Automation for All: Aceit Digital’s Impact

In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Tolu Amadi, founder of Aceit Digital Inc., shares her journey from burn survivor to tech leader, focused on making automation and AI accessible for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Tolu discusses how small businesses can embrace digital transformation and leverage technology to boost efficiency and growth.

Interview By Maheen Bari

Tolu Amadi is a visionary leader, burn survivor, and founder of Aceit Digital Inc., a technology consultancy specializing in automation and AI-driven business transformation. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy and project implementation, Tolu has helped over 500 businesses streamline operations, boost efficiency, and reclaim their time. Her mission is to democratize access to technology for underserved entrepreneurs. Recognized for her resilience and innovation, Tolu blends personal adversity with professional excellence to build systems that work — especially for those often left out of traditional tech spaces.

Your story as a burn survivor and first-generation Canadian is both inspiring and unique. How has your personal journey shaped your mission to make technology more accessible for underrepresented entrepreneurs and small business owners?

My journey as a burn survivor and first-generation Canadian taught me resilience and resourcefulness at an early age. Facing those challenges gave me a deep understanding of what it means to build from scratch when the odds are against you. In many ways, my business journey mirrors that—navigating limited access, systemic barriers, and the feeling of being underestimated.

That’s why accessibility is central to Aceit Digital. I know firsthand that brilliance and innovation are not limited to those with privilege or technical backgrounds. Underrepresented entrepreneurs often have incredible ideas but lack the systems and tools to bring them to life. My mission is to bridge that gap—making automation and digital transformation approachable, affordable, and empowering. By sharing both my personal and professional story, I want to show business owners that their challenges can be transformed into a launchpad for growth.

Many business owners feel overwhelmed by automation and digital tools. What are the most common misconceptions you encounter, and how does Aceit Digital help clients overcome these barriers to embrace tech-driven efficiency?

The most common misconception is that automation is too complicated or too expensive for small businesses. Many entrepreneurs believe it requires coding skills, large budgets, or enterprise-level infrastructure. In reality, small changes—like automating appointment bookings or email onboarding—can save hours each week and create a direct impact on revenue and client experience.

At Aceit Digital, we break down automation into manageable steps. We start by asking, “What’s one process you wish you never had to do again?” and build from there. Our six-step framework allows businesses to adopt tools gradually while ensuring data safety and efficiency. We also offer 24-hour builds to show what’s possible quickly, removing the intimidation factor. Once business owners see how automation works for them, the fear is replaced with excitement and confidence.

You’ve championed digital equity, especially for women and minority-owned businesses. What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech and automation space, and what advice would you give to other women looking to lead in this field?

As a woman in tech—and particularly as a Black woman—I’ve faced moments of being underestimated, overlooked, or questioned more than my male peers. There are assumptions that women are better suited for support roles rather than leading in technical spaces. Early in my career, I often had to prove my credibility twice as much before being taken seriously.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to let results speak louder than bias. Every successful project, every efficiency gained, and every client success story became evidence that silenced doubt. My advice to women is: own your expertise, build strong networks of allies, and don’t be afraid to take up space in industries where representation is still growing. Innovation thrives on diversity of thought, and women leaders bring perspectives the tech world needs.

Aceit Digital’s work extends beyond consulting to education and mentorship, such as your Junior Digital Education Collective and upcoming The Secure Growth Circle & Women in Automation group. Can you share a memorable story that highlights the real-world impact of these initiatives?

One of my most memorable moments came during our Junior Digital Education Collective (JDEC) program, where kids as young as 10 built their very first websites. I’ll never forget when one student told me, “Now I can make something for my mom’s business so she won’t have to write everything on paper anymore.” It was a simple but powerful reminder that digital literacy isn’t just about learning tools—it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and passing on empowerment to families and communities.

Looking ahead, I’m equally excited about the launch of two new initiatives: The Secure Growth Circle and Women in Automation. While these programs are just beginning, I have no doubt they will produce equally inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and leaders gaining the confidence, tools, and networks they need to thrive. Our vision is for these groups to become spaces where underrepresented business owners not only access technology but also gain the mentorship and community that fuels long-term, inclusive growth.

As Canadian small businesses navigate digital transformation, what key advice would you offer to founders—especially those with non-technical backgrounds—who want to build more efficient, resilient, and inclusive organizations?

Start small and stay consistent. You don’t need to overhaul your entire business overnight to see results. Identify one repetitive task, automate it, and build momentum from there. That simple win builds confidence and creates capacity for larger transformations.

Second, focus on tools that grow with you. Many cloud-based platforms today are affordable, scalable, and don’t require advanced technical knowledge. The goal isn’t to become a tech expert—it’s to make tech work for you.

Finally, prioritize inclusivity. Ensure your systems and processes consider accessibility for both your team and your customers. This not only broadens your reach but also builds resilience by making your business adaptable to diverse needs.

The future of small business in Canada is digital, but it’s also human. Entrepreneurs who balance efficiency with empathy will lead the way.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. This interview is for informational purposes only and does not constitute business or legal advice. CanadianSME is committed to promoting digital equity, entrepreneurship, and innovation within Canada’s small business community.