Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore the strategies and innovations shaping the future of business. Today, we're diving into the dynamic world of the creator economy, the transformative journey from service to software, and the new rules of branding in an age of authenticity and community. We’ll be exploring how brands connect with consumers through social media creators, emphasizing trust, performance, and values-first storytelling.

Our guest today is Vicky Boudreau, CEO & Co-Founder of Heylist, a technology platform that simplifies and amplifies collaborations between brands and social media creators. Let’s dive in and discuss the evolution of the creator economy, the shift to software, and the new branding strategies that are revolutionizing marketing today.

Key Highlights:

1. The Evolution of the Creator Economy: Vicky shares how brands and creators are redefining influence, trust, and performance marketing in today's rapidly evolving landscape, and why this shift is crucial for businesses and culture.

2. From Service to Software: Reinventing a Business Model: Vicky discusses what it took for Heylist to pivot from a service-based agency to a scalable tech platform, and the lessons she learned through this transformation.

3. Authenticity, Community, and the New Rules of Branding: Vicky explains how creators are leading the way in branding with real voices, community-driven content, and values-first storytelling in today’s market.

4. Navigating the Challenges of Women Entrepreneurship: Vicky shares advice for women leaders on balancing family, career, and societal pressures, and how to effectively manage these challenges in entrepreneurship.

5. Heylist's Webby Award for Innovation: Vicky highlights the key features and innovations in Heylist’s platform that earned them a Webby Award, and what this recognition means for their approach to the creator economy.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Google: https://www.google.ca/

A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/

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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we’re celebrating the driving force of our economy: entrepreneurs. We’ll spotlight a program that recognizes, supports, and inspires Canadian business leaders, focusing on the importance of understanding and fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem for inclusive growth and social impact.

Joining us today is Rachel Rodrigues, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada Program Director and Canadian EY Private Assurance Leader at EY Canada. With over 15 years of experience, Rachel is passionate about supporting and growing the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem. Today, we'll dive into the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program, explore fostering innovation and leadership, and discuss the evolving landscape of Canadian business.

Key Highlights:

1. Celebrating Canadian Entrepreneurship & The EOY Program's Mission: How the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program aligns with EY Canada's mission and its impact on the local business landscape.

2. Empowering Entrepreneurs & Overcoming Challenges: The initiatives EY Canada implements to help entrepreneurs overcome the complex challenges they face beyond just recognition.

3. Fostering Innovation & The Role of Mentorship: The importance of mentorship in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program and its contribution to emerging entrepreneurs’ growth.

4. Adapting to Technology & The Future of Canadian Business: How EY Canada is adapting to support entrepreneurs in staying competitive, with a focus on trends in technology and sustainability.

5. Highlighting Success & Looking Forward: What the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists represent for the future of Canadian entrepreneurship and what’s next for the program.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. You’re listening to AI for SMBs—a dedicated series where we spotlight the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. In this series, we explore how AI is shaping the future of work, redefining productivity, and delivering real ROI for businesses ready to embrace innovation.

Joining us today is Steve Mast, Managing Partner at Twenty44, a company dedicated to increasing AI adoption and preparing businesses and their cultures for the future. Today, we'll discuss the adoption and usage of AI in businesses, the future of work, and advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners navigating this AI-driven landscape.

Key Highlights:

1. AI Adoption and Usage in Businesses: The critical considerations for businesses adopting AI and the biggest misconceptions businesses have about AI.

2. The Future of Work: How AI will change the workplace and the skills employees will need, plus how businesses can adapt to effectively leverage AI.

3. Advice to Young Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: Key pieces of advice for young entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of launching and growing ventures in an AI-driven market.

4. The Fastest Path to ROI in AI: How businesses can identify the most impactful AI opportunities to drive productivity and growth using Twenty44's framework.

5. Twenty44's AI/44 Readiness Product and Workflow for SMBs: An overview of the AI/44 readiness product, its features, and how it helps SMBs gauge their AI knowledge and adoption potential.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen. Today, we’re diving into the critical role of seamless financial infrastructure in connecting businesses across borders. As businesses expand globally, managing payments and financial operations internationally can be complex, and finding trusted solutions is essential for growth.

Joining us today is Erich Ko, Senior Channel Partnerships Manager, SME & Growth at Airwallex Canada. Erich helps businesses grow globally through seamless financial infrastructure. He brings strong expertise in startup leadership, workforce mobility, and ecosystem mentorship. Today, we’ll explore Airwallex’s rapid growth in Canada, the challenges of cross-border money movement, the power of strategic partnerships, and the future of global financial operations.

