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.

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But for the entrepreneurs behind them, turning a bold idea into a sustainable business can often feel like an uphill climb.

In today’s business landscape, there’s no shortage of tools available: software, shipping solutions, marketing automation, and financing options are all in abundance. However, long-term success takes more than simple access to services. It takes connection. Founders need to know where to turn for trusted guidance, how to navigate a fragmented support system, and how to build relationships that open real doors.

That’s where Startup Canada comes in. As the national convener of Canada’s entrepreneur ecosystem, we are here to make sure every founder, whether they’re in downtown Calgary or in a remote section of the Territories, has access to the right people, programs, and opportunities at the right time. With over $200,000 in dedicated funding committed across our 2026 programs, the question for any ambitious founder isn’t whether they should get involved; it’s why they didn’t get involved sooner.

Beyond the Screen: Mobilizing Support Across the Country

Entrepreneurship doesn’t happen in isolation, and neither should entrepreneurial support. Through initiatives like the Startup Canada Tour, founders have access to resources, expertise, and mentorship, all while having the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs.

These events are more than conferences. They’re dynamic, hands-on experiences designed to tackle the real challenges founders face, like navigating government programs, securing growth capital, or expanding into international markets.

Rather than asking entrepreneurs to navigate through layers of complexity alone, the Startup Canada tour brings the ecosystem to them. Policymakers, industry leaders, and support organizations join founders under one roof, transforming red tape into real conversations and clear next steps. Several organizations across Canada offer similar events to support the Canadian ecosystem; it’s important for Canadian entrepreneurs to seek these opportunities out to streamline the support and resources they need to take their business to the next level.

The Power of the Right Information and the Right Connection at the Right Time

For many entrepreneurs, success hinges on more than just a great idea; it often comes down to access to the right information and the right connection when you need it most. Entrepreneurs need to seek out organizations that create these pivotal moments both virtually and in-person to ensure they have the guidance, mentorship, and exposure they need to grow. At Startup Canada, we offer this support through:

• Startup Canada Tour: Founders connect in person with keynote speakers, panellists, and mentors, engage in fireside chats, and build meaningful relationships through structured networking and storytelling.

• Ask the Expert Lounges: Founders can connect one-on-one with experts for tailored, confidential advice on everything from digital marketing to fundraising.
  
  
• Startup Global Pitch Competition: Founders compete for their share of over $100,000 in cash prizes, gaining exposure to investors and media while showcasing Canadian innovation on a national stage.

• Equal Slice Pitch Competitions: In partnership with Pizza Hut, these competitions award  $100,000 in cash funding plus mentorship and education to Canadian founders, providing national exposure and celebrating inclusive entrepreneurship across the country.

• Webinars and Roundtables: Our virtual sessions cover practical topics such as finance, scaling, hiring, marketing, and navigating government programs, making expert guidance accessible wherever founders are.
  
  
• Startup Canada Podcast: Entrepreneurs hear firsthand from founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders, sharing insights, lessons learned, and stories of resilience from across Canada.
  
  
• Ecosystem Connections: From accelerators and incubators to local economic development offices, Startup Canada bridges founders to programs, mentors, and partners who can help transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
  
  

By combining practical advice, mentorship, and high-value connections, Startup Canada ensures that Canadian founders have the tools and networks they need to succeed, no matter where their entrepreneurial journey begins.

Building a Stronger Ecosystem, Together

Canadian entrepreneurs are resilient and resourceful, building businesses that contribute to our economy’s growth, diversity, and global competitiveness. Our role at Startup Canada is to amplify that strength by ensuring the ecosystem around them is connected and coordinated.

Through our partnerships with all levels of Canadian government, private sector business supporters like UPS and Mastercard, and hundreds of national and local non-profits, accelerators, and economic development organizations, Startup Canada unites Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring founders can access the right support at the right time

To strengthen the Canadian economy, we must invest in the people driving it. Startup Canada will continue to be the national voice and central hub that connects, guides, and empowers every entrepreneur to start, scale, and succeed, no matter where they are in their journey.

