Survey on Financing and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises, 2020

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Business profile

Business profile - Question identifier:1.

Do any of the following describe this business?
Select all that apply.
Is it:

: A corporation
A legally established entity. It can enter into contracts and own property in its own name, separately and distinctly from its owners.
: A partnership
An association or relationship between two or more individuals, corporations, trusts, or partnerships that join together to carry on a trade or business.
: A sole proprietorship
An unincorporated business that is owned by one individual.
: A franchise
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.
: A joint venture
Exists when two or more companies agree to contribute goods, services and/or capital to a common commercial enterprise.
: A government agency, or owned or controlled by a government agency
An administrative unit of government which is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions.
: A non-profit organization
An organization that does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its goals.
e.g. charitable organizations, trade unions, trade associations and public arts organizations.
OR
: Other type of business
OR
: Don't know

Business profile - Question identifier:2.

Do any of the following describe this organization?
Select all that apply.

Is it:

: A franchise
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.
: A joint venture
Exists when two or more companies agree to contribute goods, services and/or capital to a common commercial enterprise.
: A government agency, or owned or controlled by a government agency
An administrative unit of government which is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions.
: 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.
OR
: None of the above
OR
: Don't know

Business profile - Question identifier:3.

Which of the following statements describe this organization?

a.: This organization has a clear social, environmental or cultural mission
This mission should be stated in the organization's articles of incorporation or by-laws.
Yes
No
b.: This organization focuses its business activities on carrying out a social, environmental or cultural mission
Yes
No
c.: This organization reinvests its surpluses, if there are any, to further a social, environmental or cultural mission
Yes
No

Business profile - Question identifier:4.

In 2020, how many employees did this Business/Organization have?
Include all employees who received a T4 in 2020.
Exclude business owners, contract workers and other personnel who were not issued a T4.
Number of employees

Business profile - Question identifier:5.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization temporarily close due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Business profile - Question identifier:6.

How long was this Business/Organization temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Number of weeks

General financing

The following questions ask about the financing of this business or organization.

General financing - Question identifier:7.

How did the current owners obtain this Business/Organization?
Did they:

: Start this business or organization from scratch
: Buy this business or organization from third party
: Inherit or buy this business or organization from family members
: Dont' know

General financing - Question identifier:8.

In what year was this Business/Organization first established?
Year
OR
Dont'know

General financing - Question identifier:9.

In what year did this Business/Organization first start selling goods or services?
Year
OR
Don't know

General financing - Question identifier:10.

Which of the following sources of financing were used to start this Business/Organization?
Select all that apply.

: Credit from financial institutions
Credit includes term business loans, non-residential mortgages, business lines of credit and credit cards.
e.g., chartered banks, caisses populaires, credit unions, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Farm Credit Canada
: Personal financing used towards this business
e.g., personal loans, lines of credit or credit cards from financial institutions, and personal savings of business owner.
: Financing from friends or relatives of business owners
: Retained earnings (from previous or other business)
Refers to the portion of net income not paid out to owners as dividends but retained by the business.
: Trade credit from suppliers
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.
: Lease financing
Include leasing of machinery, equipment, tools and vehicles.
Exclude leasing of buildings.
: Government loans, grants, subsidies and non-repayable contributions
Exclude loan guarantees.
: 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.
Exclude friends or family.
: Other
Specify the other source of financing used to start this business or organization
OR
Don't know

General financing - Question identifier:11.

Which of the following sources of financing were used to purchase this Business/Organization?
Select all that apply.

: Credit from financial institutions
Credit includes term business loans, non-residential mortgages, business lines of credit and credit cards.
e.g., chartered banks, caisses populaires, credit unions, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Farm Credit Canada
: Personal financing used towards this business
e.g., personal loans, lines of credit or credit cards from financial institutions, and personal savings of business owner.
: Financing from friends or relatives of business owners
: Retained earnings (from previous or other business)
Refers to the portion of net income not paid out to owners as dividends but retained by the business.
: Trade credit from suppliers
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.
: Lease financing
Include leasing of machinery, equipment, tools and vehicles.
Exclude leasing of buildings.
: Government loans, grants, subsidies and non-repayable contributions
Exclude loan guarantees.
: 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.
Exclude friends or family.
: Other
Specify the other source of financing used to start this business or organization
OR
Don't know

Government grants, subsidies, government guaranteed loans or non-repayable contributions

Government grants, subsidies, government guaranteed loans or non-repayable contributions - Question identifier:12.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization request new government grants, subsidies, government guaranteed loans or non-repayable contributions?
Include: Any government support programs related to COVID-19. This includes the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA), etc.
Exclude tax credits.

