Challenge: Ensuring continued growth
Solution: Continually changing to meet - and exceed - market needs
For Alongside Inc., the only constant in business is change. Launched in 2014, the Moncton-based hiring software company is currently “rebuilding from the ground up,” says Co-founder and CEO, Yves Boudreau.
Established to improve communications between employers and job seekers, the company is now forging its next iteration. “We are moving towards offering our customers even more flexibility, so they can be empowered to arrange their hiring environments just the way they like it.”
Alongside – the first Atlantic Canadian company to be invited to complete the 500 Startups’ five-month accelerator program in San Francisco – optimizes the recruiting process for employers and job seekers. The company helps bridge the communication gaps between employers and job seekers by leveraging recruitment marketing services, job advertising, employer branding, and social recruiting. Yves notes that employers benefit from the software because they can more successfully compete for talent and improve candidate engagement. While job seekers have a supportive application process that helps them land a position that will truly satisfy them.
The software is a robust, yet simple, applicant tracking system that allows businesses to manage and communicate with all their candidates. But the software goes beyond numbers. Employers can develop a careers page and create job postings that mirror their employer brand and grab the attention of candidates. Postings also get maximum exposure with access to many popular and niche job boards across Canada and the United States.
“Our ability to combine marketing with recruiting differentiates us from other companies,” says Yves. “Our job seekers experience the best application process on the market.”
Today, Alongside, which has 12 full-time employees, is poised for even greater growth. As it completes its most recent upgrade and expansion, the company which nearly doubled its revenue last year is on track to double revenue once again in 2018. It’s also gearing up for increased business in Atlantic Canada. The company just announced they are powering CareerBeacon.com, the region’s largest and most visited job board. “This will give CareerBeacon customers access to the user-friendly and innovative tools Alongside developed,” notes Yves.
The CEO has some blunt advice for new start-ups and companies looking to grow their business. “It’s good to trust your gut, but you need to be very self-aware. You never want to get complacent.”
According to Yves, staying current is also critical. “You need to do effective market research. Get on a plane and go to your mecca. Get out of your comfort zone. Build relationships.”
Accessing financial capital is something the Government of Canada recognizes as critical to building, growing and scaling a business. Just under $500,000 in support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will help Alongside grow their brand and reach a larger market audience through print, radio and video assets.
Alongside Inc. is a prime example of how innovation and resourcefulness fuel Atlantic Canada’s economy, at home and beyond.
Do you have a business concept? Do you have an innovative idea to improve or grow your business? For more information on programs and services available to businesses in Atlantic Canada call 1-800-561-7862 or go to canada.ca/acoa.
