Survey on Financing and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises, 2017

Section A. Screening Questions Screening Question - Question identifier:A1

Is your business...
(Mark all that apply)

• a: ...a franchise
  (A franchise is a right granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services within a certain territory or location. The franchise has access to the franchisor's proprietary knowledge, processes and trademarks.)
• b: ...a joint venture (A joint venture exists when two or more companies agree to contribute goods, services and/or capital to a common commercial enterprise.)
• c: ...a government agency, or owned or controlled by a government agency.
  (A government agency is an administrative unit of government which is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions.)
• d: ...a non-profit organization
  (A non-profit organization is an organization that does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its goals. Examples include charities (i.e., charitable organizations, trade unions, trade associations and public arts organizations.)

Section A. Screening Questions Screening Question - Question identifier:A2

Is your business...
(Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes=1 and No=3)

• a: A franchise (A franchise is a right granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services within a certain territory or location. The franchise has access to the franchisor's proprietary knowledge, processes and trademarks.)
• b: A joint venture (A joint venture exists when two or more companies agree to contribute goods, services and/or capital to a common commercial enterprise.)
• c: A government agency, or owned or controlled by a government agency (A government agency is an administrative unit of government which is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions.)
• d: An enterprise that exists to serve a clear social, environmental or cultural purpose in communities. (social enterprise is a common term used to describe this type of organization)
  (Examples might include: Creating employment opportunities through work integration, skills and employment training; supporting vulnerable people and addressing social exclusion and/or improving the health and well-being of communities; engaging in community economic development activities and/or environmental sustainability initiatives.)

Section A. Screening Questions Screening Question - Question identifier:A3

Does your business: (Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: Have a clear social, environmental or cultural mission (This mission should be stated in the organization's articles of incorporation or by-laws)
• b: focus its business activities on carrying out this social, environmental or cultural mission
• c: reinvest its surpluses (if there are any) to further this social, environmental or cultural mission.

Section A. Screening Questions Screening Question - Question identifier:A4

In 2017, how many employees did this business have? (Include all employees who received a T4 in 2017. Exclude business owner(s), contract workers and other personnel who were not issued a T4.)

• : Employees:__________

Section B. General Financing - Question identifier:B1

Did the current owners of this business...
(Select one only.)

• 1: ...start this business from scratch?
• 2: ...buy or acquire this business?
• 3: ... inherit this business?

Section B. General Financing - Question identifier:B2

In what year was this business first established?

• 1: Year

Section B. General Financing - Question identifier:B3

In what year did the business first start selling goods and/or services?

• 1: Year

Section B. General Financing - Question identifier:B4

Which of the following sources of finance did you use to start your business?
(Mark all that apply.)

• a: Credit from financial institutions (i.e., chartered banks, caisses populaires, credit unions, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Farm Credit Canada)
  (Credit includes term business loans, non-residential mortgages, business lines of credit and credit cards)
• b: Personal financing used towards your business
  (Includes personal loans, lines of credit or credit cards from financial institutions, and personal savings of business owner(s))
• c: Financing from friends or relatives of business owner(s)
• d: Retained earnings (from previous or other business) (Retained earnings refers to the portion of net income not paid out to owners as dividends but retained by the business.)
• e: Trade credit from suppliers (A trade credit involves making a new request to purchase any materials, equipment or inventory on credit from a supplier. Trade credit debt is reported as "accounts payable" on your Financial Statements.)
• f: Capital leasing (Capital leasing includes leasing of machinery, equipment, tools, and vehicles and excludes building leasing.)
• g: Government loans, grants, subsidies and non-repayable contributions
  (Do not include loan guarantees here.)
• h: Financing from angel investors and venture capital providers (An angel investor is an individual (or group) unrelated to the business that provides financial backing and often advice to a business. Do not include friends or family here.)
• i: Other

Section B. General Financing - Question identifier:B5

Which of the following sources of financing did you use to purchase your business? (Mark all that apply)