: Yes
What government programs did this Business/Organization apply for?
Select all that apply.
: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
e.g., loan of up to $40,000 for eligible small business and non-profits
: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - 75% Wage Subsidy or Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy
: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
: Export Development Canada (EDC) Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
: Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium Enterprises
: Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
: Regional development agencies
i.e., Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), Western Economic Diversification Canada, Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, or the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
: Other government COVID-19 programs
: Other programs (non COVID-19 related programs)
: OR
Don't Know
: No
: Don't know

Government grants, subsidies, government guaranteed loans or non-repayable contributions - Question identifier:13.

What was the outcome of this Business/Organization's largest request for a government grant, subsidy, government guaranteed loan or non-repayable contribution in 2020?
Your largest request in 2020 is the one with the largest monetary value.

: For the largest request, what was the dollar amount?
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: Request was rejected
: Request is still under review
: Request was withdrawn
: Don't know

Mortgages

The following questions ask for details concerning your requests for financing in 2020.

Mortgages - Question identifier:14.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization request a non-residential mortgage or refinancing of an existing non-residential mortgage?
Include commercial mortgages.
Exclude residential mortgages.

: Yes
For the largest request, what was the dollar amount?
Your largest request in 2020 is the one with the largest monetary value.
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: No
: Don't know

Mortgages - Question identifier:15.

What was the outcome of this mortgage request?

: The full amount was authorized
: A partial amount was authorized
Specify the amount authorized
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: Request was rejected
: Request is still under review
: Request was withdrawn
: Don't know

Mortgages - Question identifier:16.

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down the request?
Select all that apply.
Was it:

: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
: Insufficient collateral
: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
: Project was considered too risky
: Business operates in an unstable industry
: Other
OR
: No reason given by credit provider
OR
Don't know

Mortgages - Question identifier:17.

What was the annual interest rate on this mortgage?

: Fixed interest rate (%)
Note: If the rate is fixed, please report the total fixed interest rate
%
OR
Variable interest rate (%)
Note: If the rate is variable, please report the variable rate excluding Prime.
e.g. If your variable interest rate is Prime + 0.45%, please only report 0.45%.
%
OR
Don't know

Mortgages - Question identifier:18.

What was the length of term of this mortgage?
Please report the length in months.
Months
OR
Don't know

Business lines of credit

Business lines of credit - Question identifier:19.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization request a business line of credit or increase in the credit limit of the current line of credit?

: Yes
For the largest request, what was the dollar amount?
Your largest request in 2020 is the one with the largest monetary value.
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: No
: Don't know

Business lines of credit - Question identifier:20.

What was the outcome of this line of credit request?

: The full amount was authorized
: A partial amount was authorized
Specify the amount authorized
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: Request was rejected
: Request is still under review
: Request was withdrawn
: Don't know

Business lines of credit - Question identifier:21.

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down this request?
Select all that apply.

Was it:

: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
: Insufficient collateral
: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
: Project was considered too risky
: Business operates in an unstable industry
: Other
OR
: No reason given by credit provider
OR
Don't know

Business lines of credit - Question identifier:22.

What was the annual interest rate on this line of credit request?

: Fixed interest rate (%)
Note: If the rate is fixed, please report the total fixed interest rate
%
OR
Variable interest rate (%)
Note: If the rate is variable, please report the variable rate excluding Prime.
e.g. If your variable interest rate is Prime + 0.45%, please only report 0.45%.
%
OR
Don't know

Term loans

Term loans - Question identifier:23.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization 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.
Exclude any term loan that was obtained from the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

: Yes
For the largest request, what was the dollar amount?
Your largest request in 2020 is the one with the largest monetary value.
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: No
: Don't know

Term loans - Question identifier:24.

What was the outcome of this term loan request?

: The full amount was authorized
: A partial amount was authorized
Specify the amount authorized
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: Request was rejected
: Request is still under review
: Request was withdrawn
: Don't know

Term loans - Question identifier:25.