Key Highlights:

1. Airwallex's Global Vision & Canadian Growth Momentum: Erich discusses what inspired Airwallex’s focus on Canada and its rapid growth in the market.

2. Solving Cross-Border Payment Friction: An Entrepreneur's Journey: How Erich’s personal experience with banking and cross-border payments led him to join Airwallex.

3. The Power of Strategic Partnerships: Key partnerships driving Airwallex’s mission to support global growth and how they benefit Canadian SMEs.

4. Airwallex's Seamless Financial Infrastructure for Global Business: How Airwallex’s platform helps Canadian businesses manage finances and the unique features for global operations.

5. Future of Global Business & Airwallex's Vision: Key trends shaping the future of global business and how Airwallex plans to evolve its solutions.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand.

In today’s episode, we explore how Canada is emerging as a leader in deep tech, focusing on artificial intelligence and medical technology. We'll discuss the vital role of ventureLAB in supporting hardtech, AI, and MedTech founders and Canada's growing sovereignty in AI compute infrastructure.

Joining us today are Garry Chan, Head of AI Initiatives, and Nima Mohtaram, Head of MedTech Initiatives at ventureLAB. Garry is a technology entrepreneur and investor, while Nima is a seasoned leader in life sciences and advanced materials.

Key Highlights:

1. ventureLAB's Role in Powering Canada’s Knowledge-Based Economy: Garry and Nima share how ventureLAB supports founders in AI, hardtech, and MedTech through specialized programs and commercialization support.

2. Canada’s Sovereign AI Compute Strategy: Why developing sovereign AI infrastructure is essential for Canada's future, and how ventureLAB is helping shape this ecosystem.

3. ventureLAB's MedTech Vision and Challenges: The challenges and opportunities for MedTech startups in Canada, and ventureLAB's vision for the sector.

4. Supporting Founders: Productivity and Commercialization: How ventureLAB enables founders to scale faster through access to capital, strategic partnerships, and expertise.

5. Impact and the Future of Deep Tech in Canada: How ventureLAB’s initiatives in AI, MedTech, and hardtech contribute to Canada's long-term global competitiveness.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. You’re listening to AI for SMBs—where we spotlight the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. In this series, we’re exploring how AI is reshaping the future of work, redefining productivity, and delivering real ROI for businesses ready to embrace innovation.

Joining us today is Justine Melman, Chief Marketing Officer at Optimum Retailing. With over two decades of experience in marketing and user engagement, Justine has a passion for transforming customer experiences. Today, we’ll discuss the role of AI in retail innovation, the enduring power of brick-and-mortar retail, and the significance of store-specific planning and execution.

Key Highlights:

1. AI Driving Innovation in Retail - The Realgram AI Revolution: Justine explains how AI is innovating the retail sector and the benefits of Realgram AI, focusing on scalability, strategic merchandising, and sustainability.

2. The Enduring Power of Brick-and-Mortar Retail: Insights into the current and future relevance of brick-and-mortar retail, with trends ensuring growth in today’s market.

3. Precision Retail: Store-Specific Planning and Execution: How store-specific planning and real-time inventory adjustments optimize shopability, customer engagement, and profitability.

4. Improved Operational Efficiency and Profitability: Justine highlights how Realgram AI’s benefits lead to reduced operational complexity, enhanced profitability, and stronger environmental outcomes for retail brands managing large store networks.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the strategies and insights that are shaping the future of responsible business leadership. Today, we're diving into critical topics like corporate purpose, ESG strategy, and social impact – areas that are becoming increasingly vital for organizations aiming for sustainable growth and meaningful contribution. 

Our guest today is Elspeth Murray, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Social Impact at Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, renowned for its excellence and leadership in business education.

Key Highlights:

1. Corporate Purpose: What it truly means for a corporation to have a strong purpose beyond profit maximization, and how to integrate it into core operations.

2. ESG Strategy: How small and medium-sized businesses can develop and implement an authentic ESG strategy, with low-cost, high-impact ways to improve social and environmental impact.

3. Social Impact: How businesses, particularly SMEs, can contribute to positive social change and the benefits they can gain from engaging in social impact initiatives.

4. The Risks of Superficial DEI Commitments: The long-term risks organizations face when DEI commitments are superficial and not fully embedded into measurable actions.