• a: Credit from financial institutions (i.e., chartered banks, caisses populaires, credit unions, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Farm Credit Canada)
  (Credit includes term business loans, non-residential mortgages, business lines of credit and credit cards)
• b: Personal financing used towards your business
  (Includes personal loans, lines of credit or credit cards from financial institutions, and personal savings of business owner(s))
• c: Financing from friends or relatives of business owner(s)
• d: Retained earnings (from previous or other business) (Retained earnings refers to the portion of net income not paid out to owners as dividends but retained by the business.)
• e: Trade credit from suppliers (A trade credit involves making a new request to purchase any materials, equipment or inventory on credit from a supplier. Trade credit debt is reported as "accounts payable" on your Financial Statements.)
• f: Capital leasing (Capital leasing includes leasing of machinery, equipment, tools, and vehicles and excludes building leasing.)
• g: Government loans, grants, subsidies and non-repayable contributions
  (Do not include loan guarantees here.)
• h: Financing from angel investors and venture capital providers (An angel investor is an individual (or group) unrelated to the business that provides financial backing and often advice to a business. Do not include friends or family here.)
• i: Other

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C1

In 2017, did your business request a non-residential mortgage or refinancing of an existing non-residential mortgage? (Include commercial mortgages and exclude residential mortgages)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C2

For your business' largest request for a non-residential mortgage or refinancing of an existing non-residential mortgage in 2017, what was the dollar amount requested? (Your largest request in 2017 is the one with the largest monetary value.)

• 1: $__________

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C3

What was the outcome of this mortgage request? (Select one only)

• 1: The full amount was authorized
• 2: A partial amount was authorized: $________
• 3: Request was rejected
• 4: Request is still under review
• 5: Request was withdrawn

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C4

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down the request for this mortgage? (Mark all that apply)

• a: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
• b: Insufficient collateral
• c: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
• d: Project was considered too risky
• e: Business operates in an unstable industry
• f: Other
• g: No reason given by credit provider

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C5

What was the annual interest rate on this mortgage?

• 1: _________ % OR ______% + PRIME

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C6

What was the length of term of this mortgage (in months)?

• 1: Number of months

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C7

In 2017, did your business request a business line of credit or increase in the credit limit of the current line of credit?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C8

For your business' largest request for a business line of credit or increase in the current line of credit in 2017, what was the dollar amount requested? (Your largest request in 2017 is the one with the largest monetary value.)

• 1: $__________

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C9

What was the outcome of this business line of credit or increase in the current credit limit request? (Select one only)

• 1: The full amount was authorized
• 2: A partial amount was authorized: $________
• 3: Request was rejected
• 4: Request is still under review
• 5: Request was withdrawn

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C10

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down the request for this business line of credit or increase in the current credit limit? (Mark all that apply)

• a: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
• b: Insufficient collateral
• c: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
• d: Project was considered too risky
• e: Business operates in an unstable industry
• f: Other
• g: No reason given by credit provider

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C11

What was the annual interest rate on this business line of credit or increase in the current credit limit?

• 1: _________ % OR ______% + PRIME

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C12

In 2017, did your business request a term loan? (A term loan is a loan from a financial institution for a fixed period of time with a fixed monthly payment.)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C13

For your business' largest request for a term loan in 2017, what was the dollar amount requested? (Your largest request in 2017 is the one with the largest monetary value.)

• 1: $__________

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C14

What was the outcome of this term loan request? (Select one only)

• 1: The full amount was authorized
• 2: A partial amount was authorized: $________
• 3: Request was rejected
• 4: Request is still under review
• 5: Request was withdrawn

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C15

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down the request for this term loan? (Mark all that apply)

• a: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
• b: Insufficient collateral
• c: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
• d: Project was considered too risky
• e: Business operates in an unstable industry
• f: Other
• g: No reason given by credit provider

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C16

What was the annual interest rate on this term loan?

• 1: _________ % OR ______% + PRIME

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C17

What was the length of term of this term loan (in months)?

• 1: Number of months

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C18

In 2017, did your business request a business credit card or increase in the credit limit of the current credit card?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C19

For this request for a business credit card, or the largest request for an increase in the current credit card limit in 2017, what was the dollar amount requested? (Your largest request in 2017 is the one with the largest monetary value.)

• 1: $__________

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C20

What was the outcome of this request for a business credit card or increase in the credit limit of the current credit card? (Select one only)

• 1: The full amount was authorized
• 2: A partial amount was authorized: $________
• 3: Request was rejected
• 4: Request is still under review
• 5: Request was withdrawn

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C21

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down this request for a business credit card or increase in the current credit card limit?
(Mark all that apply)

• a: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
• b: Insufficient collateral
• c: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
• d: Project was considered too risky
• e: Business operates in an unstable industry
• f: Other
• g: No reason given by credit provider

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C22

What was the annual interest rate on this business credit card or increase in the credit card limit?

