Market Fresh builds community—and a strong team—with help from Bensol
By Michele MactaggartFor nearly three decades, Market Fresh has been more than a corner grocery store in Guelph. Co-owned by Dayle Toscan, the locally rooted market has built its reputation as a place where neighbours gather—drawn in by top-quality, fresh groceries, unique food and home décor items, an in-house butcher and bakery, and a wide selection of […]
Top Dog Leadership: Coaching Support That Has Your Back
By Michele MactaggartRunning a small business can sometimes feel like you’re expected to have all the answers, all the time. You’re managing people, navigating tricky conversations, trying to keep everyone motivated, and still making space for the day-to-day demands of the business itself. It’s rewarding, but it can also be a lot to carry, especially when there […]
Build the Business you Want and let your Benefits Keep up
By Michele MactaggartRunning a small business means constantly adapting. One year you might be operating solo, the next you’re hiring your first employees and thinking seriously about how to support them. Growth rarely happens all at once, and the systems you put in place need to reflect that reality. Employee benefits are often where business owners feel […]
Why benefits that support real life help you attract and keep great people
By Michele MactaggartIf there’s one thing the last few years have made clear, it’s that work and life are not neatly (or easily) balanced. People bring their full selves to work. Their health, stress, families, aging parents, hormonal shifts, mental load, travel plans, and the curveballs no one could ever schedule. It all shows up, even when […]
Wellness is more than a resolution! Fewer ruff days and more support when it matters
By Michele MactaggartWith 2026 on the horizon, we can expect the influx of “new year, new you” wellness onslaught that comes with the drop of the ball. And while a focus on wellness is important, it’s essential that wellness remains a priority beyond January 31st. Thankfully, there are ways to keep wellness at the forefront of your […]
What are the benefits of offering virtual healthcare to my employees?
By Michele MactaggartWell, let’s start with this: sometimes the hardest part about going to the doctor isn’t the appointment; but the process. Waiting weeks, or even months, to see a physician, to then have to leave work, organize childcare, or book the day off. Virtual healthcare cuts that out entirely, giving employees access to care that fits […]
Admin can be Ruff: What Help Does the Chambers Plan Actually Give You?
By Michele MactaggartWhen you’re running a small business, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day. Between looking after clients, managing staff, and keeping the books balanced, employee benefits can sometimes feel like one more thing on the pile, especially when working with a leaner team. That’s where the Chambers Plan helps lighten the […]
Running with the Big Dogs: Adding a GRSP to Your Benefits, Even as a Small Business
By Michele MactaggartIf you’re running a small business, you’ve probably thought about how to attract and retain great employees without overextending your budget. Offering a competitive benefits package is one of the most effective ways to do just that. While health and dental benefits are often the first step, more and more small businesses are exploring retirement […]
Keeping Your Premiums in Check (Without Losing Your Coverage or Your Mind)
By Michele MactaggartWith health benefit costs expected to rise by 7.5% in 2025, it’s no wonder Canadian employers are feeling the heat. The challenge? Managing growing expenses while still offering meaningful support to employees. The good news? Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean cutting care. Across the country, employers are getting creative and strategic about how they […]
Arcora Coaching is bridging the gap in mental health support for leaders, fostering healthier teams and more resilient organizations
By Michele MactaggartAs a small business owner, I understand the need for accessible business coaching that focuses on mental health and helps us become better managers. Training in areas like motivating people, having difficult conversations, creating a culture of wellness, and finding balance can be hard to come by or prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, this is changing. Managers […]
