I've waitressed all of my life and I never thought that this profession would ever come to a complete halt, but it has for me at this time of my life. I am now a 53-year-old woman with little education; I have a partial Grade 12... asked by Anonymous, restaurant cashier, Calgary, AB

I am in the process of starting an event planning business and am quite frustrated. I am anxious to get started, but feel that I am being held back by the advisors I have. I come up with new ideas almost every day, but my advisors keep asking me questions about agreements and how I am going to cover my costs. I have been working on a business plan, but think that it is too complicated for a business like mine. I’m confident that I will be able to attract customers quickly, so I find all of this paperwork a waste of time. Can you help? asked by Anonymous

How are online businesses funded? Is venture capital an option? How should a board of advisors be paid? For about 2 years, I have had an idea for an informative website on a topic that is really hot, but I still do not know how I can fund it and find partners. I have researched the topic and realized that there is a need; however, I do not have any personal finances to realize my idea. asked by M., financial advisor, Etobicoke, ON

I separated from my husband in December 2008, divorced in July 2011. All marital assets were divided. We are still equal shareholders and directors of a corporation which owns an apartment complex valued at approximately $970,000. He has been asking over and over again to buy my shares. I'll admit, I got the short end of the stick when we divorced, and I'm in need of cash...I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm going to get railroaded again, and I'm especially concerned that my daughters will lose out if I'm not careful in this sale. asked by L., administrative assistant, Winnipeg, MB

I'm starting off my business and for the most part have a business plan in place, but I'm not sure how to get the money I need to start or how to approach the banks, when I have limited funds (okay, $0 right now) and only a home for collateral. Any suggestions? asked by Kim, entrepreneur, Calgary, AB

I was hoping you could give me some tips on opening my own bricklaying business. I’m just not sure where to start! asked by Laura, North Bay, ON

Oops! My administration manager made a mistake and accidentally sent me not only my own salary info, but the rest of the admin team's as well, in an email attachment! I always felt underpaid, now I know I am. How do I best use this knowledge of the $7K difference between my salary and the other receptionist's salary at review time, without spilling the beans? asked by Anonymous, clerical job, Outside Toronto, ON

I have heard the term “executive coaching”, but don’t know what it is. Could you provide me with some information so I can understand how it could help me in my business? asked by Anna H., business owner, Calgary, AB

Thank you for your answer with respect to my consignment shop idea. I am now wondering how I source out a location for this store? asked by BellaDonnaRocks, administration, small town, ON

In our online (immediate) world, when you have a business idea, how do you best determine whether or not it has been done without giving it away? asked by Kate H., communications consultant, Montréal, QC

There is an upscale ladies clothing consignment boutique and every time I pop in, I think, "I want to do this!" Is there a way to politely ask the owner how much she earns and also, where can I find financial information on how much income a business like this generates? asked by BellaDonnaRocks, administration, Small town, ON

I have a small but profitable printing business (about $1.5 million in sales) that I would like to pass on to my children when I retire in 5 years. Are there some basic things I need to consider for business succession planning? asked by Margaret B, business owner, Halifax, SK

In a very general sense, what are some of the ways you can value a business to put it up for sale? And are there any steps you can take to make it more attractive to buyers? asked by Melanie F., retail store owner, Saskatoon, SK

I have a small technology business and have developed a new application that I think would be of real interest to companies in the financial services industry. I need some additional capital to complete final testing, but have no idea how to approach raising capital. What are some things I should know before I start the process? asked by Juliette R., technology business owner, Montréal, QC

I am a jewellery designer who has been around for a few years, lots of press, and some celebrity clients. Everyone thinks I’ve ‘made it’, but in reality, I barely take home a thing. I have about $300K in sales each year, but think I could easily triple that if I had the proper facilities and marketing budget, as well as sales reps. I would like to raise capital. How do I get started? asked by R. K., designer, Toronto, ON

It sounds like you have started an exciting business! Congrats on your success thus far!

What would help to improve upon your current situation is to put some standard business practices in place to better define your strategy, increase your sales, and improve your bottom line.