How-To Guide on Apparel Manufacturing

This How-To Guide is designed to assist you with secondary research by giving you key information and contacts for the apparel industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For general regulations applicable to any business operating in the province, see our Business Start-Up Info-Guide.  It contains information on incorporation, taxation, labour laws, intellectual property, and more.

For details on any organization listed in this guide, contact the organization directly.

If you have any questions about this guide, or, for information on our Network Site nearest you, please contact us directly:

Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre
90 O'Leary Avenue
P.O. Box 8687
St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador  A1B 3T1
Telephone: (709) 772-6022
Fax: (709) 772-6090
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010 (in the Atlantic region only)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: info@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cbsc.org/nl
Hours of operation: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Start your business plan
1.  What is a business plan?
2.  Can I do my business plan online?
3.  Where can I find a sample business plan?
4.  Who can help me write my business plan?

Start your research
5.  What is the economic outlook for Newfoundland and Labrador?
6.  What strategic sectors are being promoted by my region?
7.  Where can I find a profile of the apparel industry?
8.  Where can I find business statistics?
9.  Are there industry associations I can join and what membership benefits do they offer?
10.  Where can I find books, trade magazines and local sector studies?
11.  Are there trade shows I can attend?
12.  Where can I get training?
13.  How can I find suppliers?
14.  Where can I find information about exporting my products?

Know the regulations
15. What government departments or agencies do I need to contact?
16. Where can I find information about standards for apparel products?
17. What information do I need to put on my labels?
18. How do I get a bar code?

Finance your business
19.  How do I prepare before approaching lenders?
20.  What government financing is available to me?
21.  What other agencies offer financing?

Start Your Business Plan

1.  What is a business plan?
A business plan is simply a written document that describes the future path of a business. A good business plan explains the business concept, summarizes the objectives of the business, identifies the resources (both in terms of money and people) needed by the business, describes how those resources will be obtained, and tells the reader why the business will succeed.

Business plans come in many shapes and sizes. Sections common to most business plans include:

• an executive summary which summarizes key points of the business plan in one or two pages;
• an overview which introduces the reader to the business;  
• a description of the products and services;  
• an overview of the industry in which the business will compete;  
• a marketing strategy which summarizes the product, promotion, pricing, and distribution strategies of the business;  
• a description of the management and staff;  
• an implementation plan; and  
• a financial plan which includes perform balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements.  
  Business plans can vary in length from a few pages to over 100 pages. Although there are no hard and fast rules, many sources recommend that business plans should be between 10 pages and 25 pages in length. Remember that a business plan is a summary; you can always provide more information if asked or you can attach more detailed background documents to your business plan.

A business plan is important because:  

• the process of preparing a business plan will force you to think about your business, research some options, recognize opportunities and risks, and test some of your assumptions;  
• it will help you identify the cash needs of your business;  
• it can be used to raise funding from banks and from investors;  
• it can be used to tell employees, investors and others about your plans and strategies; and  
• it provides a benchmark against which to compare the progress and performance of your business.  
  It is a good idea for all businesses to prepare and regularly update their business plans. However, small businesses are most likely to prepare a business plan when they are just starting up or when a major change in their business is occurring (and often when additional investment or a loan is needed).***

2.  Can I do my business plan online?

Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre (CNLBSC)
The Interactive Business Planner is an award-winning business planning tool that enables you to do your business plan online!  With the IBP, you will:

• be guided through each section of your business plan using a question and answer format
• learn definitions and tips, and view sample business plans to help you to write your own plan
• have financial projections prepared for you, based upon the information you provide, and
• use the power of the Internet to assist you in researching your business plan.

Metro Business Opportunities

The Online Business Planner is MBOC's interactive solution to the difficulties of planning for a business.

3.  Where can I find a sample business plan?

Business Plan Handbook Series
The Business Plan Handbook is an 8-volume set of books published by Gale Publishers. Each volume contains sample business plans based on actual North American businesses. The Business Plan Handbook is not available online; however you can visit any of our Network Sites and view the books, or call 1-800-668-1010.

Samples related to apparel production are:

• Creation Unique (wedding gowns)
• Nest in Comfort (pillow - maternity aid)
• Heather Evans, Inc (women's clothing).

