CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Sustainable Investment and Its Future: Insights with Ka-Hay Law

This episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast features an enlightening conversation with Ka-Hay Law, Partner at TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good. Known for her pioneering work in sustainable investment, Ka-Hay is revolutionizing the way businesses operate with a focus on financial success and social responsibility. Her journey in impact investment, which began at Engineers Without Borders, spans several continents and showcases her commitment to sustainability and agriculture. This ep...

Cybersecurity Best Practices for SMEs Explained by Denis Villeneuve

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we welcomed Denis Villeneuve, the Cyber Resilience Practice Leader for Canada at Kyndryl. With over 15 years of experience in delivering complex security solutions across various industries, Denis is an authority in the realm of cyber resilience. His expertise includes transforming information security programs, optimizing security intelligence and operations, and managing security in digital and cloud environments. Denis delved int...

Innovative Retail Solutions in Challenging Times: Featuring Roshan Jhunja

In this enlightening episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we have the privilege of hosting Roshan Jhunja, the General Manager of Retail at Square. A visionary in the retail technology space, Roshan has an extensive background in quantitative finance and investment banking, bringing a unique perspective to retail technology. At Square, he has been instrumental in empowering retailers of all sizes, providing them with innovative hardware and software solutions. This episode delve...

Crafting Customized Marketing Strategies in the B2B Tech Sector with Julie Ford

In this insightful episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we are joined by Julie Ford, the founder of Glance Marketing and a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years of experience. Julie has played a pivotal role in shaping digital marketing strategies, especially for B2B tech companies in Canada and the U.S. Her expertise encompasses marketing strategy development, fractional marketing leadership, and effective campaign management. Julie's proficiency in translating complex ...

Building Resilience and Innovation in Business with Greg Potapenko

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we are honored to have Greg Potapenko as our guest. An immigrant, Canadian Army veteran, and a dedicated triathlete, Greg exemplifies true determination and skill. He has successfully transitioned into the entrepreneurial world, starting from scratch to establish a seven-figure digital marketing agency and then a seven-figure e-commerce brand. With over a decade of experience, Greg has played a critical role in driving millions of ne...

Breaking Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs: Strategies with Karen Campbell

In this impactful episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we welcome Karen Campbell, a prominent advocate for gender equality and economic justice. Serving as the Senior Director of Community Initiatives & Policy at the Canadian Women's Foundation, Karen has been a trailblazer for women and gender-diverse individuals across Canada. Her leadership in the "Partnering for Feminist Entrepreneurship" program and other national initiatives highlights her unwavering commitment to creatin...

Insights into WEOC's Impact with Alison Kirkland and Marcede Sebelius

It is another amazing episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast. In this special episode, we highlight the Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) National Loan Program. Our journey into this impactful initiative offers unique insights and inspiring stories from the forefront of women's entrepreneurship. Key Highlight Points: Alison has been a pivotal figure in the women's entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2019. She plays a key role in guiding the growth and impact of WEOC,...

Strategies for Retail Transformation and Consumer Engagement with Expert Myles Gooding

In this enlightening episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we are joined by Myles Gooding, a renowned leader in the retail and consumer markets sector. Myles, a Partner at PwC Canada and a National Consumer Markets Leader, brings over 25 years of experience in retail, focusing on areas such as technology, supply chain, and analytics-driven performance. His contributions have significantly enhanced retail operations, particularly in terms of gross margin and capital efficiency. A...

Strategies for Enhancing Digital Presence in SMEs with Geoff Crain

In this insightful session of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we're joined by Geoff Crain, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing at Kingstar Media. With over 12 years of experience in media planning, buying, and optimization for top global brands, Geoff brings a wealth of knowledge in performance media across various advertising mediums. His expertise extends to managing high-volume media campaigns across Google, Meta, TikTok, and programmatic platforms. This episode delves into the C...

Innovating SME Success: Strategies and Insights with Abhitej Singh

In the latest episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we delve into the world of business strategy and technology consulting with Abhitej Singh, a renowned figure in the field. Since joining ALTA in 2017, Abhitej has dedicated himself to driving growth in small to medium B2B businesses. His approach involves conducting thorough process discovery workshops, creating detailed process maps, and identifying crucial technology and process gaps that hinder business performance. Abhitej...

