Podcast
CanadianSME Small Business Podcast
Hosted by SK Uddin · EN
Welcome to the CanadianSME podcast, a podcast for Canadian Small Businesses. In our podcasts, we interview Canadian experts and entrepreneurs to give small business owners access to expert knowledge that helps them grow their enterprises. Our mission is to empower Canadian small and medium enterprises and help them reach a bigger audience through our platform. Calling upon some of the most successful subject matter experts in the industry, the small business podcasts aim at identifying issues and finding solutions, all this while helping the business owners.
131episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Building for 100 Years: Why Generational Brands Outlast Trends
1w ago00:22:20Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how heritage, discipline, and long-term thinking are helping brands stand out in a market driven by short-term trends and constant consumer shifts. Joining us is Nicholas Reichenbach, entrepreneur, investor, and the force behind the relaunch of Formosa Springs. Nicholas shares how a 155-year-old Ontario legacy is being reimagined for the modern wellness and luxury hospitality market. Key Highlights Building a Generational Brand: Nicholas explains what separates legacy brands from trend-driven startups. Competing in a Global Market: Nicholas shares how Canadian premium brands can stand out internationally. Luxury Hospitality and Wellness: Nicholas highlights the growing role of premium water experiences. The Power of Vertical Integration: Nicholas explains why quality control is critical for long-term trust. Growth with Sustainability: Nicholas shares how businesses can scale without sacrificing long-term vision. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation
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Beyond the Search Bar: How Ratehub is Using AI to Predict Your Bank Approval
1w ago00:18:34Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how AI, financial technology, and consumer behaviour are transforming the way Canadians make decisions about spending, borrowing, and managing their money. Joining us is Natasha Macmillan, Senior Business Director of Everyday Banking at Ratehub.ca. Natasha shares how innovative tools and data-driven insights are helping Canadians find better financial products while building stronger financial habits. Key Highlights The AI-Powered CardFinder: Natasha explains how Canadians can find suitable credit cards without impacting their credit score. Understanding Money Mindsets: Natasha shares the financial beliefs that often prevent people from achieving their goals. AI and the Future of Banking: Natasha discusses how AI is reshaping the consumer banking experience. Smarter Borrowing with LoansFinder: Natasha explains how Canadians can make more informed borrowing decisions. The Next Generation of Fintech: Natasha shares how Ratehub is innovating to improve financial decision-making. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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The Franchise Shift: Is Your Business Ready to Duplicate?
1w ago00:23:52Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how franchising can transform a successful local business into a scalable brand, creating new opportunities for growth across regions and markets. Joining us is Steve Beagelman, Founder and CEO of SMB Franchise Advisors. Steve shares lessons from more than three decades in franchising, helping entrepreneurs build systems, develop strong franchise cultures, and expand with confidence. Key Highlights The Franchisor Mindset: Steve explains the shift from operating a business to building a franchise system. Cross-Border Expansion: Steve shares what Canadian founders should know before entering the U.S. market. The Importance of Culture: Steve discusses why relationships and culture drive franchise success. Timing Growth Decisions: Steve explains how founders can balance system development with expansion opportunities. Helping Brands Scale: Steve shares the most rewarding aspects of guiding businesses through franchise growth. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Powering the AI Revolution: The Future of Renewable Energy
1w ago00:13:20Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how the rise of AI, digital infrastructure, and energy demand is reshaping the future of sustainable power and economic growth. Joining us is Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of PowerBank Corporation. Dr. Lu shares how clean energy, battery storage, and AI-driven operations are transforming the way modern infrastructure is built and scaled. Key Highlights The Evolution to PowerBank: Dr. Lu explains the strategic shift from SolarBank to PowerBank. AI and Lean Operations: Dr. Lu shares how AI supports large-scale energy development with smaller teams. Data Centers and Energy Assets: Dr. Lu explains how co-locating infrastructure changes the business model. Meeting Sustainable Energy Demand: Dr. Lu highlights how solar and battery systems improve reliability. Scaling Across Borders: Dr. Lu shares key lessons learned from expanding into the U.S. market. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Beyond the Balance Sheet: What Xero’s Latest Data Reveals About Canada’s Economy
