CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

As we welcome the April 2025 edition of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, we are excited to shine a spotlight on two key areas that are shaping the future of Canadian businesses: E-Commerce and Sustainability. This month’s issue delves into the latest e-commerce trends in Canada, offering essential insights to help businesses adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape. This month, we are honored to feature Shauna Lenius, President of Freshco.ca, as our Business Woman of the Month. Shauna’s remarkable leadership and innovative spirit offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs across Canada, proving that perseverance and adaptability are key to success in today’s competitive environment. We also explore the importance of fraud protection for small businesses, with expert advice from RBC on low-cost measures to safeguard your operations. Amanda Parker, General Manager of Constant Contact Canada, shares insights on navigating economic shifts, while Amber Mac, President of AmberMac Media, highlights lessons from Canada’s small-business heroes in the innovation economy. In addition, this edition features a special look at how AI is revolutionizing fraud prevention, a pressing topic for businesses striving to stay ahead in the digital age. We also explore how Trackunit is doing more than just building technology—they are strengthening communities and fostering collaboration in London, Ontario. As always, our goal is to empower Canadian SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and stories that inspire innovation, resilience, and growth. We hope this edition provides you with practical insights that will help drive your business forward in 2025 and beyond. Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy this month's inspiring content! A special thank you to our partners RBC, UPS, and Google for their ongoing commitment to empowering small businesses in Canada. Read the complete issue here: https://lnkd.in/ehASPuq6

🌟 Building Resilient Organizations: Talent, Leadership, and Change Management! Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, where we explore the strategies and insights that empower Canadian businesses to thrive. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on three crucial aspects that are essential for business success: talent acquisition and retention, leadership development, and change management. These elements are critical for navigating both the challenges and opportunities of today’s business landscape. Recent trends emphasize the growing importance of attracting and retaining top talent, developing strong leadership capabilities, and creating resilient organizations that can adapt to the fast-paced changes in the business environment. This episode is packed with valuable insights for SMEs looking to build a solid foundation for long-term growth. Joining us today is Joanna Kirke, MBA, PCC, CEO, Executive Coach, and Leadership Developer, who brings extensive experience in delivering strategic leadership development programs. Joanna is passionate about helping organizations unlock their full potential through effective leadership and resilience-building strategies. 🔊 In this episode, we’ll cover: 💡 Attracting and retaining top talent in today’s competitive job market 💡 Developing leadership capabilities that drive success and growth 💡 Managing change and building resilience to thrive in a constantly evolving world A special shoutout to SK Uddin for making this happen! 👏 A big thank you to our podcast partners RBC, UPS, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google for their continued support in empowering small businesses. Let’s dive in and uncover the keys to building a strong, successful, and resilient organization! 🎙️ #CanadianSMEPodcast #TalentAcquisition #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #SMBSuccess #Entrepreneurship

#BusinessLeaderSpotlight Ray Russell, Founder & CEO of Freshslice Pizza, is a true embodiment of vision and resilience. Arriving in Canada with just $8 in his pocket, Ray built one of the country’s fastest-growing pizza chains, now boasting over 100 locations across Canada and expanding into the U.S. By eliminating royalties and advertising fees, he revolutionized the franchise model, empowering entrepreneurs to succeed while delivering high-quality, affordable pizza. His journey is a testament to grit, innovation, and the power of entrepreneurship. 🌟 Discover more inspiring stories like Ray Russell’s—subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23 today! #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseSuccess #LeadershipInBusiness #FreshslicePizza

 “Canada Grows When Small Business Grows” What does the future of Canada look like? Look no further than your local main street. It’s in the cozy cafés that remember your order. It’s in the homegrown brands disrupting industries. It’s in the immigrant entrepreneur taking a leap of faith. Small businesses are where innovation starts and where community thrives. They take risks, solve problems, and build jobs from the ground up. Every dollar you spend locally fuels a cycle of growth that touches lives across the nation. 📈 Did you know? ✔Small businesses make up over 98% of all businesses in Canada ✔They employ two-thirds of Canada’s total private workforce ✔They’re the first to give back to their communities—and often the last to ask for help But even heroes need a helping hand. Your support can be the reason a business survives. Or grows. Or dares to dream even bigger. 💬 Take a moment today to tag a small business that inspires you. Share their story. Uplift their mission. Because when they win, we all win. #SupportCanadianSMEs #SmallBusinessChampions #LocalFirst #CanadaUnited #BusinessWithPurpose #EntrepreneurSpirit Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Toronto Region Board of Trade

🌟 Be Part of the Revolution at the CanadianSME Small Business Show 2025! 🌟 At the CanadianSME Small Business Show 2025, we’re more than just an event—we’re a movement. 🚀 The future of small businesses in Canada is about innovation, collaboration, and impact. And you can be at the forefront of it all. 🌱 📅 Date: May 29, 2025 📍 Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre This is where bold business owners come to elevate their brands, expand their networks, and create lasting partnerships. The CanadianSME Small Business Show is the premier event for those ready to take the leap and move their business forward. Why exhibit? ✔ Get direct access to thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders ✔ Gain insights into future-proofing your business with solutions that work ✔ Connect with a community of like-minded innovators who are shaping the future of Canada’s business landscape ✔ Amplify your brand visibility and expand your market reach with national exposure Don’t miss out on the chance to lead in a community of game-changers. ⏳ Book your booth now and be part of the future of Canadian business! 👉 Reserve your booth here: https://lnkd.in/g6PSwDzf #CanadianSME #SMEShow2025 #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurshipCanada #NetworkingOpportunities #SmallBusinessSuccess #EmpowerSMEs #InnovationInBusiness #LeadTheMovement #GameChangingBusiness #ExhibitWithUs #EntrepreneursOfCanada Kripa Anand, SK Uddin