A Canadian Innovator's Mission to Make Healthcare Financially Accessible

In this enlightening episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we're excited to welcome Chanddeep Madaan, the visionary behind Aya Care, Canada's leading healthcare spending account provider. Chanddeep, a UC Berkeley Nuclear Engineering alumnus and a seasoned finance expert, exemplifies the essence of Canadian entrepreneurship with his innovative approach to healthcare. His journey has taken him through significant roles at Karmic Labs and PwC, where he developed expertise in legal...

Reddit’s Role in Shaping Consumer Trends: A Discussion with Rob Gaige

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Rob Gaige, Reddit’s Head of Global Insights. In this insightful conversation, Rob delves into the complex world of global digital conversations. As an expert in interpreting the vast array of discussions on Reddit, he offers an intriguing look at how these interactions are not just chatter but a source of powerful, data-driven insights. Rob's role in transforming these conversations into valuable inform...

Enhancing Financial Literacy for Newcomers: Guidance by Rachel Jolicoeur

In this vital episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we delve into a pressing issue that affects newcomers to Canada - the alarming experience of being targeted for financial scams. Recent findings by Interac Corp highlight that over half of the newcomer respondents have encountered fraud, feeling more susceptible to money scams than the general population. However, there's a beacon of hope, as many are eager to learn how to defend themselves against such deceptions. Joined us t...

Innovation in Tech: The Immigrant Entrepreneur's Viewpoint with Sammy Kolluru

In this inspiring episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we're joined by Sammy Kolluru, Managing Director of imbus Canada Corporation and a seasoned professional with over fifteen years of experience in Software Testing and Quality Assurance. Sammy has been pivotal in establishing imbus Canada as a leading solutions partner in software testing and quality assurance. His commitment to delivering high-quality software is underscored by his focus on effectiveness, efficiency, measur...

Navigating Cybersecurity in the Digital Age with Bob Lamendola

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we welcomed Bob Lamendola, a visionary in digital transformation and cybersecurity, and the Senior Vice President, Technology and Head of Digital Services Center at Ricoh. With over a decade of experience, Bob has played a pivotal role in shaping robust digital service strategies, focusing on customer-centric solutions. His deep understanding of cybersecurity and its impact on business operations is crucial for today's digital landsc...

The Shoplazza Effect: Advancing E-Commerce with Alyson Zhang

Greetings to all our entrepreneurial enthusiasts and business mavens! In the latest episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we're setting our sights on the bustling world of e-commerce. This sphere of endless digital aisles continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, and we're here to help you keep pace with the trends that promise to shape its future. It's with great anticipation that we introduce Alyson Zhang, a trailblazer in the e-commerce domain. As the co-founder, COO, and Hea...

Insights from the 2023 Travelers Canada Risk Index with Michael Trendler

This is another episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast. As we move past the Cyber Security Awareness Month, this segment dives deep into the revealing findings of the 2023 Travelers Canada Risk Index. With cybersecurity becoming the central concern for Canadian business magnates, we are fortunate to have with us Michael Trendler, the Managing Director of Specialty Insurance at Travelers Canada. Together, we will navigate the current cybersecurity landscape. Key Highlight Points: ...

The Art of Promotional Brilliance with Ann Baiden

In this latest episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we dive into the world of creative branding with Ann Baiden, the CEO and Founder of Innovatex Solutions Inc. With a rich 23-year history in the promotional products industry, Ann has established herself and Innovatex as pioneers in crafting promotional items that truly embody a brand's identity. Her journey, marked by both professional accolades such as the WBE Leader Award and the PPPC Humanitarian Award, and personal passion...

Empowering Small Business Financial Strategies with Jeff Brown

It's another enlightening episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, your go-to source for the latest insights and advice in the world of entrepreneurship. We are honored to feature Jeff Brown, the Head of Commercial Solutions at Equifax Canada, whose expertise has been instrumental in revolutionizing credit intelligence for small businesses across the nation. Key Highlights: Insights into why 64% of small businesses are currently worried about cash flow and its implications on the...

Resilience Strategies for Canadian Small Businesses with Matt Busbridge

Here we are with another intriguing episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, showcasing insights and trends that are shaping the future of small businesses in Canada. In this session, we delve into the crucial findings of a recent study on the state of Canadian small businesses, spearheaded by Amazon Business Canada. Our esteemed guest, Matt Busbridge, the Country Manager, brings his expertise to the table, unpacking the intricacies of these challenges and the innovative ways to ad...

