Zensurance Small Business Insights
News and resources for Canadian small businesses and startups covering the economic and business insurance landscape.
Recent posts
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance (COI), or proof of insurance certificate, summarizes your business insurance coverage and proves your business has liability insurance. Without it, you could be missing out on many opportunities. Here’s what every business owner should know.
What Type of Insurance Does a Home-Based Bakery Need?
Countless Canadian bakers with a flare for making scrumptious baked goods are always in high demand, prompting many to start a home-based bakery. But there’s one essential ingredient they should never skip – liability insurance.
Contractor vs Subcontractor: Understanding Liability and Insurance
It can be confusing to understand the specific risks contractors and subcontractors face during construction projects. Get a straightforward understanding of what's at stake and the types of insurance these professionals require.
10 Common Summertime Business Insurance Claims in Canada
Summer can bring a surge in unexpected risks for small businesses – from property damage to equipment breakdowns. See how we helped real clients tackle 10 common seasonal claims and stay open for business.
Under the Table = Underinsured: The Moral Hazard Every Contractor Should Know
Doing work “under the table” – unreported, off-the-books work done in cash to avoid taxes and legal obligations – poses significant risks to contractors, including rejected insurance claims.
Smash-and-Grab Thefts: How to Safeguard Your Retail Business
How can Canadian retailers defend their properties and inventories and enhance security when robberies and theft are rising? See our recommendations for upping retail store security and having the right insurance to recover from such events.
Small Business Tips
50 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Money in 2025
In addition to making extra income, a side hustle is a testing ground to try out a new idea before jumping headlong into starting a business. Looking for inspiration? Here are 50 side job ideas to consider.
Canada Post Strike: How Small Businesses Can Manage Shipping Costs
Almost 80% of Canadian small businesses rely on Canada Post to ship goods. With a possible postal strike hitting us on May 23, here are a few ways business owners can manage shipping needs until the work stoppage ends.
Tornado Season 2025: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Canada ranks second in the world for the most tornadoes per year after the U.S. See our tips for how business property owners can prepare and minimize damage to their properties from a tornado and other severe windstorms.
Insurance
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance (COI), or proof of insurance certificate, summarizes your business insurance coverage and proves your business has liability insurance. Without it, you could be missing out on many opportunities. Here’s what every business owner should know.
What Type of Insurance Does a Home-Based Bakery Need?
Countless Canadian bakers with a flare for making scrumptious baked goods are always in high demand, prompting many to start a home-based bakery. But there’s one essential ingredient they should never skip – liability insurance.
Contractor vs Subcontractor: Understanding Liability and Insurance
It can be confusing to understand the specific risks contractors and subcontractors face during construction projects. Get a straightforward understanding of what's at stake and the types of insurance these professionals require.
Financial Business Tips
15 Business Grants and Loans for Women in Canada
The Zensurance Small Business Grant is one of many options for Canadian women entrepreneurs and startups led by women that are available to help them grow their businesses. See our list of grants and loans to pursue.
Trump Tariffs: How Canadian Small Businesses Can Prepare
Canada’s economy is deeply intertwined with the American economy. If the Trump administration imposes a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, Canada’s economy and small business community could be dramatically affected. Here’s what to know.
8 Tax Filing Tips for Sole Proprietors
The deadline for Canadian sole proprietors and self-employed professionals to file tax returns in 2025 is fast approaching. These professionals are solely responsible for filing and paying their taxes on time. Find out when your return is due and how sole proprietors can reduce their tax bills.
Cybersecurity
Does Cyber Insurance Cover AI-Generated Cybercrime?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating faster-paced, more effective, larger-scale cyber-attacks. Explore ways businesses can defend themselves and learn how cyber insurance helps recovery if your business is attacked.
10 Cybersecurity Risks to Small Businesses in 2025
Cyber-related threats and attacks on businesses are constantly evolving. Cyber insurance is a crucial component of any business insurance policy, but so is being aware of the threats that could imperil your business. Here are 10 cyber risks to watch out for this year.
How to Prevent Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are among the most pervasive cyber-attacks against small businesses and independent professionals. Learn more about it and how to prevent your company from falling prey to it.
Startup Tips
50 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Money in 2025
In addition to making extra income, a side hustle is a testing ground to try out a new idea before jumping headlong into starting a business. Looking for inspiration? Here are 50 side job ideas to consider.
How to Become a Landlord in Canada
If you’re entering the residential property rental market now or thinking of doing so soon, your timing couldn’t be better. But know that becoming a landlord and maintaining a rental property is a lot of work. See our guide for how to set yourself up for success.
10 Things to Do to Start a General Contracting Business
Thinking of being your own boss and calling the shots? Canada needs more entrepreneurs, but be aware starting a business has its challenges. Here's how to prepare to launch and run a successful contracting business.