• 1: _________ %

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C23

When you requested a type of debt financing, what were the intended uses of this financing in 2017? (Mark all that apply. Consider all debt financing that was requested: mortgages, term loans, line of credit, business credit card)

• a: Land and buildings
• b: Vehicles/rolling stock
• c: Computer hardware or software
• d: Other machinery or equipment
• e: Working capital/operating capital such as inventory or paying suppliers
• f: Research and development
• g: Debt consolidations
• h: Purchase a business
• i: To enter a new market
• j: Other purpose (please specify)

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C24

In 2017, what collateral did your business provide to obtain new debt financing? (Mark all that apply. Consider all debt financing that was requested: mortgages, term loans, line of credit, business credit card)

• a: Business Assets (including land, buildings, material and equipment, inventories, account receivable, financial assets, intellectual property)
• b: Personal Assets
• c: Other

Section C. Debt Financing - Question identifier:C25

In 2017, who provided the debt financing that was requested?
(Mark all that apply. Consider all debt financing that was requested: mortgages, term loans, line of credit, business credit card)

• a: Chartered bank, including Alberta Treasury Branches (please specify)
• b: Credit union / Caisse populaire
• c: Government institution (for example, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Farm Credit Canada)(please specify)
• d: Online alternative lenders (Evolicity, Merchant Advance Capital, OnDeck), crowdfunding (Indiegogo, Kickstarter) or peer-to-peer lenders (Grow, Borrowell) (please specify):___________

Section D. Lease Financing - Question identifier:D1

In 2017, did your business request a new contract to lease any material or equipment? (Leasing includes leasing of machinery, equipment, tools, and vehicles and excludes building leasing)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section D. Lease Financing - Question identifier:D2

For your business' largest request for lease financing in 2017, what was the total value of the asset you requested to lease? (Your largest request in 2017 is the one with the largest monetary value. Please provide your best estimate)

• 1: $___________

Section D. Lease Financing - Question identifier:D3

What was the outcome of this lease financing request? (Select one only.)

• 1: The full amount was authorized
• 2: A partial amount was authorized: $________
• 3: Request was rejected
• 4: Request is still under review
• 5: Request was withdrawn

Section D. Lease Financing - Question identifier:D4

What type of asset did your business intend to acquire through this lease?(Select one only)

• 1: Vehicles
• 2: Computer hardware or software
• 3: Other machinery and equipment
• 4: Other material

Section E Trade Credit Financing - Question identifier:E1

In 2017, did your business purchase a product or service on credit provided by a supplier and pay that supplier at a later date? (Also called trade credit. Trade credit debt is reported as "accounts payable" on your financial statements)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section E Trade Credit Financing - Question identifier:E2

What was the outcome of your business' largest request for trade credit financing in 2017? (Your largest request in 2017 is the one with the largest monetary value. Select one only)

• 1: A trade credit was provided
• 2: Request was rejected
• 3: Request is still under review
• 4: Request was withdrawn

Section E Trade Credit Financing - Question identifier:E3

Please indicate the value of the largest trade credit provided. (Please provide your best estimate)

• 1: $________

Section F Equity Financing - Question identifier:F1

In 2017, did your business seek equity financing? (This could be any request for new or additional financing from an investor, venture capital supplier, angel, members of your co-operative or friend or family member in exchange for a share of the ownership of the business.)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section F Equity Financing - Question identifier:F2

Please indicate the value of equity provided. (Please provide your best estimate)

• 1: $________

Section G. Government Grants, Subsidies or Non-Repayable Contributions - Question identifier:G1

In 2017, did your business request government grants, subsidies or non-repayable contributions? (Exclude tax credits)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section G. Government Grants, Subsidies or Non-Repayable Contributions - Question identifier:G2

What was the outcome of your business' largest request for a government grant, subsidy or non-repayable contribution in 2017? (Your largest request in 2017 is the one with the largest monetary value.)

