Founder Fundamentals EP 02: Setting Up Business Operations with Laura Gabor

Bringing an idea to life takes more than passion—it requires a solid foundation in operations to keep everything running smoothly. Without the right processes in place, businesses can quickly become overwhelmed by financial, legal, and structural challenges. That’s where the 2025 Founder Fundamentals workshop series comes in. Designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a business, this series provides hands-on guidance from experienced professionals. In this second session of the 2025 series, Laura Gabor, co-founder and CEO of Ecologica, shared her insights on building an operational framework that fosters efficiency and scalability. This blog captures key takeaways from her session and how you can apply them to your own business journey.

What is Business Operations?

Business operations refer to the systems, processes, and structures that keep a company running smoothly. Every aspect of a business—from finance to marketing—intersects with operations. A well-organized operation ensures efficiency and growth, even when founders step away.

Think of operations like plumbing: when everything works, you don’t notice it. But when it fails, chaos ensues. That’s why having a strong operational foundation is crucial.

5 Key Business Units in Operations

1. Finance: Ensuring financial stability through budgeting, revenue planning, and automation tools like QuickBooks.
2. Legal: Protecting the business with trademarks, contracts, and compliance with industry regulations.
3. Human Resources (HR) & Culture: Establishing structured hiring, onboarding, and employee management systems to retain top talent.
4. Sales: Defining pricing models, setting sales targets, and using CRM software to streamline customer management.
5. Marketing: Building brand awareness through clear messaging, SEO strategies, and digital engagement.

Deep Dive into Business Operations Units

1. Finance & Budgeting for Startups

• Setting up Financial Systems: Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to manage expenses.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Have a clear revenue projection and key financial metrics.
• Expense Tracking: Implement receipt-keeping solutions to maintain financial records efficiently.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Track revenue, expenses, and growth trends to ensure financial health.

2. Legal Aspects Every Founder Must Know

• Incorporation & Business Structure: Choose between sole proprietorship, federal/provincial incorporation, or an LLC.
• Trademarking & Intellectual Property: Protect your company name, logo, and proprietary technologies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your product meets industry-specific regulations (e.g., health, safety).
• Contracts & Agreements: Employment contracts, NDAs, and vendor agreements should be legally vetted.

3. HR & People Operations: Building a Strong Team

• Hiring & Recruiting: Use structured job descriptions and hiring processes to attract the right talent.
• Onboarding & Training: Create repeatable systems for employee integration.
• Company Culture & Retention: Establish clear policies, benefits, and growth opportunities for employees.
• HR Software: Platforms like Humi help manage employee records, benefits, and contracts.

4. Sales & Marketing: Driving Business Growth

• Understanding Your Market: Identify target customers and create a go-to-market strategy.
• Revenue Models: Consider different pricing strategies—subscription, freemium, or one-time purchases.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Use software like Salesforce or HubSpot to manage client interactions.

Final Takeaways

Business operations may seem overwhelming, but setting up strong systems early simplifies growth. Founders should prioritize automation, documentation, and scalability to build a resilient company.

By implementing clear processes across finance, legal, HR, sales, and marketing, businesses can scale efficiently while avoiding common pitfalls. The key is to create systems that allow your business to thrive—even when you’re not there.

About Founder Fundamentals

Founder Fundamentals is a 12-week workshop series by YSpace and Markham Small Business Centre (MSBC), designed to equip you with essential entrepreneurial skills like business planning, bootstrapping, and Shopify setup. Attend 9+ workshops to earn a Certificate of Recognition and take the first step toward entrepreneurial success!