CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

Welcome to the October 2024 edition of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine! This month, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit across Canada with a special focus on Small Business Month and Cybersecurity. Small businesses are the backbone of our nation, driving innovation and strengthening communities, and we’re proud to share their stories of resilience and success. This edition features valuable insights on cloud technology and digital tools, highlighting how they empower Canadian SMEs to thrive in a competitive landscape. We’re honoured to have a special message from the Honourable Minister Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, and exclusive conversations with business leaders like Don Ludlow on the evolving business environment and Jill Schoolenberg on preparations for the holiday season. We also spotlight inspiring immigrant women entrepreneurs who are transforming their culinary traditions into successful ventures, along with our Business Woman of the Month, Kristen Gale, who is revolutionizing the beauty industry. This issue has expert advice and practical tips to support your business growth. It covers topics from cybersecurity strategies to government support and navigating competition. We also showcase 10 innovative Canadian small businesses that serve as blueprints for entrepreneurial success, offering a glimpse into the creativity and resilience that define our small business community. Additionally, we present an in-depth article by Soumya Singh, Designer and founder of Orange Stack Inc., who shares how Orange Stack is transforming IT experiences and solutions for businesses. We also bring you an exclusive interview with Andrea Šešum, Founder of SMART OWL, who discusses how her organization is bridging the global skills gap through innovative education. As we celebrate Small Business Month, we are excited to share special messages from business leaders across various industries, offering their thoughts on "Celebrating Small Business Month" and highlighting the importance of supporting and empowering small businesses. This month’s highlight is the CanadianSME Annual Small Business Summit on October 24, 2024. The summit will focus on digital transformation, inclusion, and adaptability and provide insights and strategies to help small businesses stay competitive and grow. Join us for discussions that will shape the future of small businesses in Canada! A big thank you to our partners, RBC, UPS, Constant Contact, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google, for their continued support. We hope this issue inspires and equips you to continue making your mark in the Canadian business landscape. Let’s celebrate and support the incredible contributions of small businesses in shaping Canada’s future. Please read the full edition here: https://lnkd.in/eqsgVsUq

As part of our Small Business Month celebrations, we’re thrilled to share a key message from Darcy Richard, VP of SMB Marketing at Bell, delivered at the CanadianSME Small Business Summit 2024. In this exclusive talk, Darcy explores Bell’s transformation from Telco to Techo, highlighting innovations, investments, and partnerships that empower small businesses with enterprise-grade capabilities. Darcy’s key message on how technology can be a game-changer for Canadian entrepreneurs. For more inspiration, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine: https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23 #SmallBusinessMonth #CanadianSME #DigitalTransformation #SMBSupport #BusinessGrowth #TechInnovation #SMESummit2024

MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL announce 16 envisAGE collaborative projects to enhance older adults’ quality of life with Canadian innovations MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL proudly announce the first 16 collaborative projects resulting from an unprecedented national mobilization through envisAGE, an initiative created to propel Canada to the forefront of the AgeTech sector and foster quality aging nationwide. Each project brings together a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with a later-stage technological solution, an envisAGE Beachhead™ or an Innovation Hub, experts that will assess the integration of the solution, and a Community Lab, such as an organization working with seniors and caregivers, in a real-world setting where the solution will be implemented. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gppSfcQF Subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine by visiting https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23 Alex Mihailidis, Annie-Kim Gilbert, Sabrina Boutin, Steven MacKinnon

We're thrilled to announce Bharti (Maya Nathani), CEO & Founder of Universal Health Hub, as a nominee for the Business Woman of the Year award at the CanadianSME Small Business Awards 2024! Maya has transformed senior care in Ontario through her innovative and compassionate approach. Her company, which proudly boasts a 95% female workforce, provides affordable, culturally competent care, enhancing the lives of seniors while empowering women in healthcare. Maya's journey, from overcoming personal challenges to creating a thriving business that bridges communities, exemplifies resilience and purpose-driven leadership. Her contributions to senior care and her commitment to diversity and community impact make her an inspiring leader. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gZhVjgCx Are you or someone you know a visionary businesswoman impacting the business world? Apply now: https://lnkd.in/dvka9Ru4 #CanadianSMEAwards #BusinessWomanOfTheYear #WomenInBusiness #SeniorCare #WomenEmpowerment #ApplyNow