Bridging Skills Gaps for Enhanced Company Performance with Matt Foran

In this engaging episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Matt Foran, the innovative mind behind KnowMeQ. With over two decades of experience in post-secondary education, encompassing roles from administration to research, Matt brings a unique perspective to the table. KnowMeQ, born out of a design jam focused on addressing the challenges of automation and Industry 4.0, represents a transformative approach to workforce development. This discussion del...

OCIP's Role in Industry-Academia Partnerships - Insights from Dr. Robert Luke

In this compelling episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we shift our lens to the forefront of innovation, spotlighting the Ontario Collaborative Innovation Platform (OCIP). This initiative is the brainchild of eCampusOntario and is swiftly becoming the cornerstone of a robust partnership between industry leaders and academic pioneers. Our special guest for this episode is Dr. Robert Luke, who offers a deep dive into OCIP's inception, its burgeoning impact on Ontario's innovatio...

Building an Iconic Brand: The Save Max Story with Founder Raman Dua

It's yet another enlightening episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast. In this session, we were privileged to converse with a stalwart of the Canadian real estate domain, Mr. Raman Dua, CEO and founder of the iconic Save Max Group. Through our chat, Mr. Dua, known for his unyielding entrepreneurial spirit and robust community ties, unfolds the journey that led Save Max to astounding achievements. This while standing firm on the pillars of honesty, integrity, and trust. Save Max's i...

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: A Journey of Passion and Hustle

AI & Business: A Candid Talk with Tom Heiber

It's another fascinating episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast! Dive in as we sit down with a true trailblazer in technology and entrepreneurship, Tom Heiber. As the founder and CEO of Heitech Software Solutions, Tom brings over two decades of rich expertise in IT. Renowned for his visionary leadership, Tom's contributions to software development, strategic planning, and team leadership have set him apart in the industry. In this episode, we venture deep with Tom into the intric...

Simplifying Legal Compliance for Entrepreneurs with Shane Murphy

Dive into a fresh episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, where our focus turns to revolutionizing legal processes for entrepreneurs. Our guest for this episode is Shane Murphy, CEO of Ownr, an innovative venture that’s simplifying the way businesses manage their legal needs. Shane brings nearly a decade of legal expertise and a passion for technology-driven solutions to the table, ready to shed light on making legal compliance accessible for all business owners. Key Highlight Po...

Exploring Opportunities in Northern Regions for Business Growth with Taylor Trecroce

In this latest episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Taylor Trecroce, a key figure in business development at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. Taylor, as the Director of Business Services, brings a wealth of knowledge in supporting and nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises. His role is pivotal in reviewing business plans, offering strategic advice, and guiding businesses through the commercialization process. With a strong background...

Inside CEE Centre's Mission with Executive Director Agapi Gessesse

Step into our newest episode as we host the remarkable Agapi Gessesse. Serving as the Executive Director of Toronto's CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, Agapi stands as a beacon of change and empowerment.   Episode Highlights: - Delving into the heart and vision of the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals. - An insight into the unmatched support and opportunities the CEE Centre provides for Toronto's Black youth. - Unpacking the driving forces and impacts of the "Black Youth ...

Alterna Savings’ Vision for SMEs with Jean Barrett & Mary Achebe

It's another enriching episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast. Dive deep with us into the realm of community-based financial empowerment, led by the insights of two revered personalities from Alterna Savings. Known for its standout commitment to entrepreneurs and small businesses, Alterna Savings consistently carves its niche in the financial arena. With us are Jean Barrett, Manager of Alterna Savings' Community Microfinance Program, and Mary Achebe, Credit Officer. Their combined...

Embracing Peer-to-Peer Dynamics with Leon Goren

In this episode of the Small Business Podcast, we delve deep into the realm of leadership and the transformative concept of peer-to-peer learning. We are privileged to host Mr. Leon Goren, CEO of PEO Leadership, whose innovative approach to leadership has been instrumental for top-tier companies from Alcon to Crayola and Nestle. As we unpack the intricacies of peer-to-peer leadership groups and their pivotal role in today's ever-evolving business world, Leon takes us through his remarkable j...

