Zensurance Small Business Insights
News and resources for Canadian small businesses and startups covering the economic and business insurance landscape.
Recent posts
Are Commercial Insurance Premiums Tax Deductible in Canada?
Small business owners know many business-related expenses can help lower taxable income. But what about insurance premiums? The short answer is yes, but it doesn't apply to all types of coverage. Here's exactly what Canadian owners can write off.
Commercial Fleet Insurance in Canada: Does Your Business Need It?
If your business runs four or more vehicles, one commercial fleet insurance policy is usually cheaper and simpler than four separate commercial auto policies. Here's what fleet insurance covers, what it costs, and how to bring your premium down.
What You Need to Know About Vacant Commercial Property Insurance
An empty building isn't a safe building. Vandalism, burst pipes and liability claims don't stop when your tenant moves out – and your existing policy may stop covering them. Here's how vacant commercial property insurance fills the gap.
What Is Short-Term Rental Insurance for Airbnb and VRBO Hosts in Canada?
Insurance companies treat homesharing as a commercial activity, which means your homeowner policy likely won't cover you when a guest checks in. Here's what Airbnb and VRBO hosts in Canada need to know about short-term rental insurance and the gaps it fills.
What Insurance Does a Home-Based Bakery in Canada Need?
Your homeowner's policy almost certainly won't cover your cupcakes. Here's what home-based bakery insurance includes, what it costs, and why product liability is the coverage you can't skip.
How to Do a Business Name Search in Canada
A memorable business name builds brand awareness, drives loyalty and sales, and helps you hire. Here's how to search Canada's business registries and trademark database, order a NUANS report, and register your name step-by-step.
Small Business Tips
Zensurance $10,000 Business Grant Recipient: Next Level Property Management
Meet the recipients of our $10,000 grant and five $1,000 grants! We chatted with these business owners to get their best advice for other entrepreneurs, plus why they think insurance is a must-have for keeping a business’s finances secure.
Why Do Insurers Ask for Your Small Business Revenue?
When you apply for business insurance in Canada, insurers often ask about your company’s annual and projected revenue. Here’s why they need this information, how to figure out your numbers, and why it’s important to be accurate.
8 Tax-Filing Tips for Sole Proprietors in Canada (2026 Tax Year Guide)
Tax season is approaching for sole proprietors and self-employed Canadians. This 2026 guide explains key deadlines, required forms, and practical tips to help you file correctly.
Insurance
What Insurance Does a Cybersecurity Consultant Need?
Cybersecurity consultants in Canada typically need four coverages: professional liability (errors and omissions), cyber liability, commercial general liability, and business contents insurance. The reason is simple. Clients blame the person who told them they were secure.
6 Real Cyber Insurance Claims Canadian Small Businesses Filed in 2026
Phishing, ransomware, and DDoS attacks keep evolving, and Canadian small businesses are squarely in cybercriminals' crosshairs. Here are six real claims we helped clients recover from – payouts from $25,000 to more than $250,000 – and what they mean for your business, whatever industry you're in.
What Type of Insurance Do Software Developers Need?
Software developers build the systems everything else runs on, and carry the liability when something breaks. Here's the coverage Canadian devs, freelancers, and dev shops actually need, and what each policy does when a claim lands.
Financial Business Tips
10 Business Insurance Claims We Saw in 2023
For some professionals or business owners, buying business insurance is a legal or regulatory requirement. For others, it is not. Either way, it’s wise to do so. Here are 10 real-life reasons why you should.
Will the Bank of Canada Cut Interest Rates in 2024?
The Canadian central bank’s first interest rate decision and announcement of 2024 is hotly anticipated. Will the Bank of Canada announce an interest rate hike, cut, or will it hold its rate steady? Here’s how each possibility may affect small businesses.
How to Get a Small Business Grant in Canada
See our list of grants for Canadian small businesses and startups you can apply for to grow your business and the steps needed to qualify for them.
Cybersecurity
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.
How to Protect Your Point-Of-Sale (POS) System From Fraud
Businesses utilizing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and software for financial transactions are susceptible to fraudulent activity. See our tips for preventing POS fraud and get an overview of the types of insurance that can cover your losses if it happens to your company.
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.
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.
5 Common Consultant Insurance Claims
The services consultants provide to their customers expose them to many liability risks that can affect their reputations and finances. Here are five real-life insurance claims a handful of our consultant clients faced and how insurance helped them recover.