• 1: A government grant, subsidy or non-repayable contribution was provided
• 2: Request was rejected
• 3: Request is still under review
• 4: Request was withdrawn

Section G. Government Grants, Subsidies or Non-Repayable Contributions - Question identifier:G3

Please indicate the value of the government grant, subsidy or non-repayable contribution provided. (Please provide your best estimate)

• 1: $________

Section H Reasons for Not Requesting Financing - Question identifier:H1

Why did your business not request external financing in 2017? (Select one only)

• 1: Financing not required
• 2: Thought the request would be turned down
• 3: Applying for financing is too difficult or time consuming
• 4: Cost of financing is too high
• 5: Unaware of financing sources (private or government) that are available to the business.
• 6: Other

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I1

Over the last three years, what was the average yearly growth of your business' sales or total revenues? (Please provide your best estimate. The last three years refers to 2015,2016 and 2017.)
(Select one only)

• 1: Less than 0% (negative sales growth)
• 2: 0% (no growth)
• 3: Between 1% and 10% per year
• 4: Between 11% and 20% per year
• 5: 20% or more per year

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I2

In the next three years, what is the expected average yearly growth of your business' sales or total revenues? (Please provide your best estimate. The next three years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.)
(Select one only)

• 1: Less than 0% (scale back)
• 2: 0% (no growth)
• 3: Between 1% and 10% per year
• 4: Between 11% and 20% per year
• 5: 20% or more per year
• 6: Not applicable (business will not exist)
• 7: Business cannot provide this information

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I3

Which of the following are obstacles to the growth of your business? (Mark all that apply. For each item, Not an obstacle=1, A minor obstacle=2, A moderate obstacle=3, A major obstacle=4)

• a: Shortage of labour
• b: Recruiting and retaining skilled employees
• c: Fluctuations in consumer demand
• d: Obtaining financing
• e: Government regulations (please specify)
• f: Rising cost of inputs (An input is an economic resource used in a firm's production process. For example: Labour, capital, energy and raw materials.)
• g: Increasing competition
• h: Corporate tax rate
• i: Maintaining sufficient cash flow or managing debt
• j: Other

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I4

In 2017, what percentage of your total sales was made to customers located:
(Please provide your best estimate)

• a: Within your local municipality or region ____% (Include all sales made within 80 km of your business in your province. Goods or services provided to customers at your place of business should be reported as local sales)
• b: Outside of your local municipality or region but within your province or territory _____%
• c: In the rest of Canada ______ %
• d: Outside of Canada (export sales) ______%

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I5

In 2017, what percentage of your business' total exports was represented by sales of ....

• A: Goods
• B: Services:

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I6

Which of the following were reasons your business did not export outside of Canada in 2017? (Mark all that apply, For each option, Yes =1 and No=3)

• a: The Local nature of your business
• b: Administrative obstacle in Canada (e.g., rules, regulations and legal requirements)
• c: Administrative obstacles outside of Canada (e.g., foreign customer requirements, product standards, technology requirements)
• d: Border obstacles (e.g., tariffs, non-tariff barriers, import quotas, customs duties, border security issues)
• e: Logistical obstacles (e.g., distance to customers, transportation costs, brokerage fees)
• f: Market knowledge issues (e.g., lack of knowledge of local language and culture, unaware of potential export markets)
• g: Intellectual property issues (e.g., concerns of violation of IP rights)
• h: Lack of financing/inadequate cash-flow
• i: Financial risk (e.g., longer payment terms or risk of non-payment from customers)
• j: Other

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I7

In 2017, what percentage of your business' total exports was made to:
(Please provide your best estimate)

• a: The United States ______%
• b: Mexico_%
• c: Brazil ____%
• d: Other Latin America (Includes all Central and South America and the Caribbean but Mexico and Brazil.___%
• e: United Kingdom ____%
• f: Other Europe (excluding United Kingdom)_______%
• g: China__%
• h: India_______%
• i: Japan________%
• j: Other Asia (excluding China,India,Japan __________%
• k: Other________%

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I8

Which of the following were obstacles that your business faced when exporting in 2017?
(Mark all that apply. For each option, Not an obstacle = 1, A minor obstacle=2, A moderate obstacle = 3, A major obstacle=4)

• a: Administrative obstacles in Canada (e.g., rules, regulations and legal requirements)
• b: Administrative obstacles outside of Canada (e.g., foreign customer requirements, product standards, technology requirements)
• c: Border obstacles (e.g., tariffs, non-tariff barriers, import quotas, customs duties, border security issues)
• d: Logistical obstacles (e.g., distance to customers, transportation costs, brokerage fees)
• e: Market knowledge issues (e.g., lack of knowledge of local language and culture, unaware of potential export markets)
• f: Intellectual property issues (e.g., concerns of violation of IP rights)
• g: Lack of financing/inadequate cash-flow
• h: Financial risk (e.g., longer payment terms or risk of non-payment from customers)
• i: Other
  (please specify:_______________ )

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I9

In the next 3 years, does your business intend to expand sales to new markets ...(The next three years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020. A new market could include a new geographic area, product, target market, etc.) (Mark all that apply.)