1w ago00:16:20Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore the economic realities shaping Canadian small businesses and what recent data reveals about navigating uncertainty, declining sales, and regional resilience. Joining us is Ashalee Mohamed, Canada Country Manager and Head of GTM at Xero. Ashalee shares insights from the latest Xero Small Business Insights report and explains how entrepreneurs can adapt to today’s rapidly shifting economy. Key Highlights 1. The XSBI Reality Check: Ashalee explains the factors behind slowing small business sales growth. 2. Economic Volatility: Ashalee shares how current disruptions compare to previous downturns. 3. 2026 Business Outlook: Ashalee highlights what the latest data reveals for Canadian SMEs. 4. Regional Resilience: Ashalee explains why some provinces are adapting more effectively. 5. Navigating 2026 Challenges: Ashalee shares practical shifts businesses should make right now. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Building the Next Generation Digital Workplace: The Evolution of IC 3.0
1w ago00:16:10Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the modern digital workplace, examining how secure, purpose-built platforms help regulated and distributed teams stay connected and compliant in 2026. Joining us is Rob Nikkel, CEO of Intranet Connections, who shares insights on aligning remote workforces, rebuilding legacy platforms, and the future of AI-driven digital workplaces. Key Highlights Modern Workplace Shift: Rob explains why organizations struggle to stay aligned digitally. Global Remote Connection: Rob shares how to maintain alignment in distributed teams. Compliance Through Simplicity: Rob discusses simplifying team experience to meet regulations. Platform Rebuild Decision: Rob details why a 25-year platform was rebuilt instead of incrementally updated. Future Digital Workspaces: Rob highlights AI and connected systems in the workplace of tomorrow. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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The AI Talent War: Is Your Hiring Strategy Obsolete for 2026?
1w ago00:20:48Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how the definition of talent is changing as AI reshapes hiring, recruitment, and workforce expectations. Joining us is Sarah Doughty, Vice President of Talent Operations at Talentlab. Sarah shares how businesses can attract adaptable talent and how professionals can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Key Highlights Redefining Qualifications: Sarah explains why adaptability matters more than traditional credentials. AI in Recruitment: Sarah shares how AI is transforming talent sourcing and engagement. Changing Expectations: Sarah highlights how employers and candidates must recalibrate for 2026. Self-Taught Talent: Sarah explains how non-traditional candidates can break into AI careers. Employment Branding: Sarah outlines how companies attract top passive talent today. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation
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From Sales Tool to Company Engine: The CRM Evolution Your Business Needs
2w ago00:19:49Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how B2B companies can unlock growth with a modern CRM that connects sales, operations, and customer success in a single unified platform. Joining us is Craig Crawford, Founder and CEO of Rolldog, who shares insights on overcoming CRM failures, enabling collaboration, and leveraging AI for trusted business partnerships. Key Highlights CRM Failures: Craig explains why most CRMs fail in day-to-day use. Growth Through Collaboration: Craig shares how CRM drives business growth and teamwork. Affordable Mid-Market Solutions: Craig discusses making enterprise CRM accessible for mid-sized companies. Integration Power: Craig highlights integrations that improve sales-to-production workflows. AI and the Future: Craig outlines how AI will shape Rolldog as a trusted business partner. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Beyond the Startup: Can Canada Finally Compete on the Global Stage?
2w ago00:14:47Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore why Canada continues to produce innovative startups yet struggles to build globally dominant companies that retain talent, IP, and long-term economic value at home. Joining us is Adam Froman, Founder and CEO of Delvinia. Adam shares a candid perspective on Canada’s scale-up challenges and the practical shifts needed to strengthen the country’s innovation economy. Key Highlights 1. The Scale-Up Gap: Adam explains why many Canadian startups struggle to grow globally. 2. Policy and Capital Challenges: Adam shares how economic conditions impact business scaling. 3. Protecting Canadian IP: Adam highlights why talent and intellectual property move offshore. 4. Global Economic Pressure: Adam explains why scaling has become more urgent in 2026. 5. Competing Globally: Adam shares practical solutions to help Canadian firms scale successfully. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation
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LIFT Off: BDC’s $500M Plan to Supercharge Canadian AI Adoption
2w ago00:14:00Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how AI adoption is becoming the next major driver of productivity and competitive advantage for Canadian businesses. Joining us is Véronique Dorval, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at BDC. Véronique shares how the new LIFT initiative is helping SMEs move from AI hesitation to meaningful transformation. Key Highlights Understanding LIFT: Véronique explains how LIFT differs from traditional financing programs. AI Adoption Barriers: Véronique shares why many SMEs still hesitate to adopt AI. Productivity Gains: Véronique highlights how AI improves efficiency and growth potential. Supporting Canadian AI: Véronique explains why local innovation is central to the strategy. Inclusive Growth: Véronique outlines how LIFT supports underserved entrepreneurs and regions. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation
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