4.  Who can help me write my business plan?

Y-Enterprise
A recognized leader in business plan development, staff of the Y-Enterprise offer in-depth one-on-one counselling to help clients determine the viability of a business. The client is responsible for writing the plan; however, an experienced business consultant guides clients through each section at a comfortable pace.

Y Employment & Enterprise Services - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

Community Business Development Corporations
CBDC's are located throughout the Province. Staff assist in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs. Technical services include business counselling & advice. Fees for services may apply - check with your local CBDC.

CBDC - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

Entreprise and Entrepreneurship Gateway - Memorial University
Business coaches offer technology-able, youth entrepreneurs assistance in evaluating their idea, determining the human, material and financial resources required, developing an enterprise plan, and connecting with the most relevant resource. No fee for services.

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Gateway (MUN)
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Faculty of Business Administration
Business Building, Room 4014
St. John's, NL  A1B 3X5
Telephone: 709-737-8855
Fax: 709-737-2383
E-mail: gateway@business.mun.ca
Web site: http://www.business.mun.ca/gateway

Metro Business Opportunities Corporation (MBOC)
Through the business plan development component of the Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program (EOP), staff offer clients one-on-one assistance in developing their business plan. There are no fees for services. However, the application process is competitive and limited to a maximum of ten (10) individuals.

Avalon - St. John's Metropolitan Area
Metro Business Opportunities Corporation (MBOC)
35 Blackmarsh Road
Triton Building, Suite 107
St. John's, NL  A1E 1S4
Telephone: (709) 738-1626
E-mail: contact@mboc.ca
Web site: http://www.mboc.ca

Private consultants
See Business Consultants in the yellow pages of your telephone directory if you wish to hire a private consultant to develop your business plan for you. Private consultants usually charge an hourly rate plus expenses (eg. photocopying; long-distance telephone charges; etc.).

Start Your Research

5.  What is the economic outlook for Newfoundland and Labrador?

Department of Finance
Information on the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador can be found on the Department of Finance Web site. Specifically, look for these sections:

• The Economy (an annual publication)
• Economic Overview
• Economic Indicators
• Major Projects
• Forecasts
• Statistics ( includes links to the Newfoundland Statistics Agency; Community Accounts; and Statistics Canada)
• Population Projections

6.  What strategic sectors are being promoted by my Regional Economic Development Board?

Regional Economic Development Boards (REDB)
The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is divided into twenty economic zones each represented by a Regional Economic Development Board (REDB) whose job it is to facilitate the development of business and economic opportunities in its zone.

Each of these Boards has developed a strategic 5-year plan which lists sectors identified as having strong potential for growth. Many boards have their plans posted on their respective Web sites.

7.  Where can I find a profile of the apparel industry?

(Back to table of contents)

From its origins as a craft based cottage industry, the apparel sector is steadily evolving into a true manufacturing industry employing technology, product design, and innovative marketing to fuel its growth. The Provincial industry consists of three main sub sectors:

• clothing production - dresses, sleepwear, industrial clothing, outerwear/coats, and associated outerwear products (hats and handwear);
• knitted products (sweaters primarily); and
• leather, footwear and fur clothing products.

According to a study completed by Industry Canada and the expertise of provincial industry organizations, the provincial apparel industry has a number of positive attributes:

• the more favorable US exchange rate and the province's strong economic growth are fueling increased business and export potential;
• it is characterized by a large proportion of highly motivated entrepreneurs;
• a strong national industry association; and
• adaptable and flexible production capabilities among firms that has led the way in adopting new technologies.

However, it also has several competitive weaknesses and constraints:

• an inability to compete against the emergence of low-wage competitors;
• a shortage of skilled managers and technologically skilled personnel;
• lack of resources; and
• relatively weak links with textile suppliers.

Companies need to develop a marketing focus, invest in appropriate technologies, adopt efficient production methods, implement human resource development strategies, and focus on product design and customer service in order to be in a good position to profit in this industry's increasingly competitive environment.

Another study, Common Threads, describes the apparel industry in Newfoundland and Labrador as follows:

In Newfoundland and Labrador the apparel industry numbers about 60 companies distributed throughout the Province with a dominance in rural areas. Most operations have three to five employees and total employment in the industry is approximately 1000. Overall, the industry is worth about $28 to $30 million annually to the provincial economy. The majority of firms have been in operation for less than 10 years while about 25 percent have been in operation for more than 15 years. Most firms are operated by women entrepreneurs and employment is also dominated by women.

