In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Laura Harvey, the Chief Visionary Officer of Ontario Business Central Inc., opens up about her remarkable journey in both the corporate world and as an entrepreneur. With over 30 years of experience, Laura has become a trusted mentor, guide, and advocate for entrepreneurs, particularly women, looking to navigate the challenges of business ownership. From overcoming early-stage hurdles to encouraging others to push past their fears, Laura offers valuable advice and strategies for new and established business owners. Her passion for supporting the entrepreneurial community is evident in the work she does with Ontario Business Central, where she helps turn ideas into reality. In this interview, Laura shares her own personal challenges, lessons learned, and actionable insights to inspire and empower the next generation of business leaders in Canada. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, Laura’s perspective is a beacon of hope and motivation for anyone on the entrepreneurial journey.
Laura Harvey, owner of Ontario Business Central Inc., is strongly dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in Canada. With over 30 years as a corporate specialist and more than 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, I combine professional expertise with firsthand knowledge of business challenges and successes.
My mentorship, YouTube series, and hands-on guidance show my commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. I am passionate about empowering both new and established business owners to thrive.
You’ve had over three decades of experience in the corporate world and as an entrepreneur. What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them to inspire others?
Goal of response: Show resilience, leadership, and the ability to turn adversity into inspiration.
Recommendations:
- Pick 1–2 meaningful challenges—ideally a mix of corporate and entrepreneurial (e.g., navigating early-stage funding, regulatory hurdles, balancing innovation with compliance).
- Show how challenges were transformative, not just obstacles (e.g., a major pivot that led to growth, or turning an economic downturn into an expansion opportunity).
- Highlight lessons learned and how she now uses those lessons to mentor or empower others, especially women or underrepresented entrepreneurs.
- Use a tone of humility and encouragement, demonstrating vulnerability and growth.
Ontario Business Central has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. Can you share some strategies or tools that you believe are essential for new business owners to succeed in Canada?
Goal of response: Provide practical, actionable insights rooted in her and OBC’s real-world experience.
Recommendations:
- Share one quick example of a success story or a recurring mistake new entrepreneurs make and how to avoid it.
- Mention foundational tools: clear business planning, digital presence (domain, website, Google Business), bookkeeping tools, and business name searches.
- Emphasize the value of early legal/structural clarity (e.g., proper incorporation vs. sole proprietorship, trademark checks).
- Suggest leaning on digital resources and partners like OBC for registration, compliance, and due diligence.
You emphasize the importance of not letting fear hinder one’s dreams. How do you encourage entrepreneurs to push past their fears and take the leap towards starting or growing their business?
Goal of response: Inspire confidence while offering concrete methods for tackling fear.
Recommendations:
- Highlight OBC’s role in de-risking the process—they provide structure and clarity which helps reduce fear of the unknown.
- Frame fear as normal and universal—even seasoned pros feel it.
- Share one personal story of fear (e.g., leaving corporate life to start a business, launching a new service) and how she took the leap anyway.
- Recommend small, confidence-building steps (e.g., testing an idea with a side hustle, joining a support group, speaking with a business advisor).
You highlight the importance of community support for entrepreneurs. Can you discuss some of the most valuable communities or networks that you believe are crucial for new and existing business owners in Canada?
Goal of response: Emphasize the importance of human connection and collaboration in business.
Recommendations:
- Suggest how entrepreneurs can start finding their tribe, even if they’re in remote or underserved areas.
- Speak to both formal communities (e.g., Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, startup hubs, women entrepreneur groups) and informal networks (mentorship circles, online forums, Facebook groups).
- Highlight how OBC has cultivated or contributed to communities—perhaps through partnerships or resource sharing.
- Mention how community support has changed (e.g., post-COVID digital groups, hybrid meetups) and why it matters more now than ever.
As a seasoned entrepreneur and mentor, what final advice or insights would you like to share with small and medium-sized businesses looking to thrive in the Canadian market?
Goal of response: Leave a lasting impression with empowering, experience-backed guidance.
Recommendations:
- End with a call to action that reflects OBC’s mission—remind business owners that “you don’t have to go it alone.”
- Reinforce core principles: resilience, adaptability, seeking help early, and being customer-obsessed.
Share an insight about Canadian-specific success factors—e.g., importance of bilingualism in some markets, understanding provincial regulations, tapping into government grants. - Encourage investing in personal development as much as business growth.
Disclaimer: CanadianSME Small Business Magazine is committed to sharing authentic stories and insights from the entrepreneurial community. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the guest and may not reflect the magazine’s stance on all matters.