5. DEI Strategies and Business Outcomes: How effective DEI strategies can improve business outcomes, such as innovation, talent retention, and financial performance.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore innovations shaping Canadian business. 

Today, we’re diving into the intersection of biotechnology and financial strategy with Akeem Gardner, CEO & Founder of Canurta Therapeutics. Akeem is pioneering a fresh approach in the biotech space, using hemp cultivation for botanical solutions to inflammation while navigating the challenges of underfunded R&D.

We’ll discuss Canurta's innovative model, The Satoshi Trials, and how Bitcoin can serve as a financial tool for research-intensive SMEs. Akeem will also share practical guidance for Canadian small businesses looking to adopt Bitcoin and explore its potential for fostering financial resilience. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

1. Redefining Biotech R&D in Canada: Akeem will explain why R&D spending is risky for Canadian SMEs in biotech and how Canurta is developing next-generation botanical therapeutics for diseases like ALS and inflammation.

2. The Satoshi Trials – Bitcoin as a Financial Tool for SMEs: Akeem will discuss how The Satoshi Trials connect Bitcoin to solving real-world challenges in business growth for biotech and other research-intensive SMEs.

3. Practical Bitcoin Adoption for Canadian SMEs & Future-Proofing: Akeem will provide guidance on how Canadian SMEs can adopt Bitcoin today to strengthen operations and future-proof against economic uncertainties.

4. Recent Accomplishments Highlight: Akeem will share Canurta's achievements, including FDA feedback for clinical trials, graduating from CDL, being accepted into MATTER Health, and preparing for a public listing.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we’re exploring the unique approach to private equity championed by Lynx Equity Limited, a firm that focuses on building and preserving the legacies of small and medium-sized enterprises. We'll delve into the long-term growth strategy and values that set Lynx Equity apart from the typical transaction-driven approach.

Joining us today is Brad Nathan, Founder & President of Lynx Equity Limited, a diversified private equity firm based in Toronto. With over 57 businesses across five countries and nearly a billion dollars in revenue, Brad has built a powerhouse by adopting a people-first philosophy and a buy-and-hold strategy to preserve century-old family businesses.

Key Highlights:

1. The Vision Behind Lynx Equity & Overlooked Opportunities: Brad shares his journey founding Lynx Equity and why he saw an opportunity to focus on small and medium-sized businesses.

2. Lynx Equity's Unique Acquisition Approach & Buy-and-Hold Strategy: Learn about Lynx’s criteria for acquisitions and how they grow businesses while preserving their legacies.

3. Trends in the SME Market & Future Adaptations: Brad discusses trends in the SME market and how Lynx Equity plans to adapt its strategies to capitalize on them.

4. Leadership, Management Advice & Sustaining Legacy: Insights into leadership lessons and management advice from Brad on how SME owners can foster long-term growth and cultural excellence.

5. Impact Beyond Acquisitions & Recent Accomplishments: Brad highlights Lynx Equity’s community involvement and recent accomplishments like the Lynx Equity Income Trust and key acquisitions.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore key insights for businesses navigating the digital transformation landscape. Today, we’ll focus on a critical challenge many businesses face in leveraging technology for growth.In a rapidly evolving digital environment, leaders must grasp digital tools effectively. Our guest, with over 20 years of experience, brings invaluable insights on how to bridge this gap and foster transformational growth.

Joining us today is Jorge Arevalo, Senior Technology Executive & Digital Transformation Strategist at Independent Technology Consultant. With his extensive experience across startups and major enterprises, Jorge has helped businesses transform on a large scale.Today, we’ll discuss the digital literacy crisis in leadership, how to turn compliance into a competitive advantage, and Jorge’s approach to building adaptive, learning organizations. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

1. Why Digital Transformations Fail – The Digital Literacy Crisis: Jorge explains how a gap in digital literacy at the executive level often causes transformations to fail, even when technology is not the problem.

2. RegTech Through the Lens of Digital Literacy – A Competitive Advantage: Jorge shares how improving digital literacy can turn RegTech from a cost center to a growth driver and offer strategic advantages.

3. The Digital Literacy Playbook – Building Learning Organizations: Jorge discusses how fostering learning cultures alongside digital transformation helps organizations remain adaptable to change.

4. Practical Strategies for Digital Literacy at the Executive Level: Jorge offers actionable steps on improving digital fluency at the top level to drive successful tech adoption and business growth.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.