Small business owners in Canada love their work: Part 2
By Daniel Kosir | July 6, 2011
Small business owners in Montreal are the happiest in the country, pulling ahead of their counterparts in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
According to the 2011 TD Canada Trust Small Business Survey, around 7 in 10 small business owners in Montreal describe themselves as "very happy," enjoying the freedom and control that comes with ownership.
"Many people dream of being their own boss and owning their own business one day, so it's no surprise that so many small business owners are happy where they are right now," says TD Regional Sales Manager Gaston Trepanier.
"In 2011 we saw an increase in the happiness levels of small business owners compared with the previous year. When owners are optimistic, they tend to be more likely to invest in their business by boosting spending and hiring, which is great for their local communities."
Results by city
Percentage of small business owners who say they are "very happy":
- Montreal: 70 per cent
- Toronto: 68 per cent
- Vancouver: 66 per cent
- Calgary: 60 per cent
What are the keys to happiness?
| Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Calgary | |
| Being your own boss | 97% | 87% | 96% | 94% |
| Control of own destiny | 90% | 93% | 94% | 94% |
| Sense of personal achievement | 97% | 94% | 93% | 96% |
| Opportunity for more money | 81% | 80% | 90% | 85% |
| Helping customers and clients | 96% | 95% | 97% | 96% |
Aspects of business affected by strong dollar:
| Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Calgary | |
| Profits from exports | 23% | 46% | 46% | 25% |
| Financial forecasting | 27% | N/A | 46% | 14% |
| International Demand/Sales | N/A | 33% | N/A | 14% |
Managing work/personal life balance
| Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Calgary | |
| Hours per week | 47.6 | 46.2 | 49.1 | 52.1 |
| Trouble separating business/personal life | 42% | 59% | 61% | 67% |
| Can't take mind off of business | 84% | 92% | 92% | 89% |
This article is the second half of a two part series. For Part One, see Small business owners in Canada love their work, despite long hours
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