Building Communities: A Chat with Nextdoor Canada's Christopher Doyle

In this latest episode of the Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Christopher Doyle, the Managing Director of Nextdoor Canada. Known as the go-to community-driven neighborhood network, Nextdoor is on an admirable mission to build trusted relationships, spread kindness, and facilitate valuable exchanges between neighbors. Under Christopher's adept leadership, Nextdoor Canada is making significant strides in growth marketing, ensuring that small businesses countrywide benefit from this un...

Crafting Your Brand's Online Identity with CIRA's Meghan Graham

In this latest episode of the Small Business Podcast, we dive deep into the pivotal realm of the digital landscape with a special guest, Meghan Graham. As the Manager of Marketing Communications and Digital at CIRA - The Canadian Internet Registration Authority, Meghan's expertise extends beyond just promoting the .CA domain. She's here to enlighten us on the importance of a robust online presence and how businesses can navigate the digital world with confidence and professionalism.    Key ...

The Women Exporters Program with UPS Canada's María Luisa Boyce

In our recent episode of the Small Business Podcast, we welcome the esteemed María Luisa Boyce, Vice President of International Policy for Global Public Affairs at UPS Canada. With an illustrious 25-year journey in international trade, customs, and cross-border business, María Luisa's insights are invaluable. Our discussion centers on the groundbreaking Women Exporters Program, a global initiative reshaping the landscape for women entrepreneurs not just in Canada, but globally. We delve into...

A Glimpse into Fintech's Evolution with Ryan Rego

In the latest episode of the Small Business Podcast, listeners are taken on a journey through the dynamic fintech landscape, where the transformative potential of small businesses stands front and center. Guest Ryan Rego, transitioning from an academic role at Western University's Ivey Business School to leading fintech maverick Plooto, unravels how small businesses are creating ripples in the financial sector.    Key Highlights:  Plooto's Role in Partnerships: The episode delves into the ...

Kickstarting Tech in SMBs: Tips from Anton Tchernikovsky

In our latest episode of the Small Business Podcast, we're joined by the illustrious Anton Tchernikovsky, a leading figure in the sphere of Microsoft Dynamics 365. With a multifaceted experience that has seen him influence sectors from InsurTech and FinTech to Gaming and the Public sector, Anton has consistently championed the power of software technologies in bringing transformative shifts to businesses.    Key Highlight Points:  A deep dive into why it’s crucial for SMBs and how it diffe...

Mastering the Balance: Strategic Money Management for Canadian SMEs with Daryl Ching

In our newest episode of the Small Business Podcast, we're shining the spotlight on Money Management – and not just from the CRA's perspective. Dive in as we explore this tool for profound business insights. For this deep dive, we're joined by Daryl Ching, the visionary founder of Vistance Capital Advisory. As an alumnus of Western's Honors Economics Program and with a rich decade in investment banking, Daryl's expertise ranges from structuring mammoth transactions at RBC Capital Markets to ...

Exploring the AI-Entrepreneurship Connection with Yu Qi Sun

Welcome to the latest and most captivating episode of the Small Business Podcast! We are truly honored to have Yu Qi Sun, the Key Account & Partnership Manager at Shoplazza, as our esteemed guest. She brings a wealth of expertise in the field of artificial intelligence, and in this enlightening conversation, we dive deep into how AI is reshaping the landscape of businesses and e-commerce.    Key Highlights:  Upcoming Features and Industry Vision: Explore the future of e-commerce and how AI...

Small Business chat with The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business

In this special October edition of the Small Business Podcast, we dedicate our focus to Small Business Month in Canada, a period where we applaud the driving forces of our economy: the small businesses. These entities stand as pillars of our economic fabric and as the lifeline of our communities, fostering innovation, employment, and expansive growth. As we explore this realm, we are honored to have the company of The Honourable Rechie Valdez, the newly appointed Small Business Minister of C...

The Future of Property Management Platforms: Insights from Ivailo Ivanov

In this episode of the Small Business Podcast, we navigate the complex world of real estate investment, focusing on the transformative intersection of technology and real estate. Ivailo Ivanov, our esteemed guest, is more than a seasoned real estate investor in Toronto's bustling market. He's a tech visionary with a strong foundation in finance and accounting, honed at the University of Western Ontario and enriched by his time at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. As we discuss, Ivailo has trans...

Journey to Self-Awareness with Renowned Coach Roula Badis

In the latest episode of the Small Business Podcast, we are privileged to host Roula Badis, the visionary founder of Roula Badis Coaching from Montreal. A beacon of hope in life and business coaching, Roula enlightens us with her philosophy rooted deeply in inner transformation and unyielding commitment. Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into the intricacies of coaching, understanding the layers of self-awareness, and uncovering the adventures of entrepreneurship. Roula passionately ...