Approximately 45 percent of apparel producers rely exclusively on the provincial market for their sales. Forty five percent of firms market their product to the United States and Europe, generating a small percentage of their total sales in these areas. About nine percent generate the majority of their sales from markets outside the province. Overall, it is estimated that upwards of ninety percent of production is exported either directly, through out-of-province marketing activities, or indirectly, through tourism sales in the province.

More information on the Apparel industry of Canada may be accessed on Industry Canada's web site.

8.  Where can I find business statistics?

Statistics for Business Planning
The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre (CNLBSC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) partnered to develop an online guide called Statistics for Business Planning. The guide links you to key sources for business statistics. It also provides a description of each source plus tips and instructions on using each source.Types of statistics included are:

• Industry Classifications - find the statistical industry classification number for your business
• Manufacturing Statistics  - obtain a wide range of statistics on manufacturing industries in Canada
• Small Business Profiles - determine how the average company in your specific industry is performing
• Industry Bench Marking - compare your estimates for sales and expenses to other companies in the industry
• Imports and Exports - track how much of your goods or services are currently imported and exported
• Household Spending - look at the how much Canadians are spending on goods and services
• The Competition - find out who your competitors are and where they are located
• Population Projection - Newfoundland and Labrador - see what changes are anticipated in population for Newfoundland and Labrador
• Population Projections - Canada - see what changes are anticipated in population for Canada
• Community Profiles - obtain demographic, education, income and household statistics by community
• Labour Supply / Costs - obtain the labour rates and estimated availability of labour by occupational group.

There are additional statistics in this guide, under the question: Where can I find a profile of the apparel industry? Other statistics may be available from the Canada/Newfoundland & Labrador Business Service Centre , as we have an extensive business library which includes publications specific to craft production.

9.  Are there industry associations I can join and what membership benefits do they offer?

Apparel Sector Group of Newfoundland and Labrador
(part of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters - Newfoundland and Labrador Division)

The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters is a national, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the interests of Canadian manufacturers and exporters. In Newfoundland & Labrador, the apparel industry has recently come together under CME to form the Apparel Sector Group. The group represents 15 apparel companies and covers all areas of the industry including sewn goods, knitwear and leather products. Activities include the exploration of new markets, the adoption of new techniques and technologies and the provision of industrial training.

The goal of this group is to develop and strengthen the industry through education, training and skills development, and technology and best practices adoption. This is accomplished through conferences, workshops, and one-on-one and group training sessions. Members of this group also receive the group's newsletter Apparel Newfoundland and Labrador. Published quarterly, this newsletter focuses on various issues dealing with the apparel industry within the province.

Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is a member-based organization that works to maximize the artistic and economic potential of the craft community of the province ('craft community' includes apparel manufacturers). Formed in 1972 as the Newfoundland & Labrador Craft Development Association, the Craft Council still, and always, takes its role as a development association as the crucial focus of its operations. The Council supports and promotes a high standard of excellence in craft production and service to members and the general public. Programs and services are varied, and include work in the area of marketing, exhibition, product development, training and communications.

Canadian Apparel Federation
The Canadian Apparel Federation is the association for Canada's apparel industry. The CAF provides timely, useful information on changing trade rules, new technology, regulations and rapidly changing market conditions. As a member, you receive newsletters and directories, and a strong united voice to aid in government lobbying and relations. The CAF also publishes the magazine Canadian Apparel.  Other membership benefits include:

• Apparel info - a bi-weekly email service
• the CAF bulletin, free with membership
• discounted advertising in all publications
• discounts on various apparel industry publications
• trade show directories
• Canadian Apparel Directory
• discounted travel and delivery services.
  The CAF also offers seminars on exporting and marketing, and work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Local Business Organizations
Many communities have business organizations which organize information sessions and networking opportunities for members. Some of these are listed below. You can also check the yellow pages of your telephone directory under either Business & Trade Organizations or Associations:

• Boards of Trade or Chambers of Commerce (check your telephone directory)
• NL Employers' Council
• Better Business Bureau of NL
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business

10.  Where can I find books, trade magazines and local sector studies?

Canada/Newfoundland & Labrador Business Service Centre
The following books, magazines and local sector studies relevant to the adventure tourism industry are a sample of the type of material available at the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre.  We offer a free Books By Mail Service and an online library catalog.

