Most COVID restrictions have long since lifted, but Canadian entrepreneurs are finding out “back in business” doesn’t necessarily mean “back to normal.” 

As we mark Small Business Month in October, we’re taking the pulse of that important sector of the Canadian economy with the help of Scotiabank’s Senior Vice President of Small Business, Jason Charlebois, and Dan Kelly, the President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. 

Come back to the Perspectives page all month for more small business coverage. 

Key moments this episode: 

1:27 — The mood of Canadian small business owners compared to a year ago 

3:25 — Why businesses still have a long way to before being back to profitability 

4:33 — What challenges small businesses now face with COVID restrictions lifted  

5:36 — How entrepreneurs are dealing with interest rates and inflation 

7:40 — Has the outpouring of support to small businesses during lockdowns carried over? 

9:50 — How did lockdowns help with digitalizing business  

12:57 — How the labour shortage is taking a massive bite out of businesses 

14:00 — What advice does Charlebois has for small business owners? 

15:20 — How they pandemic has changed how people approach work and what effect that has on small business 

16:47 — What is at the crux of what the country needs to face current challenges