#Zensurance Newsletter: April 19, 2024

Is Your Small Business Ready for Wildfire Season?

Wildfires are a persistent threat in Canada, but they have increased significantly over the last few years, putting small business owners and their commercial properties at greater risk than in decades past.

Unfortunately, not only are wildfires becoming more ferocious and frequent, but the Canadian wildfire season also starts earlier now than it used to – in Alberta, the province declared wildfire season started on February 20 instead of the usual start date of March 1.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Canada (NRC) says the annual average area burned by wildfires has more than doubled since the early 1970s. In 2023, wildfires scorched an unprecedented amount of land in our country, notably in Western Canada, the north, and Atlantic provinces. NRC notes that the 2023 wildfire season torched an incredible 16.5 million hectares (40.7 acres) of land – an area larger than Greece. 

See our tips for minimizing wildfire damage to your business property. 🔥

Top 5 Risks Cannabis Businesses Face

Tomorrow it’s 420 Day! April 20 is the annual international counterculture holiday featuring cannabis-oriented celebrations that take place at 4:20 p.m.

As Canada’s budding medicinal and recreational cannabis industry continues to flourish, small business owners participating in the market must be ready for a myriad of challenges and risks that can affect their operations.

Discover the top five liability risks cannabis businesses face and our risk management tips. 🌿

What Type of Insurance Does a Vape Store Need?

Promoted as a safer or less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco as well as being more cost-effective for users, vaping nicotine is gaining traction in Canada. That shows the potential for vape shop owners to earn a high-profit margin.

However, there are liability risks for vape store owners. For example, there’s the threat of property damage caused by fire or water and theft of inventory and merchandise, cyber-attacks that compromise your confidential data, and being liable for the products they sell.

Take a deep breath as we detail how vape shop owners can protect their businesses. 😮‍💨

What Is Completed Operations Insurance for Contractors?

After completing a building or renovation project, what should a contractor or renovation expert do if a customer files a pricey third-party damage claim or lawsuit against them? 

Also, is there a difference between completed operations coverage and what an installation floater is? (Spoiler alert: there is!)

Here’s how contractors can protect their finances. 👷🏽

What Type of Insurance Does a Career Coach Need?

A career coach can help any professional transform their careers by helping them maximize their potential.

Career coaches are trained specialists who can create an effective résumé to target specific industries and employers, provide career counselling and planning, and empower their clients by boosting their confidence and interviewing skills. 

Anyone who hires a career coach wants to gain a competitive edge over other applicants while developing a personal brand that differentiates them and, ideally, leads them down a more successful career path.

However, any professional providing advice and services for a fee can be liable if they make a mistake, fail to deliver a service as promised, or are accused of being professionally negligent.

Let’s explore how career coaches can safeguard their reputations and financial wellness. 🛡️