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Interview with Ryan Mallough, Vice-President of Legislative Affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

How Are Small Businesses Across Canada Faring Right Now?

If you used one word to sum up the year for Canadian small businesses, it’d be “uncertain.” From sudden tariff changes to labour disruptions, it’s been a really challenging year to plan even a few weeks ahead, let alone months.

First up, President Trump’s unpredictable tariffs have turned Canada-U.S. trade on its head. Nearly half of small businesses surveyed by CFIB no longer view the U.S. as a reliable trading partner. Canadian importers have only just seen counter-tariffs lifted, exporters are facing a range of tariffs on Canadian goods. On top of that, the loss of the $800 U.S. de minimis exemption has hit one-third of Canadian SMEs hard. Consumers aren’t faring much better. In fact, weak demand has been the primary barrier to small business growth, according to CFIB’s Monthly Business Barometer.

As all three countries enter their formal Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review consultation period, protecting the agreement should be the top priority in upcoming trade negotiations.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Canada Post strike has added another headache. Four in five small firms still rely on Canada Post for its cost-effective service. Yet, with delays piling up and cheques, invoices and parcels stuck in the system, many are switching to other couriers. Most small business owners are backing major Canada Post reforms, even if it means sacrificing some service or convenience.

What’s Ahead for Small Businesses in the Coming Months?

Taxes and regulatory burdens are weighing heavily on small firms, and there’s a real need for cost relief from all levels of government.

The federal government will present its budget on November 4, and we’re hoping it addresses key unresolved issues.

Our list of priorities includes returning more than $600 million in carbon tax rebates, delivering on promises to increase the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LGCE), pursuing the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive and returning tariff revenue to affected small businesses.

We also urge the government to lower the small business tax rate, cut red tape, and follow through on eliminating internal trade barriers. This budget is an opportunity for Ottawa to give small firms some of the stability they desperately need to close out the year on a high note.

With the busy retail season on the horizon, we’re also encouraging Canadians to support local, independent businesses. CFIB research shows that 66 cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays within the community, supporting jobs and boosting the local economy. What better way to kick off your holiday shopping than by supporting the businesses that make your community thrive?

How Does CFIB Support Small Businesses?

CFIB’s strength lies in the power of our 100,000-member network. Whether it’s advocating for fair competition policies, fighting for lower taxes, or helping businesses navigate new regulations, we’re here to make sure small business owners’ voices are heard in the halls of power across the country.

With tariffs, new regulations and trade deals on the table, there’s a lot on our plate. But we’re committed to standing up for small businesses every step of the way.

For more information on how we’re supporting small businesses, visit cfib.ca.  

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Owning your own business is exciting. Being your own boss, helping grow your community, and contributing to Canada’s economic growth is something to be proud of. But like anything that’s worthwhile, being the owner of a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) can be challenging. There are unexpected expenses and cash-flow gaps. Taking your business to the next level and doing what it takes to stay competitive requires money you may not have readily available.

Running a business in Canada means facing hurdles and navigating growth in unique ways. Seasonal inventory costs can be a financial strain, as are critical equipment upgrades. Cross-border supply chain volatility and political uncertainty are making things tougher than ever.

Fast, flexible funding

“Don’t let securing the funding you need now become a challenge. Advance Funds Network (AFN) works with Canadian SMBs in every industry, matching your business with the funding solution that suits you best. AFN also partners with financial brokers, business consultants, and payment processors who utilize our network to support their clients’ capital needs. We offer rapid, flexible, working capital options beyond what the bank can provide. AFN can deliver ‘Same-Day Funding’, so you don’t have to sit and wait and worry for weeks on end,” says Irving Betesh, Chief Revenue Officer at AFN.

For the last 18 years, we are committed to building long-term relationships, both with our SMB and our partners who trust AFN when their clients need reliable alternative funding solutions. We provide access to the largest business loan referral network in Canada and the U.S.,” adds Betesh.

What are some of the biggest financial challenges Canadian SMBs face today and how can Advance Funds Network help them stay resilient?

