Just Good Business 🍁

Just Good Business Digest: October 2026 Edition

Celebrate Small Business Month with fresh insights from Douglas Porter, Amber Mac and Gad Elharrar. From the economy and AI to the changing needs of entrepreneurs, this month’s conversations look at what’s shaping small business in Canada.

Chapter 1:  Economic update with BMO: interest rates, trade, A.I. and what comes next

What does today's economic uncertainty mean for Canadian businesses? Al sits down with Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at BMO, to discuss interest rates, housing, trade, AI and the broader outlook for Canada's economy.

From rising trade tensions and shifting borrowing costs to the growing impact of AI, Porter breaks down the trends shaping the business landscape and shares what Canadian business owners should be watching in the months ahead.

Chapter 2:  The Future of Small Business: Adapting to Change with Amber Mac

How are emerging technologies reshaping the small business landscape? Join Al as he chats with tech expert Amber Mac about the impact of A.I. and automation on entrepreneurship.

Discover strategies for leveraging tech in marketing, the importance of adapting to change, and how small businesses can thrive in an ever-changing digital environment.

Chapter 3:  Is your business paying a “fragmentation tax”?

For Small Business Month, Al chats with Gad Elharrar from Moneris about how growing up in a family-run business helped shape his perspective on the challenges entrepreneurs face today.

From disconnected tools to competing priorities, Gad explores how human-centred innovation can simplify running a business and give owners more time to focus on growth.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:00:55 - Chapter 1: Economic update with BMO: interest rates, trade, A.I. and what comes next
• 00:15:11 - Chapter 2: The Future of Small Business: Adapting to Change with Amber Mac
• 00:28:59- Chapter 3: Is your business paying a “fragmentation tax”?
• 00:41:01 - Outro

Links of Interest:

• BMO Economics
• AmberMac.com
• The Amber Mac Show
• Moneris.com

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Just Good Business Digest: September 2026 Edition 

In September’s Just Good Business digest, we explore how A.I. is reshaping the way Canadians discover, research and buy products. Featuring insights from experts at Accenture and Hootsuite, this edition looks at how consumer shopping journeys are changing and what businesses can do to stay visible, relevant and competitive in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace. 

Chapter 1: How comfortable are Canadians with letting AI influence their shopping decisions? 

Suzana Colic from Accenture Canada joins Al on the podcast to share revealing consumer insights and predictions for the future of AI-powered shopping. Don’t miss this deep dive into how AI is revolutionizing retail! 

Chapter 2: Is your business invisible to AI? Why this matters heading into the holiday shopping season 

As more consumers turn to AI-powered tools to discover products, compare options and make purchasing decisions, small businesses need to rethink how they show up online. 

In this episode of Just Good Business, Allan sits down with Hootsuite's Cara Buscaglia, SVP of GTM Strategy and Innovation, to explore how AI is changing marketing, social media and customer discovery. They discuss what small business owners need to know before the holiday shopping season, how to improve visibility in an AI-driven world and where to focus your marketing efforts for the biggest impact. 

Whether you're wondering how AI affects your social strategy, which marketing trends are worth paying attention to or how to reach more customers online, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put to work right away. 

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:01:19 - Chapter 1: How comfortable are Canadians with letting AI influence their shopping decisions?
• 00:09:52 - Chapter 2: Is your business invisible to AI? Why this matters heading into the holiday shopping season 
• 00:23:31 - Outro

Links of Interest: 

• Moneris.com 
• Accenture.com 
• Accenture Social Channels: FB | IG | LI | YT 
• Hootsuite.com 

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Chapter 1: What is agentic commerce? How AI is transforming the future of shopping

AI is changing the way consumers discover, purchase and manage products. In this episode of Just Good Business, Jordan Williamson from Moneris explains agentic commerce and how AI-powered agents can help consumers shop more efficiently by managing shopping lists, comparing options and making purchases securely on their behalf.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're a business owner, retailer or technology enthusiast, this conversation will help you understand one of the most important emerging trends in digital commerce.

Listen now and explore the future of AI-powered commerce.

Chapters:

Links of Interest:

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Just Good Business Digest: July 2026 Edition

Chapter 1: Beyond the pitch: how a global soccer tournament influences Canadian spending

What happens to consumer spending when the world's biggest soccer tournament comes to town? 🌎⚽

In our latest conversation, Sean McCormick from Moneris Data Services explores how international visitors can influence spending patterns across Canada, from tourism and hospitality to retail and local businesses.

Tune in for insights on travel spending, consumer trends and the broader economic impact of major sporting events.

Chapters:

Links of Interest:

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Just Good Business Digest: June 2026 Edition

Chapter 1:  Tracey McLennan of Edward Jones on Smart Financial Planning for Small Business Owners

In this episode of the Just Good Business Podcast, Al sits down with Tracey McLennan, Director of the Client Consultation Group at Edward Jones, to talk about what small business owners should be doing after tax season ends.

From connecting personal goals to business plans, to deciding when to reinvest vs. build reserves, to navigating succession in an aging workforce — Tracey shares practical strategies every business owner can use.

💡 Key takeaway: Your business is a tool — it should give you freedom, flexibility, or a legacy. If it doesn't, it's time to revisit the plan.

Chapter 2:  Retail Isn’t Slowing—It’s Evolving: What Canadian Consumer Data Reveals in 2026

In this episode of Just Good Business, Sean McCormick, VP Business Development at Moneris Data Services breaks down what’s really driving 2026 retail trends—from fewer but more intentional shoppers to the growing impact of AI on search and discovery.

Learn why conversion matters more than traffic, how LLMs are changing customer behaviour, and what retailers need to do to stay competitive.

