Bootstrapping a business can mean more control, but can pose challenges in planning and payroll

To fund her business, Main Stage Rehearsal Studios, Kelly Ng sold investment properties she owned in Toronto to buy a large warehouse space in Hamilton with her husband. Many women entrepreneurs find it challenging to get financing, so they choose to bootstrap their businesses at the beginning.

Maple Rose Furigay started her business by accident. The Edmonton architectural technologist was let go from her job at a permitting company just before the 2020 pandemic lockdowns but found there was plenty of work in an industry that had been declared “essential” as others were forced to go remote.

“I was busy right away and have continued to be insanely busy since day one,” says Ms. Furigay, whose company Inplico Design Solutions specializes in design, drafting, permitting and compliance for