Perspectives on business financing. Pluxee IMM Connect provides insights into funding opportunities for business growth.
Here’s a funny story.
I was so proud. I had just graduated from the University of Ottawa and landed a management trainee role at a Chartered Bank in Canada. Wow! I thought I was on the path to becoming a banker. Suited up (banker blue, of course), ready to conquer the world of finance.
Then I started asking questions. A lot of them.
Every time I tried to understand the “why” behind a procedure, I got the same reply:
“Paul, don’t ask questions. This is the procedure. Just do as you’re told.”
Not exactly music to the ears of someone with an inquisitive mind.
Unsurprisingly, my 6-month review didn’t go too well.
Joanne—my manager—was tough but caring. I still joke with her to this day: “Joanne, you’re the reason I left the bank after six months. That review was brutal!”
But here’s the thing—Joanne was also incredibly supportive. Whenever I hit rough patches financially (young family, tight budget), she was always there to help me through. Thanks to her, I learned a valuable lesson I’ve carried for decades:
If you’re having trouble making mortgage payments—or any financial obligation—be proactive and upfront with your bank.
They deal with these situations every day. Honesty and transparency not only show integrity but also make their job easier because they’re not guessing at what’s going on.
Fast Forward 20 Years…
I didn’t take an MBA in finance. I decided to learn the hard way.
I went to events. I spoke to corporate bankers. I attended startup and scaleup pitching sessions, often standing in rooms full of private equity pros, and seasoned entrepreneurs. I asked a lot of questions—awkward ones at first. Then I read up on my own to understand the different funding options and financial tools available to businesses.
It’s a slow build. But I’m still learning.
Want a faster learning journey?
Take a shortcut.
Go to Pluxee IMM Connect.
It’s packed with insights from people who’ve done it:
- Alternative financing and serial entrepreneurs
- Funding professionals who can walk you through non-refundable grant programs
- Tax experts who understand the incentives available to founders
- And founders who’ve successfully funded and grown their ventures.
The platform is designed to help you put the pieces of the funding puzzle together.
If you’ve been following my posts, you know I studied a bit of accounting—and it helped. But funding? That’s a whole different beast. It requires continuous learning, and more importantly, access to people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s where Pluxee IMM Connect comes in.
It bridges the gaps. It accelerates your learning. And, it gives you a space to ask better questions—faster.
A final word to entrepreneurs
If it’s not clear by now:
Funding drives the business.
You can’t scale if you’re not investing in your own growth.
So go explore Pluxee IMM Connect, a trusted platform built around the real needs of entrepreneurs, with practical resources to help you navigate the key factors that fund your business. Watch the interviews. Learn from the experts. Start putting the puzzle together.
I promise—just like in my case—the questions become a lot easier over time.
💡Ready to connect with a dynamic entrepreneurial community?
👉 Join Pluxee IMM Connect
Paul Renaud
/ this article is a paid partnership /