alternating each month. Previous themes include how to collaborate with influencers to use social media as a business tool, bookkeeping, and how to price your products. There’s just enough time to sign up for the  Tax Tips for Sole Proprietors workshop on April 16th.
 
MORE RESOURCES

• Platform Calgary

Platform Calgary, formerly known as Calgary Technologies Inc., aims to put a focus on innovation in downtown Calgary. Along with the new name comes a new location at the Hillier Block in East Village. Platform Calgary is working to make innovation more accessible, by providing access to space, programs, mentorship and capital. It welcomes first-time entrepreneurs and established companies alike, ensuring innovators have access to the coaching and resources needed at all stages of their business. Platform Calgary works with the University of Calgary, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the City of Calgary, building strategic partnerships and leveraging the city’s entrepreneurial drive.
 
Nothing in this post quite right for you? Don’t worry, there’s more. Click here and here for more extensive lists of resources, events, spaces, meetup groups, and accelerator programs  Getting to know the community is the best way to identify which spaces and programs can provide the advice, support, people or partnerships to elevate your business.

Lastly, please remember that the BLG Business Venture Clinic is always happy to help. Fill out a request form here and we will get in touch to find out how we can help.

Melanie Bowman is a member of the BLG Business Venture Clinic, and is a 2rd year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Calgary.

Contractor or Employee?
Introduction
In a start-up, it is often necessary to hire workers. To avoid legal obligations to employees, entrepreneurs will often characterize these workers as independent contractors. However, defining a worker as an independent contractor does not automatically make that worker an independent contractor. Rather, whether a worker is an independent contractor or employee is determined by examining the substance of the relationship between the worker and employer.[1] There are various common-law tests available to examine the substance of this relationship. Importantly, no particular common-law tests is determinative about the legal status of the worker.[2] Regardless, this blog will provide a brief overview of the primary common-law test used by courts, the fourfold test.
 
Four-fold Test
In Montreal v Montreal Locomotive Works Ltd et al, (“Montreal Locomotive”),[3] the House of Lords articulated the fourfold test. In summary, the fourfold test requires examining whether (1) the alleged employer is exerting control, or has the power to exert control, over the worker, (2) whether the worker owns the tools of his trade, (3) whether the worker has the chance of profit, and (4) whether the employer has the risk of loss.[4]

Control Test
Control is the right to give orders to a worker regarding where, when and how work is performed. Workers required to follow such orders are more likely to be employees. Independent contractors typically determine the hours, place and method of work for themselves.
Examples of control include the employer’s right to:

• Hire.

• Set hours of work and approve time off.

• Supervise work.

• Instruct on the method of work.

• Require reports or meetings.

• Restrict the kind of work a worker may perform or the type of product he may sell.

• Restrict who the worker may perform work for or sell a product to.

• Restrict or approve assistants or subcontractors hired by a worker.

• Set codes of conduct.

• Impose discipline.

• Enforce non-solicitation or non-competition terms against the worker.

• Dismiss the worker.

 
Ownership of Tools
A worker who owns and supplies the tools, materials, licenses and contacts required to perform agreed work is more likely to be conducting his own business and be considered an independent contractor. A worker who is supplied with these things by an employer is more likely to be part of the employer’s business and considered an employee.
 
”Tools” is a catchall term used to describe a wide variety of items and resources required to perform work, including:

• Hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, handsaws, etc.

• Power tools.

• Vehicles, including transport trucks.

• Construction equipment.

• Trade licences and certifications.

• Client lists.

• Demonstration products and promotional materials.

• Offices and office equipment.

• Computers and other electronic devices.

 
Chance of Profit and Risk of Loss
Exposure to profit or loss on a work contract is indicative of an independent contractor. As a business owner, an independent contractor makes expenditures on equipment, workers, advertising, licenses, or other resources. Having contracted for a particular volume or quality of work, his return is affected by how efficiently he can meet that volume or quality.
 
In contrast, employees typically invest only their time in performing work. They are usually paid wages or salary and do not run a risk of loss if work is not performed efficiently. Likewise, they are typically not entitled to share in increased profits resulting from their work.
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, entrepreneurs must be careful whenever retaining a worker. Although the entrepreneur may be under the impression, they are retaining the services of an independent contractor, they may in fact have hired a new employee.
 
Sunny Uppal is a member of the BLG Business Venture Clinic, and is a 3rd year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Calgary.

References
[1] Kaszuba v. Salvation Army Sheltered Workshop (1983), 83 C.L.L.C. 14,032 (Ont. Div. Ct.)
[2] 671122 Onatrio Ltd v Sagaz Industries Canada Inc, 2001 SCC 59 at para 46 [Sagaz Industries].
[3] [1947] 1 DLR 161.
[4] Montreal (City) v Montreal Locomotive Works Ltd (1946), [1947] 1 DLR 161 at p 169 [Montreal Locomotive].

