Weekly show where my featured guests and I explore the financial and business challenges women face on the entrepreneurial journey to success. You'll hear them talk about the money side of their businesses in ways you've always wanted to know about, but wouldn't dare ask. They openly share their disappointments, failures, successes, and everything in-between as they grew sales ranging from 6 to 9 figures. Knowing where your business stands financially helps you make critical decisions with confidence. It's simply the best way to be sure you grow a business that fuels the life you want to live.
https://www.christinasjahli.com/
episode 68: How to Finance a Socially Driven Company - The Journey of Kim Aitken (Social Entrepreneurship)
This week I talk with CEO and innovator Kim Aitken about how business owners can prioritize profit and social change. We discuss what it takes to finance capital-intensive businesses, how women entrepreneurs can take advantage of community financing opportunities, and why exporting can help you grow your business.
Kim Aitken is the founder and CEO of Aitken Frame Homes and Aitken Innovations Inc. After moving from Ireland to Canada as an engineering graduate, Kim worked at an engineering firm honing her skills and learning the trade of construction. Later, when she was searching for resources to build her own home, she had the brilliant idea of creating a solution to simplify home construction—and Aitken Frame Homes was born. Now, Kim runs her successful construction company in addition to Aitken Innovations Inc., an education resource for architects, builders, designers, and engineers.
In this episode we talk about:
➤ Kim’s background in engineering (4:52)
➤ How Kim had the idea for her business (7:09)
➤ Weighing the cost of a loan against the value of equity in a property (10:14)
➤ Why the construction industry has issues with cash flow (12:02)
➤ The power of women business owners supporting one another (13:31)
➤ What it’s like to apply for a SheEO venture (14:15)
➤ What the Dragons’ Den process is like (17:38)
➤ Writing an export plan (20:31)
➤ Kim’s advice for women entrepreneurs looking for funds (21:19)
➤ Why it’s helpful to listen to other business owners (22:30)
➤ Looking at community opportunities for money (25:52)
➤ The importance of listening to your gut (27:12)
➤ How Kim’s company is pivoting right now (29:21)
Keep Listening
Curious to learn more about financing?
Check out my conversation with Jennifer Cooke on how Export Development of Canada (EDC) can assist you in expanding your business beyond the coast to coast of Canada.
Contact Me
Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Connect with Kim:
➤ Aitken Frame Homes
➤ Aitken Innovations Inc
➤ Linkedin