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down the request?
Select all that apply.

Was it:

: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
: Insufficient collateral
: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
: Project was considered too risky
: Business operates in an unstable industry
: Other
OR
: No reason given by credit provider
OR
Don't know

Term loans - Question identifier:26.

What was the annual interest rate on this term loan?

: Fixed interest rate (%)
Note: If the rate is fixed, please report the total fixed interest rate
%
OR
Variable interest rate (%)
Note: If the rate is variable, please report the variable rate excluding Prime.
e.g. If your variable interest rate is Prime + 0.45%, please only report 0.45%.
%
OR
Don't know

Term loans - Question identifier:27.

What was the length of term of this term loan?
Please report the length in months.
Months
OR
Don't know

Business credit cards

Business credit cards - Question identifier:28.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization request a new business credit card or increase in the credit limit of the current credit card?
Include: Supplier credit cards, such as Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

: Yes
For the largest request, what was the credit limit?
Your largest request in 2020 is the one with the largest monetary value.
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: No
: Don't know

Business credit cards - Question identifier:29.

What was the outcome of this business or organization credit card request?

: The full amount was authorized
: A partial amount was authorized
Specify the amount authorized
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: Request was rejected
: Request is still under review
: Request was withdrawn
: Don't know

Business credit cards - Question identifier:30.

What reasons were given by the credit provider for turning down this request?
Select all that apply.

Was it:

: Insufficient sales or cash-flow
: Insufficient collateral
: Poor or lack of credit experience or history
: Project was considered too risky
: Business operates in an unstable industry
: Other
OR
: No reason given by credit provider
OR
Don't know

Business credit cards - Question identifier:31.

What was the annual interest rate on this new business credit card or on the increase in the credit card limit?
Interest rate (%)
OR
Don't know

General debt financing

General debt financing - Question identifier:32.

When you requested a Mortgage/Term Loan/Line of Credit/Credit Card, what were the intended uses of this financing in 2020?
Consider all debt financing that was requested: Mortgage/Term Loan/Line of Credit/Credit Card.
Select all that apply.

: Land and buildings
: Vehicles or rolling stock
: Computer hardware
: Computer software
: Other machinery or equipment
: Working capital and operating capital for inventory, paying suppliers, salaries, or other obligations
: Research and development
: Debt consolidation or payments
: Purchase a business
: Reducing carbon footprint
: To enter a new market
: Digital and tech investments
e.g., artificial intelligence, e-commerce, digital marketing, cyber security, or cloud computing.
: Other
Specify the other intended use of the financing
OR
Don't know

General debt financing - Question identifier:33.

In 2020, what collateral did this Business/Organization provide to obtain new debt financing?
Consider all debt financing that was requested: Mortgage/Term Loan/Line of Credit/Credit Card.
Select all that apply.

: Business tangible assets
e.g, land, buildings, material and equipment, inventories, accounts receivable, financial assets, intellectual property.
: Personal assets
: Other
OR
No collateral required
OR
Don't know

General debt financing - Question identifier:34.

In 2020, who provided the debt financing that was requested?
Consider all debt financing that was requested: Mortgage/Term Loan/Line of Credit/Credit Card.
Select all that apply.

: Chartered bank, including Alberta Treasury Branches
e.g., Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Montreal (BMO), National Bank of Canada, Canadian Western Bank.
Specify chartered bank
: Credit union / Caisse populaire
: Government institution
e.g., Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Farm Credit Canada
Specify government institution
: Online alternative lenders
e.g., Evolicity, Merchant Advance Capital, OnDeck, crowdfunding (Indiegogo, Kickstarter) or peer-to-peer lenders (Grow, Borrowell)
Specify online alternative lender
: Other
e.g., Aboriginal financial institutions, Portfolio Managers and Financial Companies
Specify other provider
OR
Don't know

Lease financing

Lease financing - Question identifier:35.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization request a new contract to lease any material or equipment?
Include leasing of machinery, equipment, tools and vehicles.
Exclude leasing of buildings.

: Yes
For the largest request, what was the total value of the asset?
Your largest request in 2020 is the one with the largest monetary value.
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: No
: Don't know

Lease financing - Question identifier:36.

