The Ismaili Business Professional Association will host a Franchise Panel on:

This event will be of particular interest to individuals considering franchise opportunities.  Please save the date and stay tuned for further details!

Matthew Strauss, Vice-President, Portfolio Management and Portfolio Manager of Signature Global Asset Management of CI Investment Inc., has over 18 years of investment industry experience. Currently, Mr. Strauss provides macroeconomic strategy on foreign exchange and emerging market components of the Signature mandates. Mr. Strauss is also a member of the Signature Asset Allocation Committee.

Click here to read the complete interview, discussing the economic trends and what to expect.

Interview with Matthew Strauss.pdf

The Economic Planning Board (EPB) Newsletter is available.

Click here to obtain your copy: EPB Newsletter (PDF)

Whether you are already an entrepreneur or looking at starting your own business, there can be substantial hurdles in your path to success. 

The Entrepreneurship Portfolio now offers Jamati members workshops and other services aimed at informing them on what hurdles to expect and how to overcome them. We have partnered with educational and financial institutions to provide access to programs designed to help individuals and help them get certified. We are also planning presentations and workshops featuring industry leaders. They will provide critical information on how to tackle business growth issues and overcome initial start-up and financing problems.

What is the Entrepreneurship Portfolio?
The Entrepreneurship Portfolio is a unique sub-committee under the Economic Planning Board. This sub-committee has been mandated to provide education, mentorship, business counseling, networking and financing support for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.

What are the Entrepreneurship Portfolio’s goals?
The goal of the Entrepreneurship Portfolio is to provide support to Jamati members through various means. These means include but are not limited to providing business counseling, workshops, seminars, programs and conferences designed specifically at nurturing those aspiring to become entrepreneurs and helping the progression of those already in the entrepreneurial field.

How can these services impact you?
The Entrepreneurship Portfolio plans on presenting seminars, workshops and conferences targeted specifically at teaching and enhancing the skills and qualities needed to thrive and succeed. They will also give you the opportunity to critically examine and evaluate the viability of your business idea, begin working on your business plan and learn strategies for continuing and increasing growth.

Following are set of helpful tips on financial literacy. For more information, contact 

Did You Know?

Salaries have been declining steadily since 1970. 
This means we need to be extra careful with the money we earn, focusing on saving and spending wisely.

More than 60% of North Americans live paycheck to paycheck. 
Always keep something for later. The rule of thumb is to save a minimum of 10% of each paycheck and live off the remaining 90%.

Early Childhood is the best time to prepare children for good money management practices. 
One of the most important determinants for our children’s success is parental engagement during their formative years, between birth and age 8. In fact, according to a recent BMO Poll, 96% of Canadians believe teaching kids about money matters is key to a healthier economy.

Tracking your income and expenses will let you see where you can improve. 
This is a great way to plan for a strong financial future. Budgeting is a great exercise for peace of mind.

Setting up bill payments can help to pay bills on time. 
This will also help to avoid high interest rates and bad credit scores.

Buying with cash and not credit can help cut back on spending. 
People spend 12-18% more annually when using Credit cards.

Create a safety net in case of job loss/disability. Having a 6 month emergency fund along with necessary insurance (critical illness, disability) protects you in your living years in the event of a tragic or undesired event.

Save up to buy big items. 
Putting things on credit might seem easier but it pays off in the long run to save up instead of paying a high interest rate to have it sooner. Buying something with $0 down can be financially irresponsible. Read the fine print. High interest rates can hurt you. 

Retirement savings are important because of inflation. This will continue to rise every year, which means our buying power decreases. Keep saving more; your money isn’t worth the same years down the road.

A tax refund isn’t “free” money. 
This cheque is not meant to be spent frivolously. It is simply money that the government is returning to you. Spend it wisely as you would a paycheck.

Finding a job that you love but pays less is better in the long run. 

Follow your passion. You can move up the ladder doing something that you love.

Monitor your bank account. 
Fraudulent activity has become commonplace. Be aware of account allowances, charged transactions and balances to avoid unnecessary fees. 
If you make minimum payments on a $5000 credit card debt, it will take you over 30 years to pay it off and over $14,000 in interest. 

If you are using a credit card make the full payment each month. 
There is no shame in asking for help. 

No one has to go through this journey alone. Get advice from an expert.

For more information, contact the EPB Financial Literacy representative in your region.

• Zahra Hirji, National Board Member
• Mary Vellani, British Columbia – Vice Chair 
• Altaf Mawji, Prairies – Vice Chair
• Nadim Merali, Edmonton – Vice Chair
• Samira Walli, Ontario – Vice Chair
• Hussein Valji, Ottawa – Vice Chair
• Mirwais Alamy, Quebec and Maritimes – Vice Chair

The Jamat is invited to obtain free admission to Western Canada's Franchise & Business Opportunities show on:

The event features many successful franchises and is a wonderful way to learn of franchises that are seeking franchisees and partners.  Admission passes can be printed from www.ibpacanada.com or from here.

Additionally, the Ismaili Business Professional Association will host a Franchise Panel on:

Please save the date and stay tuned for further details!

Do you have a home, apartment, bedroom, or basement suite for rent?  Are you looking for Ismaili tenants but aren’t sure where to look? 

The Economic Planning Board of BC is launching a pilot program to connect Jamati landlords and tenants.  If you have a suitable space for rent at or below market rental rates, please email epb@ijkc.com.

A member of the EPB BC Housing Team will contact you to obtain additional information and will provide you with further details.  This is a great way to help fill our community housing needs while earning rental income.