“The main problem stems from insufficient banking alternatives beyond the “Big Five.” The two main obstacles that businesses encounter stem from the “slow churn” process which extends funding acquisition time, and the inability to obtain flexible funding when credit scores are poor or when businesses need urgent recapitalization. Advance Funds Network enables SMB success through its ability to provide same-day capital which enables fast action and immediate opportunity capture.”

AFN has built a name around fast, flexible solutions. How does your model empower business owners differently than traditional banking options?

“Our model liberates owners from cumbersome antiquated bank procedures. The big five typically require business owners to submit previous years’ T-Slips along with detailed financial documents for approval. Our process relies on credit information and six months of banking records to determine a company’s eligibility. Our fast approval process enables the potential for same-day funds delivery for qualified businesses.”

After 18 years in business, Advance Funds Network has cultivated deep partnerships and local expertise. How does this long-term relationship model strengthen your impact on Canadian entrepreneurs today?

“With nearly 2 decades of experience under our belt, we’ve got that invaluable local expertise that Canadian entrepreneurs need.  We reject the “cookie-cutter” approach, and tailor the offerings based on what’s genuinely best for the business. These customized solutions help businesses pivot, control expenses and proactively diversify their operations.  We see ourselves as a reliable partner, not just a transactional model.”

Please visit afnllc.ca to learn more about getting funding approved in minutes. To Partner with us, learn more here. https://advancefundsnetwork.com/become-a-partner/

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Dara Bergeron

Co-owner, Kindred Coffee Bar

The City of Kawartha Lakes offers an ideal environment for small businesses to grow and thrive.

Kawartha Lakes is home to over 6,800 businesses, and the municipality boasts a strong, supportive business community. Many entrepreneurs today face rising costs, talent shortages, and the pressures of scaling in competitive markets, along with the dilemma of staying close to the GTA for clients, suppliers, and talent while balancing affordability and work-life balance. Kawartha Lakes offers the best of both worlds.

Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the City of Kawartha Lakes is also home to around 80,000 year-round residents (a number projected to grow to 117,000 by 2051) and 30,000 seasonal residents. Each year, the city welcomes over 1.6 million domestic tourists, who flock to the area for its stunning natural environment, outdoor and waterfront recreation, cottage-country lifestyle, cultural attractions, and local food.

Building a thriving, diverse local economy

Kawartha Lakes provides resources and supports to attract new businesses and support growth. Whether business owners are looking to launch a startup or to scale up, expand, and grow, they benefit from the city’s booming business community and robust support system.

“Moving my business to Kawartha Lakes has been a game-changer for business growth and work-life balance,” says Graeme Barrie, owner of Netmechanics. “The local business network is incredibly supportive. There’s always someone willing to connect you with the right resource or opportunity.”

“When I co-opened my first coffee shop, the local support and strong business network helped us blossom and even open a second location within just two years,” says Dara Bergeron, co-owner of Kindred Coffee Bar.

Check out the Move My Business page for helpful resources, or fill in a Connect Direct form to chat with a Kawartha Lakes local. If you’re not ready to make the jump to Kawartha Lakes yet, sign up for its newsletter to stay connected and receive updates. Learn more at kawarthalakes.ca.

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It’s a multi-billion-dollar question. Small- and medium-sized businesses generate the lion’s share of Canada’s GDP, employ the most people in our country and are the engines of prosperity in our communities. Canada’s future depends on their success. So, how can we boost their survival rate, especially in today’s uncertain economy?

“There’s no magic bullet,” says Karen Greve Young, CEO of the national non-profit Futurpreneur, which helps aspiring entrepreneurs ages 18–39 to start or buy a business. “But after working with thousands of young entrepreneurs across Canada, it’s clear that one unique part of our offering has a huge impact on founders’ success: mentorship.”

Futurpreneur’s proven model: loan financing with mentorship

Since 1996, Futurpreneur has supported more than 20,000 entrepreneurs in launching over 15,600 businesses spanning every province and territory. New data shows that 80 per cent of Futurpreneur-supported businesses are still operating beyond the critical five-year mark — a survival rate 27 per cent higher than the national average. 