Mobile Food Vending: A Beginner’s Guide
Have you ever thought about operating a food truck? In the U.S. at least, the food truck industry is now generating $2 billion-plus in estimated revenue with the industry’s overall revenue having grown 300% over the last three years.[1]
Though the food truck craze likely peaked a few years ago, mobile food vending may still provide budding entrepreneurs exciting opportunities to get their feet wet. Some carts and concession stands can be purchased at an attractive price point, and even food trucks, which will likely require a larger investment upfront, can be run with modest operating costs. There is also something appealing (at least to the author of this blog post) about parking your colourful truck next to the sidewalk, playing your favourite music, and dishing out your choice of delicacy to a lineup (one would hope) of eager patrons. You may also like the idea of being part of the festival scene, which largely depends on mobile food vending to keep the good people of Calgary happy and fed. If meals on wheels speaks to you like ones and zeroes probably spoke to Bill Gates, listen up; you’ll need to clear some red tape before you can get started.
 
Food Handling Permits
If your mobile food vending operation is going to require you or your staff to handle food, you will need a food handling permit. Alberta Health Services classifies mobile food vending units according to the type of food that will be handled, the manner in which said food will be handled, and the extent to which such handling presents a risk to the public. Depending on how your mobile unit is classified (types A-F), you will need to meet certain requirements, such as a minimum number of sinks or a minimum amount of fresh water that you have to have available for use at all times. Additionally, if you are not planning on preparing food in the mobile food vending unit itself, you will likely need to set up a “Base of Operations,” which would entail designating a space for food storage and preparation and then receiving approval from Alberta Health Services.
 
Business Permits
Next, you’ll need some business permits from the folks at the City of Calgary. First and foremost, anyone offering mobile food services will need to obtain a municipal business licence. The next step will depend on what kind of vending unit you plan on operating and where, exactly, you plan on parking it. If you want to operate from city streets, you’ll need to licence your mobile unit as a “full service food vehicle.” This type of licence requires a safety code inspection, which is coordinated in conjunction with a business licence fire inspection and can be scheduled by calling 311. You will also need to have a commercial vehicle licence and an insurance policy with at least $2 million of coverage in place before a full service food vehicle permit will be issued. Those wanting to park their full service food vehicle at a special event will also need an additional special event inspection (also scheduled by calling 311).
If you plan on operating only from private property, or if you want to operate a pushcart outside of the downtown core, you can instead apply for a “food service – no premises” licence type. This licence will not require the building safety and fire inspections that a full service food vehicle would, although you will still need an insurance policy with at least $2 million of coverage in place before a permit will be issued. Note that this type of licence allows individuals to operate downtown between the hours of 7 am and 3 am. Some examples of food service – no premises mobile vending units include: food trucks that only operate at festivals or only sell pre-prepared foods, pushcarts outside of downtown, bicycle vendors operating on roadways that do not meet the definition of pushcart, ice cream trucks, and catering trucks. It is also important to note that operating your business on private property (regardless of how you’ve licenced your mobile vending unit) will require the property owner’s written consent.
 
Other Considerations
Regardless of which licence type you ultimately decide on, there will, of course, be fees (see the City of Calgary link provided below). You will also need to ensure that you dispose of any grey water (waste water from cleaning dishes and the like) at an approved location. Those who want to operate on Stephen Avenue Mall, Barclay Mall or Eau Claire Market will also need approval from the Downtown Association. Given that your business may feature sharp objects and open flames, you may also want to think about liability and how you will structure your business (i.e. whether to incorporate).
So there you have it, the basic steps you need to get your mobile vending unit business up and running. Ultimately, one of the great things about food trucks and mobile vending units is that the municipal and provincial governments have put resources towards streamlining the licencing process. If you’re a first-time entrepreneur, that means less red tape and more time to dial in your menu, your branding, and your food trucks awesome paint job.
 
For more information on Food Handling Permits, visit: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-mobile-food-vending-units.pdf
For more information on mobile food vending in the City of Calgary, please visit: http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Business-licenses/Mobile-Food-Vendors.aspx
To view the City’s fee list, visit: http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Documents/fees/business-licence-fee-schedule.pdf
 
Aleksandar Kukolj is a member of the BLG Business Venture Clinic, and is a 3rd year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Calgary.
 
References
[1] Sam Milbrath, “12 Impressive Facts on the Food Truck Industry” (May 17, 2018) online: https://www.food.ee/blog/12-impressive-facts-on-the-food-truck-industry/.