What was the outcome of this lease financing request?

: The full amount was authorized
: A partial amount was authorized
Specify the amount authorized
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: Request was rejected
: Request is still under review
: Request was withdrawn
: Don't know

Lease financing - Question identifier:37.

What type of asset did this business or organization intend to acquire through this lease?

: Vehicles
: Computer hardware or software
: Other machinery and equipment
: Other material
: Don't know

Trade credit financing

Trade credit financing - Question identifier:38.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization 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. A trade credit involves purchasing goods or services from suppliers on account and paying the supplier at a later date (for example, 30 days).

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Trade credit financing - Question identifier:39.

What was the outcome of this Business/Organization's largest request for trade credit financing in 2020?
Your largest request in 2020 is the one with the largest monetary value.

: A trade credit was provided
: Request was rejected
: Request is still under review
: Request was withdrawn
: Don't know

Trade credit financing - Question identifier:40.

Indicate the value of the largest trade credit provided.
Provide your best estimate.

: Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know

Equity financing

Equity financing - Question identifier:41.

In 2020, did this Business/Organization 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.

: Yes
What was the total dollar amount provided?
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know
: No
: Don't know

Reasons for not requesting financing

Reasons for not requesting financing - Question identifier:42.

Why did this Business/Organization not request external financing in 2020?

: Financing not required
: Thought the request would be turned down
: Applying for financing is too difficult or time consuming
: Cost of financing is too high
: Unaware of financing sources (private or government) that are available to this business
: Other
: Don't know

General business information

These next questions ask about the operations and activities this business or organization is engaged in.

General business information - Question identifier:43.

Over the last 3 years, what was the average yearly growth of this Business/Organization sales?
Please provide your best estimate.
Round yearly growth to the nearest whole number.
The last 3 years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.

: Less than 0%
i.e., negative sales growth
: 0%
i.e., no growth
: Between 1% and 5% per year
: Between 6% and 10% per year
: Between 11% and 15% per year
: Between 16% and 19% per year
: 20% or more per year
: Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:44.

In the next 3 years, what is the expected average yearly growth of this Business/Organization sales?
Please provide your best estimate.
Round yearly growth to the nearest whole number.
The next 3 years refer to 2021, 2022 and 2023.

: Less than 0%
i.e., negative sales growth
: 0%
i.e., no growth
: Between 1% and 5% per year
: Between 6% and 10% per year
: Between 11% and 15% per year
: Between 16% and 19% per year
: 20% or more per year
: Not applicable
i.e., business will not exist
: Business or organization cannot provide this information
: Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:45.

To what extent are each of the following obstacles to the growth of this Business/Organization?

a.: Shortage of labour
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
b.: Recruiting and retaining skilled employees
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
c.: Fluctuations in consumer demand
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
d.: Obtaining financing
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
e.: Government regulations
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
f.: Rising cost of inputs
An input is an economic resource used in a firm's production process.
e.g., labour, capital, energy and raw materials
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
g.: Increasing competition
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
h.: Corporate tax rate
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
i.: Maintaining sufficient cash flow or managing debt
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
j.: Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from within Canada
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
k.: Difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from abroad
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
l.: Logistics management
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
m.: Transportation costs
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
n.: Other
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:46.

You indicated that government regulations are minor/moderate/major to the growth of this Business/Organization. Please specify the government regulation.

Specify the government regulations

General business information - Question identifier:47.

In 2020, what percentage of this Business/Organization's total sales was made to customers in the following locations?
Please provide your best estimate.

a.: Within your local municipality or region
Include all sales made within 80 km of this business or organization.
Goods or services provided to customers at this place of business should be reported as local sales.
Percentage
%
b.: Outside of your local municipality or region but within your province or territory
Percentage
%
c.: In the rest of Canada
Percentage
%
d.: Outside of Canada
i.e., export sales
Percentage
%
: Total Percentage

General business information - Question identifier:48.

In 2020, what was the percentage breakdown of this Business/Organization's total exports?
Please provide your best estimate.

a.: Goods
Percentage
%
b.: Services
Percentage
%
: Total Percentage

General business information - Question identifier:49.