Join us in recognizing Michael Gord, Founder and CEO of GDA Capital Corporation, as a nominee for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award at the CanadianSME Small Business Awards! Michael’s vision has driven the adoption of blockchain and digital assets, bridging traditional finance with emerging digital markets. GDA Capital empowers innovators worldwide through strategic advisory, venture incubation, and technology solutions that foster growth in the blockchain space. His dedication to fostering new ventures and connecting industries exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship. Learn more: https://gda.capital/ Are you an entrepreneur making strides in your industry? Apply now for the Entrepreneur of the Year award and join industry leaders like Michael in showcasing your journey!  https://lnkd.in/dvka9Ru4 #CanadianSMEAwards #EntrepreneurOfTheYear #BlockchainInnovation #ApplyNow

Join us in recognizing Archana Medhekar, founder of Archana Medhekar Professional Corporation, as a nominee for the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award at the CanadianSME Small Business Awards! As an immigrant entrepreneur, Archana has built a client-focused family law practice that supports vulnerable communities with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive services. Her dedication to social justice, community leadership, and accessible legal support reflects her commitment to making a difference in Canada’s legal landscape. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/gQ26hxvS Are you an immigrant entrepreneur with a passion for creating positive impact? Apply now for the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year award to showcase your journey and inspire others!  https://lnkd.in/dvka9Ru4 #CanadianSMEAwards #ImmigrantEntrepreneurOfTheYear #LegalInnovation #ApplyNow

We’re excited to recognize Artisan Avenue as a nominee in the Small Business (Up to 10 Employees) category at the CanadianSME Small Business Awards 2024! Artisan Avenue’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship shows how a small team can create meaningful impact in the community and beyond. This award highlights the achievements of businesses that may be small in size but are big on purpose, passion, and innovation. Learn more: https://artisanavenue.ca If your business is making waves with a close-knit team, apply now for the Small Business (Up to 10 Employees) award and celebrate the power of small business! https://lnkd.in/dvka9Ru4 #CanadianSMEAwards #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ApplyNow

The latest episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast! Join Sandra Lavoy, Regional Director at Robert Half, as she shares her expertise on employee appreciation, engagement, and talent retention. With over 20 years in recruitment, Sandra’s insights from Robert Half’s research offer valuable strategies for building a positive workplace culture. Listen in to gain practical tips to help your business thrive! Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/gZhZY8B8 Subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine for more episodes and updates at www.canadiansme.ca. A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this possible: RBC, UPS, Constant Contact, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Google #CanadianSME #SmallBusinessPodcast #EmployeeEngagement 

In honor of Small Business Month, CanadianSME Small Business Magazine is thrilled to share key insights from our recent summit! Hear from Tarandeep Singh (CRME, CHBA) Singh, Regional VP of Commercial, Marketing & Revenue Management at IHG Hotels & Resorts, as he highlighted resources and strategies, like IHG Hotels & Resorts Business Edge, that empower small businesses to overcome unique challenges in business travel, from budget constraints to last-minute changes. Subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine for more exclusive content: https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23 #CanadianSME #SmallBusinessMonth #BusinessTravel #SMESummit2024 #LeadershipInsights #SubscribeNow

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we're joined by Shelly Pederson, Team Leader in the LEE AY SON Officer service at the Canada Revenue Agency - Agence du revenu du Canada. With nearly two decades of experience, Shelly shares insights into navigating tax compliance and supporting Canadian businesses in meeting their tax obligations. Tune in to learn from her valuable experience and empower your entrepreneurial journey, here: https://lnkd.in/gy8DXS7w Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca. A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this possible: RBC, UPS, Constant Contact, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Google #CanadianSME #SmallBusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth