Host of the Award Winning Podcast Chatter that Matters, Inducted into the Small Business Hall of Fame
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy. What makes them such an essential part of our country’s growth and identity?
Destiny is a matter of choice not chance. With small businesses, Canada isn’t a servant to multi-nationals. Small business knits cultures together. Entrepreneurs overindex among newcomers to Canadian and Indigenous communities bringing fresh ideas, cultural nuances, and strong community ties. These businesses aren’t just economic drivers; they’re expressions of our identity and resilience.
With ongoing economic pressures from tariffs to rising costs, how can SMBs continue to adapt in this uncertainty?
Don’t worry about the global economy, circle your own economy. Build on your Canadian identity, make it easy for Canadians to support Canadians, and use technology to export digitally through the cloud. In addition, economic uncertainty rewards the agile. You either show resilience and make things happen, or you wonder what happened.
With so many digital tools and platforms available, how can SMBs use technology more effectively to reach and retain customers?
People buy from people, not faceless brands. Use technology to personalize and personify your business. Tell your story online, put a face to your brand, and build relationships like you would in person. Digital tools are powerful, but authenticity is what drives connection, trust, and long-term customer loyalty.
How can local communities support SMBs?
Positioning is a start but to truly support SMBs, communities need action. Create incubators, foster mentorship, and partner with brands that are committed to small business growth. The towns that become real hubs are those that invest in people, infrastructure, and relationships, not just promotion.
What excites you most about the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs, and what’s one piece of advice you’d share with them?
This generation grew up as digital natives — gamers, content creators, innovators. They see the world differently and gamify strategy. They are motivated by purpose not just profit. My advice is don’t fear failure, learn wherever you are, and don’t be imprisoned inside the status quo. What worked for your parents is not what will work for you.