Which of the following were reasons why this Business/Organization did not export outside of Canada in 2020?
Select all that apply.
Was it:

: The local nature of this business or organization
: Administrative obstacles in Canada
e.g., rules, regulations and legal requirements
: Administrative obstacles outside of Canada
e.g., foreign customer requirements, product standards, technology requirements
: Border obstacles
e.g., tariffs, non-tariff barriers, import quotas, customs duties, border security issues
: Logistical obstacles
e.g., distance to customers, transportation costs, brokerage fees
: Market knowledge issues
e.g., lack of knowledge of local language and culture, unaware of potential export markets
: Intellectual property issues
e.g., concerns of violation of IP rights
: Lack of financing or inadequate cash-flow
: Financial risk
e.g., longer payment terms or risk of non-payment from customers
: Technical barriers to trade
Requirements resulting from documents (e.g., regulations, decrees, acts or codes) that require conformity with certain standards or prescribed requirements, including relevant testing, labeling or certification requirements.
: Other
Specify other reasons
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:50.

In 2020, what percentage of this Business/Organization's total exports was made to the following areas?
Please provide your best estimate.

a.: United States
Percentage
%
b.: Mexico
Percentage
%
c.: Brazil
Percentage
%
d.: Other Latin America
Include all Central and South America and the Caribbean
Exclude Mexico and Brazil.
Percentage
%
e.: United Kingdom
Percentage
%
f.: Other Europe
Exclude United Kingdom.
Percentage
%
g.: China
Percentage
%
h.: India
Percentage
%
i.: Japan
Percentage
%
j.: Other Asia
Exclude China, India and Japan.
Percentage
%
k.: Other
Percentage
%
: Total Percentage
%

General business information - Question identifier:51.

Which of the following were obstacles that this Business/Organization faced when exporting in 2020?

a.: Administrative obstacles in Canada
e.g., rules, regulations and legal requirements
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
b.: Administrative obstacles outside of Canada
e.g., foreign customer requirements, product standards, technology requirements
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
c.: Border obstacles
e.g., tariffs, non-tariff barriers, import quotas, customs duties, border security issues
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
d.: Logistical obstacles
e.g., distance to customers, transportation costs, brokerage fees
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
e.: Market knowledge issues
e.g., lack of knowledge of local language and culture, unaware of potential export markets
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
f.: Intellectual property issues
e.g., concerns of violation of IP rights
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
g.: Lack of financing or inadequate cash-flow
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
h.: Financial risk
e.g., longer payment terms or risk of non-payment from customers
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
i: Technical barriers to trade
Requirements resulting from documents (e.g., regulations, decrees, acts or codes) that require conformity with certain standards or prescribed requirements, including relevant testing, labeling or certification requirements.
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know
j.: Other
Not an obstacle
A minor obstacle
A moderate obstacle
A major obstacle
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:52.

You indicated that there were other minor/moderate/major obstacles that this Business/Organization faced when exporting in 2020.
Specify these obstacles

General business information - Question identifier:53.

In the next 3 years, to which of the following new markets does this Business/Organization intend to expand sales?
A new market could include a new geographic area, product, or target market.
The next 3 years refers to 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Select all that apply.
New markets:

: Within your local municipality or region
Include all sales made within 80 km of this business or organization.
: Outside of your local municipality or region but within your province or territory
: In the rest of Canada
: Outside of Canada
i.e., export sales
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:54.

: United States
: Mexico
: Brazil
: Other Latin America
Include all Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Exclude Mexico and Brazil.
: United Kingdom
: Other Europe
Exclude United Kingdom.
: China
: India
: Japan
: Other Asia
Exclude China, India and Japan.
: Other
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:55.

In 2020 did this Business/Organization perform any of the following business activities?
Select all that apply.

: Import goods from outside Canada to be used in the production of other goods in Canada
: Import goods from outside Canada to be re-sold as is
Without significant transformation.
: Import services from outside Canada
: Use a Canadian intermediary, such as a wholesaler, to sell your goods to some markets abroad
: Have a product that is manufactured by a contracted company abroad
: Engage in foreign direct investments
Full or partial ownership voting stock of a foreign enterprise.
: Relocate any business activities or employees from another country into Canada
: Engage in other international business activities
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:56.

Over the last 3 years, were any of this Business/Organization's sales generated from contracts with the following?
The last 3 years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Select all that apply.