Chapters:

Links of Interest:

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Just Good Business Digest: May 2026 Edition

Chapter 1: Canadian Premier League: From Grassroots to Greatness

Join Al in conversation with Michael Beckerman (Canada Soccer Media & Entertainment) as they explore the growth and impact of the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

Michael breaks down how the CPL is:

Whether you're in sports leadership, media, or business strategy, this conversation offers practical insights into how your business can scale, differentiate, and thrive.

👉 Discover how the Canadian Premier League is shaping the future of soccer in Canada.

Chapter 2:  From AI to Trade: Navigating Canada’s Economic Landscape

How are artificial intelligence (AI) advancements and global trade uncertainty reshaping Canada’s economy in 2026? In this episode, Al sits down with Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at BMO, to break down the biggest macroeconomic trends impacting Canadian businesses today.

They explore:

Whether you’re a business professional, economist, or simply interested in Canada’s financial future, this conversation offers expert insights to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving economy.

Chapter 3:  Playoff Fever: How the Montreal Canadiens Are Boosting the Local Economy

🏒 What happens to a city’s economy when its hockey team goes on a playoff run?

In this episode of Just Good Business, Al sits down with Data Expert Sean McCormick to explore the powerful ripple effects of the Montreal Canadiens’ NHL playoff surge—and what it means for local businesses, consumers, and the broader economy.

Watch now to see how playoff momentum turns into real economic impact.

Links of Interest:

Chapters:

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Just Good Business Digest: April 2026 Edition

Chapter 1:  How Economic Development Organizations Help Canadian Small Businesses Grow, Export, and Attract Investment

Al speaks with Traci Simmons, CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), a provincial economic development agency, about how economic development organizations across Canada support small and mid-sized businesses.

They explore how these agencies help companies scale and grow, navigate permits and regulations, expand into export markets, and attract domestic and international investment. They also discuss common success measures like job creation, productivity, GDP growth, and export wins, as well as challenges facing Canadian businesses today—including labour shortages, affordability pressures, and changing immigration dynamics.

Chapter 2:  Energy Efficiency Made Easy for Small Business Owners

In the latest Just Good Business episode, Al explores how Ontario’s Save on Energy program helps small businesses cut costs and operate more sustainably. He is joined by Tam Wagner, Director of Demand Side Management at the IESO, to break down practical ways energy efficiency can make a real impact on your bottom line — and the planet. 🌍

🎧 Listen now to learn what support is available and how your business can start saving today.

Chapter 3: 🔍 Insights Alert: Canadian Consumer Spending — Q1 2026

What’s driving Canadian consumer behavior in Q1 2026? How does your region compare to the rest of the country?

In our latest podcast episode, Sean McCormick breaks down current consumer spend trends, regional performance differences, and the economic pressures shaping purchasing decisions. Learn what these insights mean for businesses and how to adapt your strategies for growth in 2026.

Links of Interest:

Chapters:

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Chapter 1: Trust in Canadian Business: Key Findings from the CanTrust Index and Insights from Bruce MacLellan

Building trust isn’t just a goal—it’s a business strategy. 🏆 Al welcomes Bruce MacLellan back on the podcast to discuss the 2026 CanTrust Index and explain how small businesses can leverage trust to drive growth. Do you know your trust strategy?

Chapter 2:   AI Driven Fraud in Canada: How Small Businesses Can Detect, Prevent, and Fight Back — Expert Insights from Yale Holder

Is AI making fraud harder to detect for businesses? In our latest episode, Allan speaks with Yale Holder from Moneris about how scammers are using artificial intelligence and advanced technology to target organizations—and the practical steps businesses can take to stay ahead of AI driven fraud.

Learn how fraud tactics are evolving and what leaders need to know to protect their operations.

Links of Interest:

Chapters:

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Chapter 1:  Music Licensing for Your Business Demystified: A Conversation With SOCAN

🎶Dive into the world of music rights with SOCAN's Kit Wheeler! Discover why music licensing matters for businesses and how it supports artists.

Chapter 2:  Is Valentine’s Day A Bigger Shopping Event Than Black Friday?

Dive into the numbers behind this year's Valentine's Day spending! 📊 Discover why it outshone even Black Friday in consumer impact. Find out why Canadians splurged more this year and what it means for our economy.

Links of Interest:

Chapters:

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If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Chapter 1: Economic Forecast 2026: Insights from BMO's Chief Economist

Al sat down with Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at BMO, to unpack the top 3 economic stories of 2025, and to look at the year ahead in Canada’s economy. He also offers some helpful insights for Canadian small business owners.

Chapter 2: Reflecting on 2025 with Sean McCormick: A Flat Holiday Spend and Its Implications

Data Expert Sean McCormick joins Al to break down the latest holiday consumer spending trends. Was spending up, down, or flat this year? Which provinces came out on top? Which days were the busiest—and has Boxing Day lost its traditional shopping momentum? Get these answers and more insights in the full conversation.

Chapter 3: AI and Retail Evolution: Preparing for 2026 with Mastercard’s Benjamin Jacob

Don't miss our chat with MasterCard's Benjamin Jacob on the evolving consumer behavior and adaptive economies. Discover how AI and strategic spending are revolutionizing the way Canadians shop!  

Links of Interest:

• BMO
• BMO Capital Markets
• Moneris Data Services
• Mastercard
• Mastercard Small Business Resources

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:01:13 - Chapter 1: Economic Forecast 2026: Insights from BMO's Chief Economist
• 00:11:34 - Chapter 2: Reflecting on 2025 with Sean McCormick: A Flat Holiday Spend and Its Implications
• 00:19:13 - Chapter 3: AI and Retail Evolution: Preparing for 2026 with Mastercard’s Benjamin Jacob
• 00:28:08 - Outro

Subscribe now!

If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at [email protected].

Just Good Business is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.