Greve Young attributes this high success rate to her organization’s distinct combo: loan financing with mentorship. “Entrepreneurs can have all the ingredients necessary for success — a solid business plan, financing and, of course, steadfast determination — and yet still not make it, especially if they’re young and just starting out,” she says. “Today’s market is crowded, and competition is fierce. I think Futurpreneur’s volunteer mentors give our entrepreneurs a real edge in succeeding despite these challenges.”

Today’s market is crowded, and competition is fierce. I think Futurpreneur’s volunteer mentors give our entrepreneurs a real edge in succeeding despite these challenges.

Small commitment, massive impact

That’s because Futurpreneur’s 2,200-plus volunteer mentors are themselves experienced entrepreneurs and senior business leaders. 

They come from all industries and backgrounds, drawing on their many career lessons learned to counsel young entrepreneurs on everything from sales and marketing to business development and expansion. With a commitment of only two to four hours a month for up to two years, they offer incredible business impact for a relatively small investment of time. 

Beyond advice, mentors also offer critical network connections, help entrepreneurs navigate complex systems and support their work with suppliers. Most importantly, they offer a calm sounding board when their mentees are facing doubts. 

“Let’s face it, we’ve all been there and wished we had someone to ask whether we should take that risk or make that decision,” says Sherri Carlson, a Futurpreneur volunteer mentor since May 2019. “Futurpreneur has given me the chance to be the mentor I wish I’d had.”

Carlson says she’s advised 10 mentees over the years and is thrilled whenever she sees her advice pay off. “What could be more gratifying than knowing you helped someone build a business that employs people, generates income and supports families?” she says. “We need more made-in-Canada businesses like these.” 

Carlson also acknowledges it’s a win for her, too. She’s learned new skills in mentorship, honed her communication skills and expanded her professional network by connecting with Futurpreneur’s other volunteer mentors.

Made-in-Canada businesses are making Canada stronger

If a recent RBC poll is any indication, the demand for Futurpreneur’s mentorship with loan financing is set to grow even further. The annual RBC Small Business Poll found that 59 per cent of Canadians now aspire to own a business, a new peak for this country. 

According to the poll, eight in 10 Canadians believe small business ownership is a viable way to earn a living, and Futurpreneur is ready to help make that happen, whether it’s by helping entrepreneurs start a new business or buy an existing business.

“Entrepreneurship has always been firmly embedded in the Canadian psyche, and recent global events have lit a new fire under Canada’s aspiring entrepreneurs,” says Greve Young. “The companies we’ve supported already contribute $9.4 billion annually to Canada’s GDP. As more young Canadians look to build their future by building — or buying — local businesses, that figure is only going to go up.” 

The good news is that all Canadians can contribute to this important movement, even if they aren’t entrepreneurs or mentors themselves. As more Canadians choose to buy Canadian, their actions drive economic prosperity for all — just when it matters most.

Futurpreneur provides young entrepreneurs with loan financing up to $75,000 to start or buy a business, plus up to two years of one-on-one mentorship.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Visit futurpreneur.ca/en/be-the-mentor-you-wish-you-had/ to learn more.

The post Small Businesses, Big Impact: Entrepreneurs Are Key to Our Economy appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Dan Kelly

President & CEO, CFIB

As small businesses face rising costs and new trade realities, ShipTime is helping them ship smarter and grow stronger.

Running a small business in Canada has never been simple. Entrepreneurs today face a landscape shaped by rising costs, shifting tariffs, evolving customs requirements, and increasing customer expectations. Once a straightforward operational task, shipping has become a critical factor that can influence profitability, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth.

ShipTime was created to help address these challenges. The Canadian logistics technology platform is designed to make shipping more predictable, efficient, and affordable. By connecting small businesses to discounted shipping from leading national couriers, including Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, Purolator, Uber, DHL, and more, ShipTime removes barriers that can stand in the way of growth. Its focus is on giving business owners practical tools that help them spend less time managing logistics and more time building their companies.

Tools that reflect small business realities

As global trade changes and consumer expectations rise, small businesses need shipping solutions that evolve alongside them. Many are managing logistics with limited budgets and small teams, where every decision about timing, cost, and delivery matters.