: Federal government
Exclude contracts with crown corporations.
e.g., Export Development Canada, VIA Rail Canada, Canada Post
: Provincial or territorial governments
: Municipal governments
: Foreign governments
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:57.

Over the last 3 years, what percentage of this Business/Organization's total sales was generated from contracts with the federal government?
The last years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Round percentage to the nearest whole number.

: 0%
: Between 1% and 10%
: Between 11% and 49%
: 50% or more
: Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:58.

Over the last 3 years, what percentage of this Business/Organization's total sales was generated from contracts with provincial or territorial governments?
The last 3 years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Round percentage to the nearest whole number.

: 0%
: Between 1% and 10%
: Between 11% and 49%
: 50% or more
: Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:59.

Over the last 3 years, what percentage of this Business/Organization's total sales was generated from contracts with municipal governments?
The last 3 years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Round perventage to the nearest whole number.

: 0%
: Between 1% and 10%
: Between 11% and 49%
: 50% or more
: Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:60.

Over the last 3 years, which of the following were reasons that this Business/Organization did not sell to the federal government?
The last 3 years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Select all that apply.
Was it:

: The federal government is not a potential client for your products or services
: Application process is too complicated or time consuming
e.g., insufficient understanding of contracting process, volume of paperwork, clarity of solicitation document
: Unaware of contracting opportunities
: Applied for a contract but was unsuccessful
: Other
Specify the other reason
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:61.

Over the last 3 years, has this Business/Organization investigated the process for applying for a federal government contract?
The last 3 years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:62.

Which of the following were obstacles that this Business/Organization faced when selling to the federal government?
Select all that apply.

: Difficulties in finding contracting opportunities
: Complexity of contracting process
e.g., insufficient understanding of contracting process, volume of paperwork, clarity of solicitation document
: High costs associated with the contracting process
: Long delays in receiving payment
: Difficulty providing all services required in contract
e.g., the scope of the project is very broad, geographic requirements are difficult to meet
: Difficulty meeting all contract requirements
e.g., minimum number of years in business, previous experience with contracts of similar sizes, security requirements
: Lack of communication after application submitted
: Other
Specify the other obstacles
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:63.

In the last 3 years, which of the following innovations has this Business/Organization developed or introduced?
An innovation must be new to this Business/Organization, but it does not need to be new to your market.
The last 3 years to 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Select all that apply.

: 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.
: 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.
e.g., new to this business or organization but it does not need to be new to your market.
: A new organizational method in business practices, workplace organization or external relations
e.g., a result of a strategic decision taken by management.
Exclude mergers or acquisitions, even if for the first time.
: A new way of selling goods or services
e.g., significant changes in product design or packaging, product placement, product promoting or pricing.
Exclude seasonal, regular and other routine changes in marketing methods.
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:64.

Over the last 3 years, which of the following technologies did this Business/Organization use?
Select all that apply.

: Business intelligence technologies
Business intelligence (BI) technologies leverage software and services to transform data into actionable insights that inform an organization's strategic and tactical business decisions. BI tools access and analyze data sets and present analytical findings in reports, summaries, dashboards, graphs, charts and maps to provide users with detailed intelligence about the state of the business.
: Design or information control technologies
Design technologies refer to technologies that communicate product design intent and constructability. Design technologies can be applied to the problems encountered in construction, operation and maintenance of a product. Information control technologies are technologies that ensure that business objectives are met, especially as they relate to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and overall management of IT functions in a business.
: Security or advanced authentication systems
An advanced authentication system is configured to protect organizations and business units from security threats such as hacking, identity theft and online frauds.
: Material handling, supply chain or logistics technologies
Material handling, supply chain and logistics technologies plan and implement flow and storage of goods, services, and related information between, and within, point of origin and point of consumption to meet customer's requirements.
: Processing or fabrication technologies
Processing or fabrication technologies refer to technologies that create an item from raw or semi-finished materials instead of being assembled from ready-made components or parts.
: Integrated Internet of Things (IoT) systems
IoT Systems refer to systems where devices and objects have communication connectivity.
Include systems where devices and objects have communication connectivity.
: Clean technologies
Refers to any goods or services that reduce environmental impacts through environmental protection activities or through the substantial use of natural resources.
: Other
Specify the other technology
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:65.