• a: Within your local municipality or region (Include all sales made within 80 km of your business in your province)
• b: Outside of your local municipality or region but within your province or territory
• c: In the rest of Canada
• d: Outside of Canada (export sales)

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I10

In the next 3 years, does your business intend to expand sales to new markets within...
(PROMPT: The next three years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.)
(PROMPT: A new market could include a new geographic area, product, target market, etc.)
(Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: The United States
• b: Mexico
• c: Brazil
• d: Other Latin America (Includes all Central and South America and the Caribbean but Mexico and Brazil)
• e: United Kingdom
• f: Other Europe (excluding United Kingdom)
• g: China
• h: India
• i: Japan
• j: Other Asia (excluding China, India and Japan)
• k: Other

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I11

In 2017, did your business...
(Mark all that apply. for each option, Yes=1 and No=3)

• a: Import goods from outside Canada to be used in the production of other goods in Canada?
• b: Import goods from outside Canada to be re-sold as is (without significant transformation)?
• c: Import services from outside Canada?
• d: Use a Canadian intermediary, such as a wholesaler, to sell your goods to some markets abroad?
• e: Have a product that is manufactured by a contracted company abroad?
• f: Engage in foreign direct investments? (Full or partial ownership voting stock of a foreign enterprise.)
• g: Relocate any business activities or employees from another country into Canada?
• h: Engage in other international business activities?

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I12

Over the last 3 years, were any of your sales generated from contracts with:(The last three years refers to 2015, 2016 and 2017.)
(Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: Federal government (Exclude contracts with crown corporations (i.e., Export Development Canada, VIA Rail Canada, Canada Post, etc).
• b: Provincial or territorial governments
• c: Municipal governments
• d: Foreign governments

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I13

Over the last 3 years, what percentage of you total sales was generated from contracts with the federal government? (The last three years refers to 2015, 2016 and 2017. Select one only.

• 1: 0%
• 2: Between 1% and 10%
• 3: Between 11% and 50%
• 4: 50% or more

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I14

Which of the following were reasons your business did not sell to the federal government in the last 3 years?
(PROMPT: The last three years refers to 2015, 2016 and 2017.)
(Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: The federal government is not a potential client for your products or services
• b: Application process is too complicated or time consuming (e.g., insufficient understanding of contracting process, volume of paperwork, clarity of solicitation document)
• c: Unaware of contracting opportunities
• d: Applied for a contract but was unsuccessful
• e: Other (please specify): ______________

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I15

Has your business investigated the process for applying for a federal government contract over the last three years? (The last three years refers to 2015, 2016 and 2017.)

- Yes - No

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I16

Which of the following were obstacles that your business faced when selling to the federal government? (Mark all that apply.)

• a: Difficulties in finding contracting opportunities
• b: Complexity of contracting process (e.g., insufficient understanding of contracting process, volume of paperwork, clarity of solicitation document)
• c: High costs associated with the contracting process
• d: Long delays in receiving payment
• e: Difficulty providing all services required in contract (i.e., the scope of the project is very broad, geographic requirements are difficult to meet, etc.)
• f: Difficulty meeting all contract requirements (e.g., minimum number of years in business, previous experience with contracts of similar sizes, security requirements, etc.)
• g: Lack of communication after application submitted
• h: Other (please specify)

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I17

In the last three years has your business developed or introduced any of the following innovations? An innovation must be new to your business, but it does not need to be new to your market.(The last three years refers to 2015, 2016 and 2017.)(Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: A new or significantly improved good or service
  (This may be new or improved with respect to its capabilities, user friendliness, components or sub-systems.)
• b: A new or significantly improved production process or method
  (This may be a new or improved production process, distribution method or support activity for your goods and services. It must be new to your business but it does not need to be new to your market.)
• c: A new organizational method in your business practices, workplace organization or external relations.
  (It must be a result of a strategic decision taken by management. Exclude mergers or acquisitions, even if for the first time.)
• d: A new way of selling your goods or services
  (This requires significant changes in product design or packaging, product placement, product promoting or pricing. Exclude seasonal, regular and other routine changes in marketing methods.)