ShipTime’s ongoing development is centred on solving these real-world challenges. Paperless commercial invoicing helps reduce delays at the border, while built-in duties and tax calculators give business owners greater visibility before they ship internationally. Real-time rate comparisons allow them to make informed decisions about which carrier best meets their needs.

For many, the ability to connect these tools directly to platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce reduces the time spent on logistics tasks and allows them to focus on their customers and growth.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their success is critical to Canada’s future. Our goal is to provide them with the support and resources they need to adapt and thrive.

Partnering to empower entrepreneurs

Partnership plays a key role in ShipTime’s approach. Its long-standing collaboration with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) ensures members benefit from reliable shipping solutions and advocacy on important issues such as postal disruptions and trade policy. ShipTime also partners with Costco, giving small business owners and Costco members access to discounted shipping and logistics tools that help them save money and operate more efficiently.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their success is critical to Canada’s future,” says Austin Lewis, CEO and CFO of ShipTime. “Our goal is to provide them with the support and resources they need to adapt and thrive.”

“With recent postal service and supply chain disruptions, we’ve seen how important it is for small businesses to have access to reliable and affordable shipping,” says Dan Kelly, President, CEO, and Chair of the Board of Governors of the CFIB. “This is why we’re excited to renew our partnership with ShipTime to help CFIB members save thousands of dollars each year.” 

Get started with ShipTime at shiptime.com.

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Purolator is helping power Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit with its True North Small Business Grant Contest. 

Small business is big business in Canada. Of the more than one million businesses in Canada, 98 percent are small enterprises, employing almost six million Canadians¹. They are a significant contributor to the country’s economic output, with more than half our GDP generated by small businesses. Despite these big numbers, small business ownership remains challenging.

The backing small businesses need

If a thriving economy and Canada’s prosperity relies on the growth and success of small businesses—and it does, then supporting them is the answer. As a proudly owned and operated Canadian business for 65 years, Purolator, one of Canada’s leading integrated freight, package, and logistics providers delivers vital support through its True North Small Business Grant contest, which is now open and offering its largest-ever funding to assist Canadian small businesses. The grant helps businesses scale by improving operations, accessing new market opportunities, and increasing brand visibility, which expands their impact in communities across Canada.

Purolator has always been committed to helping businesses move forward, and our True North Small Business Grant Contest is one way we’re doing even more

Stacey Cummings, Director Marketing, Purolator

“Canadian small businesses are showing remarkable strength, as they navigate increasing economic and political challenges. Purolator has always been committed to helping businesses move forward, and our True North Small Business Grant Contest is one way we’re doing even more,” said Stacey Cummings, Director, Marketing, Purolator. “This year, we’ve increased our support to amplify the impact of entrepreneurs whose work helps shape vibrant communities and strengthen Canada’s economy.”

Creating positive change 

Five Canadian small businesses will each receive $25,000 in cash and $500 to ship with Purolator. Two of the grants will be reserved for Purolator customers. Additionally, 33 finalists and 12 nominators will each receive a $500 gift card. The deadline for nominations is November 5, 2025. 

First Indigenous Biomass Future Inc., a 2023 True North Small Business Grant Contest recipient knows first-hand the benefits of support for small businesses. “Purolator’s commitment to investing in small businesses through the True North Small Business Grant is the kind of support that helps businesses like ours grow with purpose and continue to create positive change in our communities,” said Melissa Minks, the company’s President. “If you know a small business making a meaningful difference for Canadians, nominate them—it’s a chance to bring awareness to the impact they’re having every day.” 

Purolator’s True North Small Business Grant Contest began in 2021. Including this year’s grant funding, almost half a million dollars has been awarded to small businesses and members of their community.

Apply today and learn more about the True North Small Business Grant Contest at purolator.com/small-business-grant. 

Let’s start a relation-ship
See other ways Purolator helps small businesses succeed.

1. https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/sme-research-statistics/en/key-small-business-statistics/key-small-business-statistics-2024 ︎

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