Zensurance Small Business Insights
News and resources for Canadian small businesses and startups covering the economic and business insurance landscape.
Recent posts
What Insurance Do Personal Trainers and Fitness Instructors in Canada Need?
Personal fitness trainers and instructors working with individuals to help improve their physical health and achieve their fitness goals face the possibility of injuries to clients and other liability risks. Here’s what every personal fitness trainer should know.
Self-Employed Insurance in Canada: Coverage Every Freelancer and Solopreneur Needs
70% of self-employed Canadians have no business insurance, leaving them one lawsuit away from financial ruin. Getting covered is easier and more affordable than most self-employed professionals realize. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document issued by your insurer or broker that proves your business is insured. It summarizes your active coverages, policy limits, expiry date, and other key details, so clients, landlords, and partners can confirm you're covered before they agree to work with you.
10-Step Checklist for Starting a Small Business in Canada
Ready to launch your business? Follow this 10-step checklist for starting a small business in Canada – from legal registration to getting insured.
Do Consultants in Canada Need Liability Insurance?
One misread recommendation or a project that falls short of a client's expectations can trigger a negligence claim or an expensive lawsuit. Here's how the right insurance protects your consulting business, your finances, and your reputation.
Zensurance Small Business Grant 2026: Meet Our $10,000 and $1,000 Recipients
Meet the Canadian small business owners taking home our two $10,000 grants – plus eight more finalists who each receive $1,000. Here's their advice for other owners, and why they say insurance is a vital investment in their future.
Small Business Tips
5 Businesses You Can Start With Less Than $1,000 in 2026
In the digital economy, launching a business is increasingly accessible. Depending on the venture, you no longer need substantial startup capital or commitments like a commercial property lease. Here are five low-cost ideas to consider to start your business in 2026.
10 Ideas to Grow Your Small Business in 2026
As another year draws to a close, astute business owners are already planning for the year ahead. Looking toward a prosperous new year, here are 10 actionable suggestions designed to help your small business accelerate its growth throughout 2026.
How Canadian Landlords Can Prevent and Manage Frozen Water Pipes
When frigid temperatures cause water inside a pipe to freeze, the ice expands and can split or crack the line. That can result in the pipe bursting and may lead to internal flooding. Here are ways landlords can prevent frozen pipes.
Insurance
What Small Businesses Need to Know About Cyber Insurance
Data shows that 48% of Canadian small businesses have implemented any form of cyber defence, and only 22% have cyber insurance. Here's why it's time to get serious about protecting your business from cyber threats.
Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover Overland Floods in Canada?
Increasingly frequent and severe flooding has been a primary driver of insured losses in Canada over the past five years. But commercial property insurance does not always automatically cover overland floods. Here's how to protect your business from flood damage.
21 Business Insurance Terms to Know in Canada
Business insurance policies are full of jargon – binders, perils, riders, exclusions. When buying or renewing a policy, use this quick, plain-language rundown of the 21 commercial insurance terms every Canadian business owner should understand.
Financial Business Tips
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.
10 Financial Planning Tips for Small Businesses in 2025
Making informed decisions, dealing with unforeseen challenges, and positioning your business for sustained growth requires planning. See our financial planning tips to help your small business grow and thrive in 2025.
5 Tips for Increasing Your Small Business’s Profit in a Slow Economy
Challenges remain for small businesses to grow their profit margins due to inflation and higher-than-average interest rates. Here are five things you can do to grow profitability in a tight economic environment.
Cybersecurity
8 Cybersecurity Tools for Small Businesses Using Mobile Devices
Mobile device security threats are rising. Most Canadian small businesses use mobile devices for their operations. Securing the devices your employees and company use is vital to a well-rounded cybersecurity plan. See our suggestions for upping your mobile security.
What to Do If Your Small Business Suffers a Cyber-Attack
An estimated 69% of Canadian small businesses don't consider cybersecurity a financial priority, and only 20% intend to purchase a cyber insurance policy. If you suspect your business has experienced a cyber-attack or data breach, taking immediate action is critical to minimize the damage.
5 Best VPN Providers for Small Businesses
Looking to enhance your business’s cybersecurity defences? Purchasing a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your online traffic and conceal your location may be worthwhile. See our list of VPN providers to consider.
Startup Tips
Starting a Food Truck Business? Here’s What You Should Know
Thinking about hitting the streets with your own food truck? Learn exactly what it takes – from writing a solid business plan to handling startup costs, permits, and insurance. See our tips to fuel your success and steer clear of common mistakes.
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.
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.