Magazines

California Apparel News

Canadian Apparel

Textile Journal

Style

CD-ROMS

The business of sewing
CD-ROM # 18 BNJI

Books

The business of sewing : how to start, achieve and maintain success
TT 497 S941 2004 V.1-2

Pricing without fear : a sewing entrepreneurs guide
TT 497 S94 2005

The fashion sleuth : how to resource the internet for fashion
TT 497 C64 2006

The apparel industry sourcebook
REF TT 497 A66 2006

The National register of apparel manufacturers : women and children's wear
REF TT 497 N37 2006

The National register of the apparel marketplace
REF TT 497 N371 2005

Stretching or shrinking : the textile and clothing industries in Canada
HA 741 W95 2005

The national register of independent sales reps : apparel & accessories
REF TT 497 G64 2004

The Canadian apparel industry : the shape of the future : labour market update study : final report
TT 497 R52 2004

The Fashion buyer's guide to Britain : 2004 : list of members
REF TT 497 F37 2004

The directory of brand name apparel manufacturers
REF TT 497 F37 2003

The Fairchild dictionary of fashion
REF TT 497 C34 2003

The apparel production sourcebook : contractors : solving your production sourcing and contracting needs
REF TT 497 F371 2003

The international directory of importers : worldwide apparel & clothing importing firms
REF HF 1419 I571 2002

The apparel design and production hand book : a technical reference
TT 497 F37 2001

Ready-to-wear apparel analysis
TT 497 B76 2001

Sewing for the apparel industry
TT 497 S52 2001

The spec manual
TT 497 B97 2001

The Sewing machine operator entry level training tool : interactive CD-ROM program trainer handbook
TT 497 A66 200?

Apparel manufacturing : sewn product analysis
TT 497 G66 2000

Birnbaum's global guide to winning the great garment war
TT 497 B57 2000

Fairchild's dictionary of textiles
REF TT 497 F34 1996

How to import textiles and clothing
HF 1419 .C3 H68 1999

Sector Studies - Newfoundland and Labrador
The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre maintains a database of local sector studies. Below is a list of some of the studies available on the apparel industry. For a complete list of studies visit the Sector Studies Inventory (SSI)  web site.

• Common Threads : Opportunities for growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador Apparel Industry
• Apparel manufacturing : sewn product analysis
• Apparel Contracting Operations : Potential for Newfoundland and Labrador : Final Report
• Apparel Technology Research Report
• Knitwear Industry Scoping Study : Newfoundland and Labrador : Final Report

11.  Are there trade shows I can attend?

CNLBSC - Events Calendar
Our Centre maintains an Events Calendar with an extensive listing of local trade shows and business events. Our Events Calendar is also interactive, allowing you to add your own events!

Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador - Craft Fairs
The Craft Council sponsors two annual craft fairs (St. John's and Corner Brook) which take place in the pre-Christmas season. Both shows are juried by the Craft Council's volunteer Standards Committee, and are guaranteed to show work of the highest quality. After each of these annual shows, the Craft Council compiles sales averages and totals, by medium. Visit the Council's online calendar of events for listings of other craft fairs and trade shows.

Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (DITRD)
The Craft Section of this Department compiles a list of retail and wholesale shows of interest to craft, gift and apparel producers. These are local and national shows that many Newfoundland and Labrador producers participate in. You can find the list on the Crafts of Character web site.

Also, through the Department's Crafts of Character Marketing Program, local producers are given space in the Crafts of Character booth at several major trade shows (see list below).The booth allows producers to market test their product lines in the national wholesale market with minimum financial risk. Producers can then modify products and respond to the demands of the marketplace based on the feedback they receive from buyers. Producers can participate in the Crafts of Character booth four times (maximum), after which time they have received adequate market research to determine if this is a suitable market for their product line. If the show has proven to be a promising market, producers may then book their own booth space and, if eligible, seek financial assistance through the Craft Industry Development Program .