Travel Trends with SAP Concur's Kristen Hrycoy

In the latest episode of the Small Business Podcast, we dive deep into the world of business travel and its profound impact on professionals in the Canadian market. We are graced with the presence of Kristen Hrycoy, Senior Global Partner Business Manager at SAP Concur, who shares her insights. Drawing from her vast experience, Kristen touches upon the changing dynamics of travel, how businesses are optimizing their travel programs, and the resulting career growth opportunities for employees....

Harnessing the Hidden Skills of Veterans with Lisa Taylor

In our recent episode of the Small Business Podcast, we sit down with the dynamic Lisa Taylor, the President of Challenge Factory. An acknowledged expert, seasoned speaker, and prolific columnist, Lisa has championed the cause of talent equity, demographics, and workforce strategy. With her profound experience in corporate leadership combined with her passion for career development, she brings forth the compelling narrative of veterans being the untapped reservoirs of talent in today's workf...

Digital Payments Explored with Interac’s Nader Henin

In our latest episode of the Small Business Podcast, we navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of digital and retail payments, with the guidance of an industry stalwart, Nader Henin, the Assistant Vice President of Commerce at Interac. Nader's deep-rooted expertise in the field, coupled with his role at Interac, positions him uniquely to shed light on the ongoing transformations and innovations in payment solutions. As we delve into our conversation, we touch upon Interac's vision for ...

Inside Reddit's SMB Sales with Evan Wolf

Joining us today is a true trailblazer in the sales arena, Evan Wolf, Reddit’s Head of Mid Market and SMB Sales for North America. With a proven track record of building powerhouse teams that drive remarkable business expansion, Evan brings a wealth of knowledge in sales strategy and technology. Not only is he a creative problem solver, but he's also a passionate storyteller who revels in the art and science of sales. In this episode, we sit down with Evan to explore the fascinating evoluti...

Embracing Generative AI with Vala Afshar

In an exciting new episode of the CanadianSME Small Business podcast, we explore the future of generative AI with Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce. This episode uncovers the transformative potential of generative AI, its role in shaping the future of work, the ethical considerations, and much more. We also delve into the current landscape of AI in Canada, highlighting the rise in investments and the associated challenges. Key Highlights: Generative AI Unleashed: Vala Afs...

Entrepreneurial Guidance with Erin Shea

Today, we have a very special guest with us, Erin Shea, the Senior Director, of North America Marketing at VistaPrint. With a wealth of experience in helping small business owners drive loyalty and success through branding and design, Erin is here to share her expertise and provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the business world. 

Inspiring Journey of Steven Vanloffeld: Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Advocacy.

In this insightful episode, we were honoured to host Steven Vanloffeld, CEO of eSupply Canada and an active advocate for Indigenous rights. Steven's inspirational journey, defined by resilience and innovation, reflects his Anishinaabe heritage. Delve into his significant contributions to Ontario's child welfare system, and learn about his leadership at eSupply Canada, the only Canadian franchise devoted to Indigenous community ownership. Steven shares his vision, challenges, unique opportuni...

Insights on Social Media & Branding For SMEs with Alessya Baggetta

On this International Women's Day episode of our podcast, we are excited to have a special guest who is a branding and social media expert and the founder of her own agency. With years of experience in the industry, she has helped numerous businesses establish a strong brand presence and effectively leverage social media for growth. She is also a passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and has some great insights to share on launching and growing a successful agency. Today, we are talki...

Insights on Social Media & Branding For SMEs with

On this International Women's Day episode of our podcast, we are excited to have a special guest who is a branding and social media expert and the founder of her own agency. With years of experience in the industry, she has helped numerous businesses establish a strong brand presence and effectively leverage social media for growth. She is also a passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and has some great insights to share on launching and growing a successful agency. Today, we are talki...

Clik2pay and Xero Integration: A Game-Changer for Small Business Owners

By simplifying the payment process and reducing the fees charged, small businesses can save a substantial amount of money that can be used to grow and expand their business. Hi everyone , this is maheen from CanadianSME Small business magazine. In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Mike Bradley, the Founder and CEO of Clik2pay. Clik2pay is a payment processing platform that has recently integrated with Xero, a cloud-based accounting software, to offer an innov...