CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

Navigating Inflation and Innovation in Canadian Retail – Stay Tuned In an upcoming episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Vinayak Ballachanda Madappa, Strategic Advisory Partner at Capgemini Canada, to explore how retailers are adapting to inflation, supply chain challenges, and shifting consumer demands through data and technology. With over 15 years of experience in advisory and analytics across PwC, KPMG, and Capgemini, Vinayak shares insights on retail resilience, the role of AI and automation, and the impact of local sourcing on affordability and growth. Thanks to SK Uddin for making this conversation happen and Maheen Bari for hosting. A special shoutout to our partners RBC, UPS, A1 Global College of Health, Business and Technology, Google, and ADP for supporting Canadian businesses. Tune in for actionable insights on how intelligence and innovation are shaping the future of Canadian retail. #CanadianSME #SmallBusinessPodcast #RetailInnovation #AIinRetail #BusinessGrowth #Inflation #SupplyChain #CanadianBusiness #DataAnalytics #SMBsuccess

✨ True leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about vision, courage, and the ability to uplift others. We’re honoured to present the nominees for the CanadianSME Small Business Awards 2025 in the Inspirational Leader of the Year category — remarkable leaders who inspire change, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact: ✅ Izabela Kvesic – Founder of Blue Water Performance Ltd. ✅ Christine Verissimo Martin – CEO & Founder of CMV Accounting House Ltd. A heartfelt thank you to RBC, UPS, and ADP for supporting this category and championing leaders who redefine what it means to inspire. If you'd like to nominate your business as well, visit: smeawards.ca/apply-now/ #SMEAwards2025 #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #Entrepreneurship

Redefining Customer Experience with Data and AI – Stay Tuned In an upcoming episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Clive Woodrow, President and CEO of Advantage Communications Inc. (ACI), to explore how data, AI, and human talent are transforming customer experience and driving business growth. With over two decades of international experience leading CX delivery teams, Clive shares insights on turning customer service from a cost center into a growth engine, the future of human-AI collaboration, and how ACI’s Customer Insight Analytics platform helps businesses deliver smarter, more personalized customer care. Thanks to SK Uddin for making this conversation happen and Kripa Anand for hosting. Shoutout to our partners RBC, UPS, A1 Global College of Health, Business and Technology, Google, and ADP for supporting Canadian businesses. Tune in to learn how to elevate customer experience and build loyalty that lasts. #CanadianSME #SmallBusinessPodcast #CustomerExperience #CXInnovation #AIinBusiness #CustomerSuccess #DataAnalytics #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #SMBsuccess

🌟 Today’s Inspiring Woman Entrepreneur is Christine Dagenais Oudijk, MBA, PCC🌟 Founder and CEO of Bright Wire Leadership, Christine is a dynamic force in leadership development, empowering professionals to reach new heights of excellence and impact. As a Certified Executive Leadership Coach, she leads a powerhouse team shaping the leaders of tomorrow — with vision, authenticity, and purpose 💼. 👉 Discover more inspiring stories at https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23 #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Inspiration #Coaching #Empowerment #SmallBusinessCanada

Identify opportunities for improvement related to AI and plan their Implementation in your business with this free 60-minute online course offered by BDC. Take the course https://lnkd.in/gJWfiZEG

Simplifying Small Business Finances with AI – Stay Tuned In an upcoming episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Joanne Modugno, General Manager of Dext North America, to explore how AI-powered bookkeeping automation is transforming financial workflows and helping entrepreneurs make smarter, faster decisions. Joanne shares insights from Dext’s recent Canadian small business survey, revealing key challenges like entrepreneur fatigue and common financial mistakes that impact growth. She also discusses how Dext is empowering SMBs with seamless integrations, smarter automation, and innovative tools launching in 2026. Thanks to SK Uddin for making this conversation happen and Maheen Bari for hosting. Shoutout to our partners RBC, UPS, A1 Global College of Health, Business and Technology, Google, and ADP for supporting Canadian businesses. Tune in for practical insights on using AI to simplify accounting and reclaim time for growth. #CanadianSME #SmallBusinessPodcast #BookkeepingAutomation #AIforBusiness #Fintech #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SMBsuccess #AccountingInnovation

☁️ ERP isn’t just for big corporations anymore. Discover the future of ERP with SK Uddin on the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast as he highlights how Onkar Shinde, Principal ERP Advisor at Wispy Cloud Solutions is transforming how Canadian SMEs adopt enterprise-grade ERP solutions that are both affordable and effective. 🌟 Key Highlights:  ✅ Making ERP accessible for small businesses  ✅ Modular ERP for scalability and success  ✅ Wispy’s $2,499 ERP Starter Pack 🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gcfTHCKE We want to thank our sponsors: RBC, UPS, Google, A1 Global College of Health, Business and Technology, and ADP. Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine for more empowering content: www.canadiansme.ca #CanadianSME #SmallBusinessPodcast #CloudTechnology #BusinessGrowth #Automation #Innovation #SMEs #Entrepreneurship 

Exciting News! Associés MAGNUM Capital Partners, Canada’s first women-led private equity fund focused on the search fund model, has welcomed several new limited partners to Magnum Capital Fund I — including a $2 million investment from BDC through its Thrive Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Fund (Thrive ETA Fund). This marks BDC’s first investment in the search fund asset class, a milestone for both MAGNUM and the growing search fund community in Canada. Together, we’re helping aspiring entrepreneurs acquire and lead established Canadian businesses, addressing the challenge of business succession. The search fund model is gaining momentum in Canada, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to step into leadership roles and drive economic growth.    - Grande nouvelle! Associés MAGNUM Capital Partners, le premier fonds de capital-investissement canadien dirigé par une femme et axé sur le modèle des fonds de recherche, accueille plusieurs nouveaux commanditaires dans son fonds — dont un investissement de 2 millions $ de BDC par l’entremise de son Fonds Excelles repreneuriat. Il s’agit du premier investissement de BDC dans la catégorie des fonds de recherche, une étape importante pour MAGNUM et pour la communauté des fonds de recherche au Canada. Ensemble, nous aidons les entrepreneur∙es qui ont l’ambition d’acquérir et de diriger des entreprises canadiennes bien établies et qui répondent au défi de la relève entrepreneuriale. Le modèle des fonds de recherche gagne en popularité au Canada, créant de nouvelles occasions pour des entrepreneur∙es de prendre des rôles de leadership et de stimuler la croissance économique.

We have everything we need to prosper in this global generational shift. We have the workers, the industries, and the resources to compete and thrive in the global economy. #Budget2025 is centered on transformative, generational investments that will focus and deliver on three pillars: build, protect and empower Canadians and the economy. We will build new economic and security relationships by investing $115 billion to build major infrastructure for the 21st century, and $110 billion to supercharge growth by driving productivity and competitiveness. We will protect Canadian sovereignty and keep Canadians safe with $30 billion invested in defence. And we will empower Canadians by bringing down costs and introducing $25 billion to build more affordable homes. Read #YourBudget now: https://ow.ly/HxgY50XmNPQ Government of Canada

The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) supports innovative and impactful projects to make Canada stronger and more competitive. Who can apply ⬇️ - For-profit and not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada - Collaborative projects proposing to do business in Canada - Companies impacted by U.S. and global tariffs What’s covered ⬇️ The SRF reimburses a portion of eligible project costs, including investments in equipment, technology and new or existing facilities—across all sectors. Next steps ⬇️ - Speak with program officials early to discuss eligibility - If your project aligns with the requirements, submit a funding request for further consideration Find out if your organization is eligible for funding: https://lnkd.in/gphzNT-k #SRFExplained #CdnInnovation