Here are the trade shows that feature the Crafts of Character booth:

Atlantic Craft Trade Show

Provincial Craft Trade Show & Seminars

Canadian Gift & Tableware Association Gift Show

Other key shows for craft producers:

Manufactured Right Here

Alberta Gift Show (running concurrently with the By Hand - Alberta Canada's Artisan Gift Show)

By Hand - Alberta - Canada's Artisan Gift Show (running concurrently with the Alberta Gift Show)

By Hand - BC - Canada's Artisan Gift Show

By Hand  - Toronto - Canada's Artisan Gift Show

Montreal Fashion Week

L'Oréal Fashion Week, Toronto

Vancouver Fashion Week

NAFFEM Montreal — The Luxury Outerwear Show

Fashion North – The Menswear Show

Fashion North - The Womenswear Show

12.  Where can I get training?

College of the North Atlantic (CONA)
The College offers a two-year Textile Studies diploma program for anyone wishing to pursue a career as a professional craftsperson or artist. An art-based program, Textile Studies provides hands-on training in the textile media with an emphasis on design. The program is sponsored by the College of the North Atlantic, but classes are held at the Anna Templeton Centre.

Canadian Apparel Federation
Check this Web site for a list of various courses offered throughout Canada.

Apparel Development Center (ADC)

The ADC is a partnership between Industry Canada, the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) and the Apparel manufacturers Institute of Quebec (AMIQ) making it possible to deliver new marketing and operational programs to the industry. Companies are also able to participate in programs covering lean manufacturing, IT enhancements, supply chain management and implementation assistance for strategic planning.

Workshop and Professional Learning Opportunities
Occasional workshops in a variety of media and topics are offered throughout the year and throughout the province. Contact media guilds, arts councils and regional associations to inquire about opportunities in your area. The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador lists events in its newsletter and online calendar.

Newfoundland and Labrador WorkinfoNet (NLWIN)
Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can call toll free 1-800-563-6600 (729-6600 in St. John's local calling area) to obtain career and work search information. The Web site offers the latest in provincial career and employment information and offers links to national and international resources. There are also Career Information Resource Centres throughout the Province.

13.  How can I find suppliers?

There are a variety of ways to find sources of supply for the raw materials you require to make your apparel products. You can network with other apparel manufacturers, either on an individual basis, or by joining a local group, or by taking part in online discussion groups featured on some apparel-related web sites.

You can visit the nearest Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network site and use the multitude of directories available that list manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers. Some of these directories are in print format, but many are also available online. Some are Buyer's Guides that come as part of a magazine subscription (see list below).

You may find suppliers by attending apparel trade shows. For example, some companies supplying packaging materials and display systems attend the Canadian Gift & Tablewares Association Gift Show. Most trade shows have web sites - check online for a list of suppliers attending the show.

Once you have a list of potential suppliers, you need to contact each to request catalogs and price lists (some may have online catalogs), and get specific information on minimum orders, shipping options and charges, etc. Suppliers are more cooperative and provide more information if they know you are an established business person with a good credit rating, and are offering them a 'significant sale'. In turn, you should ensure that your potential supplier is reputable by obtaining background information on the company and by talking with other craftspeople who have had dealings with the supplier.

The following directories are available online, or through the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network.

Local Suppliers

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters - Newfoundland and Labrador Division (CME-NL)
For local suppliers of products manufactured in this province, contact CME's Newfoundland and Labrador Division. CME staff may be able to connect you with one of their members, or you can search their membership directory online.

Telephone directories

Whether using paper or online versions of the yellow pages, check for suppliers of apparel-related products and services under such headings as:

• Children's & Infants' Wear - Wholesale
• Men's Clothing & Furnishings - Wholesale
• Sportswear - Wholesale
• Women's Apparel - Wholesale
• Clothing - Special Needs
• Textiles - Wholesalers & Manufacturers
• Fabric Shops
• Sewing Contractors
• Sewing Machines - Industrial

Apparel Directories & Buyer's Guides

Textile Journal

Style

Canadian Apparel

Canadian Packaging

Fashiondex Apparel Industry Sourcebook

Up-to-date directory listing over 2,000 suppliers, domestic and import, of all fabrics, trims, notions, services and such by category in the United States.

CA Number Database Search
This directory is the published listing of registrants for CA numbers, the Canadian dealer identification number used on textile and garment labels. The listings contain names and addresses of more than 30,000 clothing manufacturers, importers, and retailers and other clothing/textile suppliers.

General business directories (not specific to the apparel industry)

• Canadian Business Disc (available at the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre)
• Canadian Trade Index 
• Frasers Canadian Trade Directory
• Canadian Company Capabilities
• Thomas Register   

General Web sites

You can use any of the search engines available on the Internet to try to find companies or products. If your search produces too many or too few hits, use the Help or Advanced Search Tips buttons to learn how to narrow or broaden your search.