Over the last 3 years, why did this Business/Organization not adopt or use advanced technologies?
Select all that apply.
Was it because:

: Adoption or use of advanced technologies not applicable to the business or organization's activities
: Investment not necessary for continuing operations
: Not convinced of economic benefit
: High cost of advanced technologies
: Difficulty in integrating new advanced technologies with existing systems, standards and processes
: Lack of technical skills required to support this type of investment
: Difficulty in obtaining financing
: Adoption of advanced technologies was carried out more than 3 years ago
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:66.

Did this Business/Organization have an online presence in 2020?
e.g., Business/Organization's own website, social media accounts, listings on review websites

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:67.

Which of the following sites or services did this Business/Organization use in 2020?
Select all that apply.

: Digital marketing services
: Social media accounts
e.g., Facebook page, Instagram account, Yelp
: Google reviews
: Website
: E-commerce platform
e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce
: E-commerce payment system for it's customers
e.g., Paypal
: Other
Specify the other service
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:68.

How familiar is this Business/Organization with the following types of intellectual property?

a.: Registered trade-marks
Not familiar
Slightly familiar
Moderately familiar
Very familiar
Don't know
b.: Patents
Not familiar
Slightly familiar
Moderately familiar
Very familiar
Don't know
c.: Registered industrial designs
Not familiar
Slightly familiar
Moderately familiar
Very familiar
Don't know
d.: Trade secrets
Not familiar
Slightly familiar
Moderately familiar
Very familiar
Don't know
e.: Non-disclosure agreements
Not familiar
Slightly familiar
Moderately familiar
Very familiar
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:69.

As of December 2020, did this Business/Organization hold any of the following types of intellectual property?
Select all that apply.

: Registered trade-marks
: Patents
: Registered industrial designs
: Trade secrets
: Non-disclosure agreements
: Other
Specify the other type of intellectual property
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

General business information - Question identifier:70.

In the past 3 years, did this Business/Organization hire an external consultant to assist in any aspect of the businesses operations?

For example:
• corporate strategic planning
• accountant
• financial planning
• business management coaching
• human resources management
• sales and marketing
• international growth, exporting
• operational efficiency
• obtaining a certification e.g., ISO, GFSI, HACCP, Health and Safety
• technology selection and adoption.
The last 3 years refers to 2018, 2019 and 2020.

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Owner information

This next section will gather information about the person primarily responsible for making decisions about this business or organization.
e.g., majority owner, chairperson of the board of directors, president or general manager.

Owner information - Question identifier:71.

What title best describes the role of the primary decision maker of this Business/Organization?
For non-profit or charity organizations, the primary decision maker should be the person responsible for making the day-to-day decisions for the organization.

: Majority owner
: Chairperson of the board of directors
: President
: General Manager
: Other
Specify the title of the primary decision maker
: Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:72.

What is the age of the primary decision maker for this Business/Organization?
In the case of equal partnership, select one partner and report for that individual.

Age in years
OR
Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:73.

What is the highest level of education attained by the primary decision maker for this Business/Organization?
In the case of equal partnership, select one partner and report for that individual.

: Less than high school diploma
: High school diploma
: College, CEGEP, trade school diploma
: Bachelor's degree
: Master's degree or above
: Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:74.

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.

Years of experience
OR
Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:75.

Where was the primary decision maker born?

: In Canada
: Outside of Canada
Specify the country of birth
: Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:76.

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

Years in Canada
OR
Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:77.

What is the language that the primary decision maker first learned at home and still understands today?

: English
: French
: Other
: Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:78.

What percentage of this Business/Organization is owned by the following?
Please provide your best estimate.
Note: Each response (a to e) is unique. All responses (a to e) do not need to total 100%.

a.: Women
Percentage
%
Other
Don't know
Prefer not to say
b.: Indigenous persons
Percentage
%
Other
Don't know
Prefer not to say
c.: Persons who are from a visible minority group
Exclude Indigenous persons.
Percentage
%
Other
Don't know
Prefer not to say
d.: Persons with a disability
Percentage
%
Other
Don't know
Prefer not to say
e.: Members of the same family
Percentage
%
Other
Don't know
Prefer not to say

Owner information - Question identifier:79.

Please select the categories that describe the owner or owners?
Select all that apply.

