Hang in there - I'm located in Ottawa as well - and this summer has been brutally quiet in terms of trying to find new clients. I had a parent move her little one to a liscenced facility with no notice what so ever, I advertised all summer and I still have the opening. =( It's only in the last week or so that things have picked up. If you can, try not to buy any more than is necessary in the way of supplies, and take heart - keep your receipts and you can claim all of those expenses against your income earned come tax time. Also, try not to take on clients who aren't a good fit (crazy long hours, only part time care needed, etc.) These clients are NEVER worth the imposition and yet they always seem to show up when we're doubting our own abilties. I interviewed one lady who is expecting a baby in 6 months and she is looking for care for her older daughter - but she has no idea what her plans are for that child when she goes on mat leave (really?) and she would like me to "hold" a spot for her unborn child (approximately 18 months from now) I'm not kidding ! You just hand in there and keep doing a good job with your current dcb - work has a way of always finding you ! =)