14.  Where can I find information about exporting my apparel products?

Canada/Newfoundland & Labrador Business Service Centre and Team Canada Inc
Team Canada Inc (TCI) is a partnership of federal, provincial and territorial governments helping Canadian companies succeed in world markets. Your Team Canada contact in this province is the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre. The Centre's staff respond to Team Canada information requests and refer clients to appropriate resources and agencies, depending upon the export readiness of the client. For more information on exporting, visit the Centre's Web site.

Trade Team Newfoundland & Labrador
The CNLBSC is also part of Trade Team Newfoundland and Labrador (TTNL), one of 11 regional teams across Canada. TTNL's mission is to provide services to businesses to help them achieve success in global markets. There are four key areas of focus:

• export preparedness
• diversifying export markets
• strengthened performance, and
• investment attraction.

The services offered by the Trade Team Newfoundland and Labrador partners include export readiness assessment, export counselling, export preparation and training, information on trade fairs and missions, introduction to foreign buyers visiting Newfoundland and Labrador, contacts in international markets, worldwide leads on international business opportunities, liaising with Canadian embassies, export financing and insurance and market information and intelligence.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Small and medium-sized enterprise information centre
This section of the CBSA's web site is tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) but is useful for all importers and exporters. It contains information on the following:

• Exporting - A Step-by-Step Guide
• Customs Tarriff
• Information seminars
• Border Information Service (BIS).

15.  What government departments or agencies do I need to contact?

(Back to table of contents)

For information on general business regulations, such as incorporation, taxation, labour standards, insurance, and intellectual property, see our  Business Start-Up Info-Guide .

Town or City Council Office
Municipal governments have varying requirements regarding the operation of businesses within their town/city boundaries.  Your local municipality should be consulted on such matters as:

• zoning regulations
• construction or renovation of buildings
• operation of a homebased business
• business taxation.

Government Service Centres
The GSC processes permits, licences, approvals and conducts inspections and investigations on behalf of a number of line departments. Whether you have a home based operation or a separate manufacturing facility, you should contact the Centre nearest you to ask what regulations may apply. Listed below are some of the services offered by the Government Service Centre:

• Approval of Highway Signage
• Building Accessibility Approval/Exemption for Public Buildings
• Commercial and private Septic System Approvals and Authorizations
• Commercial Building Plan Approvals
• Electrical Permits and Inspections
• Elevator Inspections and Approvals
• Food Establishment Licensing
• Fuel Storage and Handling Approvals
• Liquor Licensing
• Meat Inspections
• Propane System Licensing and Inspections
• Waste Management System Approvals
• Water Supply Testing

GSC - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

16.  Where can I find information about standards for apparel products?

(Back to table of contents)

Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador - Standards of Quality
The Craft Council's Standards of Quality policy is critical to the product development and marketing services offered to members and to the general public.

The Standards of Quality themselves were written by practicing craftspeople and approved by Craft Council members at an Annual General Meeting. The document addresses standards in design, technique and materials in a wide variety of media.

They are administered by a volunteer Standards Committee who review samples and make recommendations for improvement where appropriate. It is the Craft Council's intent to help craftspeople, including apparel manufacturers, make the best possible products, and to ensure that all work sold at Craft Council market venues is of the highest quality.

For details of the policy and the procedure for submitting work for critique, contact the Craft Council.

Industry Canada - Consumer Products Safety
As part of the Product Safety Program, the Consumer Products Division has a broad mandate under the Hazardous Products Act to protect consumers against hazardous products, whether the hazard is chemical, mechanical, electrical, or fire related. Under the Act, the Consumer Products Division is responsible for:

• any consumer products which are poisonous, toxic, flammable, explosive, corrosive, infectious, oxidizing or reactive
• any product designed for household, garden or personal use, for use in sports or recreational activities, as life-saving equipment or as a toy, plaything or equipment for use by children that is or is likely to be a danger to the health or safety of the public by reason of its design, construction or contents.

Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)
http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb/home/index-e.html

The Canada Standard System for Sizing outlines the standard sizes for various groups of people (eg. womens' apparel; girls' and boys' apparel; infants' apparel), and for various types of clothing (eg. coats; overalls; dress pants). From the CGSB web site, you can search for, and order, the specific standard you need.