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I18

Did your business use any of the following technologies over the past three years? (Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: Cloud Computing (Cloud Computing: ICT services that are used over the internet to access software, computing power, storage capacity, etc.)
• b: Data Analytics (Data analytics refers to a set of techniques and software tools that are used to extract insights from data.)
• c: Customer/Supplier Relationship Management Software (CRM) (Customer/Supplier Relationship Management Software (CRM): A software used for managing a company's interactions with customers, clients, sales prospects, partners, employees, and suppliers.)
• d: Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP) (Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP): Consists of one or a set of software applications that integrate information and processes across the several business functions of the enterprise. Typically ERP integrates planning, procurement, sales, marketing, customer relationship, finance and human resources.)
• e: Application Programming Interface (API) (API is a set of routines, protocols and tools for building software applications.)
• f: Other (please specify:________)

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I19

Did your business have an Internet website in 2017?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I20

Which of the following features does your Internet website offer?
(Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3.)

• a: Online payment (complete transaction and payment online)
• b: Marketing or contact information
• c: Online forms for collecting customer information

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I21

How familiar are you with the following types of Intellectual Property:
(Intellectual Property includes 'intangible' assets such as inventions, new technologies, new brands, original software, novel designs and unique processes.)(Mark all that apply. For each option, Not familiar = 1, Slightly familiar=2, Moderately familiar = 3, Very familiar=4)

• a: Registered trade-marks (A trade-mark is any combination of words, designs, numbers, or shapes used to distinguish the goods or services of one organization from those of others. Include registered trade-marks, enterprise and all company names (if trade-marked), enterprise logos and product logos (if trade-marked). Exclude domain names (websites).
• b: Patents (A patent is a set of rights granted to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for a public disclosure of that invention. Include patents originated with previous owners, patents licensed to others, patents purchased directly by your business or obtained through mergers and acquisitions.)
• c: Registered industrial designs (Industrial designs are any combination of the visual features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to a finished article made by hand, tool or machine. Also known as design patents in the U.S.)
• d: Trade secrets (Trade secrets are information that is secret or not generally known in the relevant industry and that gives its owner an advantage over competitors.)
• e: Non-disclosure agreements (A non-disclosure agreement is a legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict access to by third parties.)

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I22

As of December 2017, did your business hold any of the following types of Intellectual Property: (Intellectual Property includes 'intangible' assets such as inventions, new technologies, new brands, original software, novel designs and unique processes.)Mark all that apply.

• a: Registered trade-marks
  (A trade-mark is any combination of words, designs, numbers, or shapes used to distinguish the goods or services of one organization from those of others. Include registered trade-marks, enterprise and all company names (if trade-marked), enterprise logos and product logos (if trade-marked). Exclude domain names (websites).)
• b: Patents
  (A patent is a set of rights granted to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for a public disclosure of that invention. Include patents originated with previous owners, patents licensed to others, patents purchased directly by your business or obtained through mergers and acquisitions.)
• c: Registered industrial designs
  (Industrial designs are any combination of the visual features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to a finished article made by hand, tool or machine. Also known as design patents in the U.S.)
• d: Trade secrets
  (Trade secrets are information that is secret or not generally known in the relevant industry and that gives its owner an advantage over competitors.)
• e: Non-disclosure agreements
  (A non-disclosure agreement is a legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict access to by third parties.)
• f: Any other type of intellectual property protection, please specify:_______

Section I. General Business Information - Question identifier:I23

In the past three years, did your business hire an external consultant to assist in any aspect of the businesses operations? (The last three years refers to 2015, 2016 and 2017.)
(This could include (but is not limited to) one of the following activities: Corporate strategic planning; Financial planning; Business management coaching; Human resources management; Sales and marketing; International growth, exporting; Operational efficiency; Obtaining a certification (ISO, GFSI, HACCP, Health and Safety); Technology selection and adoption)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J1

What is the age of the primary decision maker for your business? (In the case of equal partnership, select one partner and report for that individual.)

• 1: _________years

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J2

What is the highest level of education attained by the primary decision maker for your business? (In the case of equal partnership, select one partner and report for that individual. Select one only)

• 1: Less than high school diploma
• 2: High school diploma
• 3: A college/cegep/trade school diploma
• 4: A bachelor's degree
• 5: A master's degree or above

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J3

How many years of experience does the primary decision maker have in owning or managing a business? (Include experience managing any business, not just this one. In the case of equal partnership, select one partner and report for that individual.)

