Zensurance Small Business Insights
News and resources for Canadian small businesses and startups covering the economic and business insurance landscape.
Recent posts
Arborist Liability Insurance in Canada: What Coverage Do Tree Care Businesses Need?
Chainsaws. Heights. Heavy equipment. Tree work isn’t low-risk and neither are the financial consequences. Arborists and tree care professionals do dangerous work. Don’t go out on a limb and offer your services without insurance. Here’s what every tree care business owner should know before stepping onto a job site.
Commercial Auto Insurance vs Personal Auto Insurance: What’s the Difference?
If you use your vehicle for work in Canada, you need commercial auto insurance. Personal auto insurance usually won’t cover accidents that happen during business use. Learn the key differences, legal requirements, and how to get the right commercial vehicle insurance coverage for your business.
How to Start a Landscaping Business in Canada (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026)
Learn how to start a landscaping business in Canada, including startup costs, licensing requirements, equipment, pricing, and the insurance coverage most contractors need before booking their first job.
What Insurance Do Online Sellers Need to Protect Against Customer Lawsuits in Canada?
Consumer lawsuits against Canadian online sellers and e-commerce businesses are common (and expensive). If you sell online – even part-time – it’s vital to understand how to protect your business and finances from customer lawsuits and other liability risks.
What Is Installation Floater Insurance in Canada?
What happens if materials are damaged or stolen before you install them? If you transport or store materials on a job site before installation, installation floater insurance can protect your job profit from theft, damage, or loss anywhere in Canada.
Why Clients Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) in Canada – and How to Get One Fast
Learn what a certificate of insurance (COI) is, why Canadian clients require it, and how small business owners, contractors, and independent professionals in Canada can get a COI fast – often within 24 hours.
Small Business Tips
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.
Zensurance Business Grant Winner 2025: Steadiwear
We're excited to introduce the winners of our third $10,000 and $1,000 small business grants in 2025! Gain valuable insights from their advice for fellow business owners, and understand why they view insurance as essential for their financial security.
Wave + Zensurance: New Partnership to Help Small Businesses Manage Finances
New partnership with Wave helps Zensurance clients effortlessly manage their finances, invoicing, and payroll on a single platform. Zensurance clients receive an exclusive 50% discount on the first three months of Wave’s Pro Plan.
Insurance
What Is Course of Construction (COC) Insurance in Canada? Coverage, Cost, and Builders’ Risk Explained
Course of Construction (COC) insurance, also known as builders' risk insurance, protects a building, its materials, and certain project property during construction, installation, or renovation. This guide explains what it covers, what it excludes, how it compares to other policies, and what affects its cost.
Life Sciences Business Insurance in Canada: What Coverage Do Startups and Small Businesses Need?
A practical guide to the types of insurance coverage life sciences startups and research companies in Canada may need, including liability protection for biotech, medtech, and laboratory businesses.
Welding Liability Insurance in Canada: What Welders Need to Know
See our practical guide for welders and welding companies in Canada. Learn about welding liability insurance, coverage options, and costs. Find out how to protect your welding business from risk.
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
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.
What Is First-Party Fraud and How Can You Protect Your Business From It?
Fraud is a significant financial risk to organizations of all sizes and industries. First-party fraud can be difficult to detect among the many types of fraud. Here’s how you can safeguard your business from it.
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.