17.  What information do I need to put on my labels?

(Back to table of contents)

CA Number Database Search
A CA number is a five-digit identification number preceded by the letters CA. Only Canadian textile retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and importers are allowed to register for a CA number.

Canadian textile companies use this number to meet provisions of the Textile Labelling Act, which require prescribed consumer textile articles to be labelled with the identity of the person by or for whom it was made. That is, labels must include:

• the full name and postal address of the dealer, or
• a CA number (in the case of a Canadian dealer)

Competition Bureau
On this site, you will find Labelling Assessment Tools to assist you in meeting the labelling requirements of federal legislation. The worksheets and graphic illustrations provided will not address all situations, but do cover:

• Consumer packaging & labelling
• Precious metals marking
• Textile labelling, and
• Down & feather labelling.

Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)
http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb/home/index-e.html

The Care Labelling of Textiles is a CGSB publication that designates a system of symbols to be used in the labelling of textiles to indicate the preferred care procedures for the textile. Symbols are specified for five restorative treatments: washing, bleaching, drying, ironing/pressing and professional textile care. Care labelling of textiles is a voluntary program.

18.  How do I get a bar code?

(Back to table of contents)

GS1 Canada  (formerly the Electronic Commerce Council of Canada)

GS1 Canada is a not-for-profit organization that promotes and maintains global standards for the identification of goods, locations, and related e-commerce communication, such as bar code issuance and maintenance. GS1 Canada is the only authorized source for globally unique company prefixes in Canada.

19.  How do I prepare before approaching lenders?

(Back to table of contents)

Lending - The Basic Criteria
A document that covers the factors lenders consider when providing financing to entrepreneurs. It also contains tips on how to present your business idea to potential lenders.

Dealing With Your Banker & Other Lenders
A document that offers techniques for building good relationships with bankers and other lenders.

20.  What government financing is available to me?

(Back to table of contents)

Please note that this alphabetical list is provided to help apparel producers focus on a few relevant programs rather than have to review an exhaustive list of programs available to entrepreneurs. The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre has no role in determining who will receive assistance under any of these programs.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
-  Business Development Program

ACOA - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

Business Development Bank of Canada
-  Co-Vision - Start-up Financing Solution

BDC - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE)
- Graduate Employment Program
- Linkages
- NL Works
- Student Work and Service Program(SWASP)
- Student Employment Program
- Seasonal Employment Program

HRLE - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (INTRD)
- Commercialization Program
- Craft Industry Development Program
- Innovation Enhancement Program
- Small and Medium Enterprise Fund
- Small Business and Market Development Program

INTRD - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

National Research Council (NRC)
-  NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

21.  What other agencies offer financing?

(Back to table of contents)

Please note that this alphabetical list is provided to help adventure tourism operators focus on a few relevant programs rather than have to review an exhaustive list of programs available to entrepreneurs. The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre has no role in determining who will receive assistance under any of these programs.

Canadian Youth Business Foundation
-  CYBF Loan Program

Community Business Development Corporations
- Financial Assistance Program
- Self Employment Benefits Program
- SEED Capital Program
- business counselling
- other programs (eg. bridge financing; micro loans up to $5,000; training; technical assistance; business plans; financial planning and counselling; export readiness and supplier development)

CBDC - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Revolving Loan Fund
- Awards Program

Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE)
- services to women entrepreneurs at all stages of business development
- Women in Business Initiative (in conjunction with ACOA)

NLOWE - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador

Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
- Ulnooweg Loan
- Aboriginal Business Development Loan
- ABC Aboriginal Youth Business Loan

Ms. Dana Squire
Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
58 Lemarchant Road
St. John's, NL  A1C 6K1
Telephone: (709) 726-3750 or 726-3752
Fax: (709) 726-3742
Web site: http://www.ulnooweg.ca

Banks and Credit Unions
All major banks and credit unions offer small business loans and have a wealth of business information available on their Web sites. Listed below are links to the major financial institutions operating in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• BMO - Business Banking
• CIBC - Business Banking
• HSBC - Business Banking
• NL Credit Union - Business Banking
• RBC - Business Banking
• Scotiabank - Business Banking
• TD Commercial Banking

***From the Interactive Business Planner (IBP)

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.