Connect Better Inc. delivers keynotes and programs that rebuild essential human skills—like connection, communication, and creativity—in today’s technical world. Founded by engineer and keynote speaker Emily Nichols, the company inspires teamwork from the front lines to the C-suite.
For several years, Emily ran her business as a sole proprietorship under her own name. She was determined to build a business that delivered keynotes and programs to empower teams through human connection, communication and creativity. Being an entrepreneur with an engineering background, she was used to managing things independently—including doing her own bookkeeping and accounting.
As her business grew, she wondered if it was time to transition to a more formal structure. Emily sought advice on whether incorporation was the right next step or if she should remain as a sole proprietor. That is when she connected with GBA. She was looking for a team who could handle the technical details, offer expert guidance, and ensure a smooth transition to incorporation—allowing her to focus on what she does best: growing her business.
Since becoming a GBA client, Emily incorporated her business and launched her new brand: Connect Better Inc. The corporation officially acquired the assets of her existing sole proprietorship—a key step that GBA facilitated with accounting guidance and coordination with legal professionals. “First, I spoke with Trevor and Angela. When it was time to move ahead with incorporation, Angela sent instructions to the lawyer, and they already knew what to do,” Emily explains. “I didn’t have to worry about missing steps or doing it wrong—I had support, and I could follow their lead.” GBA’s collaboration with the legal team ensured an efficient and seamless transition.
GBA’s support did not stop at incorporation. The team completed Connect Better Inc.’s first corporate income tax return and corporate HST filings and helped her understand key requirements like paying tax instalments to avoid interest charges. “That kind of clarity makes a real difference,” she says.
With connection as a common theme between her own business and her experience as a client of GBA, Emily appreciates the personalized service she gets, whether calling the office and speaking to one of our Admin Team or meeting with Angela to ask questions or seek advice. She is appreciative of the full-service support. “Not only does having GBA completing our personal taxes take something off my plate, but it also makes it easier to get advice on aspects like how I can pay myself as an entrepreneur.”
Now operating under the Connect Better Inc. brand, Emily has a reliable accounting partner in GBA. She is focused on growth and is in pursuit of her next goal: international growth. “Ultimately, as I expand, I know I can ask questions and trust the advice of the team—both GBA and the lawyers,” she adds. Looking ahead, Emily is excited about the future of Connect Better Inc. and the continued guidance she will receive from GBA. “It’s been such a relief to have a trusted team around me. I can ask questions, make informed decisions, and know that I have the support I need to keep growing.”
How will GBA drive my business to where it needs to be?
Connect Better is about strengthening connection, communication, and creativity—and that’s exactly what I found working with GBA. It is a true partnership that lets me stay focused on growing my business while having the support I need.
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