: South Asian
e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan
: Chinese
: Black
: Filipino
: Latin American
: Arab
: Southeast Asian
e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai
: West Asian
e.g., Afghan, Iranian
: Korean
: Japanese
: Other group
OR
Prefer not to say
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:80.

In the next 5 years, does the owner intend to sell, transfer, or close this Business/Organization?

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Owner information - Question identifier:81.

Which of the following does this Business/Organization intend to perform over the next 5 years?

: Transfer the business or organization to family members without money changing hands
: Sell the business or organization to family members
: Sell the business or organization to employees
: Sell the business or organization to external parties
: Close the business or organization
: Other
Specify the other intent
: None of the above

Social enterprises

Social enterprises - Question identifier:82.

Which of the following describes this organization?
Select all that apply.

: A stand-alone, independent non-profit or charity organization
: Owned by a parent non-profit, charity or public/private corporation
: Other
Specify the other type of organization
OR
Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:83.

Does this organization evaluate its social, environmental or cultural impact in the community and report findings to staff, investors or clients?
e.g., a framework, tool or mechanism that measures this organization's impact for internal or external purposes

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:84.

Please indicate the value of all financial donations and gifts that this organization received in 2020.
Financial donations can include cash gifts such as cheques, money orders, bank drafts, cash, and near cash equivalents.
e.g., gift certificates and gift cards.
Donations made by debit card and by credit card are also considered cash gifts.
If this organization did not receive any donations and gifts in 2020, please enter "0".

: Value of financial donations and gifts
Rounded to the nearest CAN$
OR
Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:85.

In 2020, what percent of this organization's revenues came from the sales of goods and services?
Percentage of revenue from goods and services
%
OR
Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:86.

Has this organization ever received financing from a social finance lender or fund intended to make a social, environmental or cultural impact and generate a financial return?

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:87.

How challenging are the following for this organization?

a.: Competition with businesses that do not have a social, environmental or cultural mission
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
b.: Generating revenue from sales
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
c.: Measuring and communicating social values to stakeholders
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
d.: Lack of business management skills/experience among staff and volunteers or lack of access to external business management expertise
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
e.: Promoting this organization and its products
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
f.: Strengthening or clarifying this organization's mission and impact
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
g.: Increasing this organization's social, environmental or cultural impact
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:88.

In 2020, did this business reinvest profits to further a specific social, environmental or cultural objective to impact or improve communities?

: Yes
: No
: Didn't have a profit
: Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:89.

In 2020, what percentage of this business's profits were reinvested to further this social, environmental or cultural objective to impact or improve communities?
Percentage of profits reinvested
%
OR
Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:90.

If this business had a profit in 2020, would it have reinvested all or part of that profit to further a specific social, environmental or cultural objective to impact or improve communities?

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:91.

With which of the following does this business consult when making major business decisions?
e.g., a corporate structure, by-laws, or articles of incorporation that facilitate a democratic decision-making process in the business.
Exclude shareholders voting in proportion to their share ownership.
Select all that apply.

: Users
e.g., individuals paying a fee to use the services provided by this business or organization with no ownership or voting capacity
: Members
e.g., members with ownership or voting rights within the business (common in co-operative corporations)
: Employees
: Community members
: Other
Specify the others consulted
OR
None of the above
OR
Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:92.

Does this business measure its social, environmental or cultural impact in the community and report findings to staff, investors or clients?
e.g., a framework, tool or mechanism that measures this business's impact for internal or external purposes.

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:93.

Has this business ever received financing from a social finance lender or fund intended to make a social, environmental or cultural impact and generate a financial return?

: Yes
: No
: Don't know

Social enterprises - Question identifier:94.

How challenging are the following for this business?

a.: Competition with businesses that do not have a social, environmental or cultural mission
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
b.: Generating revenue from sales
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
c.: Measuring and communicating social values to stakeholders
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
d.: Lack of business management skills/experience among staff and volunteers or lack of access to external business management expertise
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
e.: Promoting this organization and its products
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
f.: Strengthening or clarifying this organization's mission and impact
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know
g.: Increasing this organization's social, environmental or cultural impact
Not a challenge
A minor challenge
A moderate challenge
A major challenge
Don't know

Data sharing agreement

Data sharing agreement - Question identifier:95.

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?

: Yes
: No

Date modified:: 2024-02-22

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