🚀 Maximizing Success for SMBs: Strategic Software, Partnerships, and Adapting to Change! Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, where we uncover the strategies and technologies that empower Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on strategic software investment, effective partnerships, and adapting to rapid change—all key factors for SMB success in today’s fast-evolving marketplace. Recent trends highlight the critical need for technology adoption, building collaborative business relationships, and maintaining agility to navigate market fluctuations. This discussion is packed with insights to help businesses maximize their productivity and marketability. Joining us today is Sunir Shah, President of the Cloud Software Association, a trade association of SMB SaaS companies, and a seasoned builder of SaaS solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Sunir’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing SMBs makes him an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs looking to drive growth and innovation in their businesses. 🔊 In this episode, we’ll discuss: 💡 How to think about partnerships for ROI and drive success 💡 What AI can do for and against small businesses 💡 How to stay on top of changes in trade, technology, finance, and markets A special shoutout to SK Uddin for making this happen! 👏 A big thank you to our podcast partners RBC, UPS, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google for their continued support in empowering small businesses. Let’s dive in and explore how SMBs can thrive in a rapidly changing world! 🎙️ #CanadianSMEPodcast #SaaSforSMBs #AIinBusiness #BusinessGrowth #StrategicPartnerships #TechnologyAdoption #SMBSuccess #Innovation

🚀 Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bars is on the move! Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar, the go-to destination for gender-neutral, inclusive hair removal, is thrilled to announce the official grand opening of its newest location in Cambridge, Ontario on May 10. With an authentic, judgement-free approach, they continue to inspire and empower Canadians to celebrate their uniqueness and revolutionize the hair removal space. To mark the occasion, Foxy Box is offering exciting grand opening promotions, including one FREE Brazilian Wax or Underarm Laser service, 30% off service bundles, and 20% off all products. 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVzUU6FA

🎓 Empowering the Workforce Through Education with Vishal Manocha 🎓 In this impactful episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, we sit down with Vishal Manocha, Director at A1 Global College of Health, Business and Technology, to explore the pivotal role private career colleges play in shaping Canada’s workforce. 🔑 Key Insights from Vishal Manocha: ✔️ Meeting industry demands with tailored educational programs. ✔️ Guiding students from classrooms to careers through job placement support. ✔️ Supporting newcomers and local businesses through community-first initiatives. ✔️ Creating career pipelines by connecting employers and graduates. ✔️ A powerful message for aspiring students and entrepreneurs. 🎧 Watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/gJPxHXUC A special shoutout to SK Uddin for making this happen! A big thank you to our podcast partners RBC, UPS, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google for their continued support in empowering small businesses Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine for more empowering content: www.canadiansme.ca #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerEducation #CanadianSME #StudentSuccess #Entrepreneurship #PrivateColleges #JobOpportunities

🚀 Navigating Startup Funding & Innovation in Canada! Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, where we explore the unique challenges and exciting opportunities facing Canadian startups. Today, we’re focusing on funding, a significant challenge for many entrepreneurs. According to a recent CB Insights report, Canadian startups raised $4.4 billion in venture capital funding in 2024, marking a decrease from the previous year—showcasing the competitive landscape for securing capital in the Canadian startup ecosystem. Joining us today is Dev Mitra 🇨🇦, Managing Partner at Matrix Venture Studio ™️, a leading provider of startup advisory and business acquisition support services. With deep expertise in navigating the Canadian startup ecosystem, Dev has become a trusted resource for entrepreneurs looking to secure funding, scale their businesses, and navigate the complexities of growing a successful startup. 🔊 In this episode, we’ll discuss: 💡 The key challenges facing Canadian startups, particularly in fundraising 💡 Notable grants and funding opportunities available to entrepreneurs 💡 The sectors in Canada that are ripe for innovation and demand attention A special shoutout to SK Uddin for making this happen! 👏 A big thank you to our podcast partners RBC, UPS, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google for their continued support in empowering small businesses. Let’s dive into how Canadian startups can overcome challenges and seize new opportunities in the market! 🎙️ #CanadianSMEPodcast #StartupFunding #Innovation #CanadianStartups #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #FundingOpportunities #VentureCapital

Building a Strong Brand with Strategy & AI 🚀 In this insightful episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, we sit down with Tony Lyons, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Alphabet® Key Highlights: ✔️ Finding Your Brand Voice – Discover the essential steps to define and articulate your brand voice, ensuring it resonates with your audience and reflects your core values. ✔️ Content Marketing – Learn how content marketing can help businesses build brand awareness and drive engagement. 📈 ✔️ AI in Branding – Explore the exciting potential of AI in branding, while also understanding how to balance its benefits and risks. ✔️ Alphabet's Approach – Tony discusses how Alphabet Creative collaborates with businesses to achieve their branding goals and the innovative Maloo AI product currently in BETA. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/gJGNuFkC You can also listen to this podcast on the following: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dz__SCa Apple: https://lnkd.in/ggmYX42w Google: https://lnkd.in/gCXKwzj iHeart: https://lnkd.in/gpj98n4D Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/gkaCkvCF We want to thank our sponsors: RBC, UPS, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google. Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine for more empowering content: www.canadiansme.ca #Branding #ContentMarketing #AIinBranding #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #DigitalTransformation #SmallBusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #CanadianSME