• 1: _________years

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J4

Was the primary decision maker born...

• 1: In Canada?
• 2: Outside of Canada? (please specify)

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J5

How many years has the primary decision maker resided in Canada?

• 1: _________years

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J6

What is the language that the primary decision maker first learned at home and still understands today? (Select one only)

• 1: English
• 2: French
• 3: Other

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J7

What percentage of your business is owned by women?

• 1: _______%

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J8

What percentage of your business is owned by...

• a: Aboriginal persons: _______% (Aboriginal persons refer to those persons who identify with at least one Aboriginal group, (i.e., North American Indian, Métis or Inuit). "North American Indians" are those who are a Treaty Indian or a Registered Indian as defined by the Indian Act of Canada and/or who are members of an Indian Band or First Nation.)
• b: Persons who are from a visible minority group (other than Aboriginal): _______% (Visible minority groups include someone, other than an Aboriginal person, who is non-white in colour/race, regardless of place of birth. For example, Black, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian/East Indian, Southern Asian, non-white West Asian, North African or Arab, non-white Latin American, persons of mixed origin (with one parent in one of the visible minority groups in this list), or other visible minority group).
• c: A person with a disability: _______%
  (Disability refers to the limitation in the kind or amount of a person's activity because of a long-term physical condition, mental condition or health problem.)
• d: Members of the same family: _______%

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J9

In the next five years, do you intend to sell, transfer, or close your business?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section J Owner Information - Question identifier:J10

Do you intend to: (Select one only)

• 1: Transfer to family member(s) without money changing hands?
• 2: Sell to family member(s)?
• 3: Sell to employee(s)?
• 4: Sell to external party(s)?
• 5: Close the business?
• 6: Other: (please specify:___________)

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K1

Is your business... (Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: a stand-alone, independent non-profit or charity organization
• b: owned by a parent non-profit, charity or public/private corporation

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K2

Does your business evaluate its social, environmental or cultural impact in the community and report findings to your staff, investors or clients? (This could include having a framework, tool or mechanism to measure your organization's impact for internal or external purposes.)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K3

Please indicate the value of all financial donations and/or gifts that your organization received in 2017.
( Donations can include, for example, cash gifts such as cheques, money orders, bank drafts, cash, and near cash equivalents (such as gift certificates and gift cards). Donations made by debit card and by credit card are also considered cash gifts.)
(If your business did not receive any donations and/or gifts in 2017, please enter "0")

• : $__________

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K4

In 2017, what percent of your business's revenues came from the sales of goods and services?

• 1: _________ %

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K5

In 2017, did your organization reinvest profits to further a specific social, environmental or cultural objective to impact or improve communities?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Didn't have a profit

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K6

In 2017, what percent of your business's profits, were reinvested to further that social, environmental or cultural objective to impact or improve communities?

• 1: _________ %

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K7

If this business had a profit in 2017, would it have reinvested all or part of that profit to further a specific social, environmental or cultural objective to impact or improve communities?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K8

Which of the following does your business consult when making major business decisions? (There could be a corporate structure, by-laws, or articles of incorporation that facilitates a democratic decision-making process in the business. This would not include shareholders voting in proportion to their share ownership.)
(Mark all that apply. For each option, Yes = 1 and No = 3)

• a: users (a user could include individuals paying a fee to use the services provided by your organization with no ownership or voting capacity).
• b: members (a member could include members with ownership or voting rights within the organization (e.g., common in co-operative corporations).
• c: employees
• d: community members
• e: other (please specify:___________)

Section K. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES - Question identifier:K9

Does your business measure its social, environmental or cultural impact in the community and report findings to your staff, investors or clients? (This could include having a framework, tool or mechanism to measure your organization's impact for internal or external purposes.)

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section L. Data Sharing Agreement - Question identifier:Section L.

To avoid duplication of surveys, Statistics Canada has signed an agreement with the Institut de la statistique du Québec, to share the information that you provided on this survey. It has agreed to keep your information confidential and use it only for statistical purposes. Do you agree to share your information with the Institut de la statistique du Québec?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Section M. Conclusion Text - Question identifier:Section L.1

According to your answers, your business does not have to answer further questions for this survey.

Section M. Conclusion Text - Question identifier:L.2

Thank you for taking your time to participate in this survey.

Please note any comments you have regarding this questionnaire.

• 1: Respondent comments