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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to explore the intersection of leadership, politics, and entrepreneurship. From his early days as a broadcaster and business coach to his current role as mayor of Ottawa, Mark shares candid reflections on authenticity, resilience, and the challenges of public life. He opens up about how small business values shaped his leadership style, why civility in politics matters, and what entrepreneurs can learn from the realities of City Hall. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories—from father-son baseball trips to lessons learned in community service—that highlight how staying true to yourself is the foundation of long-term success.

This conversation also dives into Ottawa’s $5 billion budget, the role of Invest Ottawa, and how the city supports local business through tax policies, advocacy, and economic development initiatives. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about what it takes to balance authenticity with responsibility, this episode delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective. You’ll walk away with lessons on leadership, community, and why small business owners should never compare their behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ highlight reels.

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and leader
01:10 – Coaching, business values, and the Zenbooks connection
03:40 – Why politics struggles to attract good people
06:30 – Finding balance: running, family, and travel stories
10:40 – City Hall and small business: what levers really matter
14:30 – Listening to entrepreneurs and reducing red tape
17:40 – Invest Ottawa and building a defense innovation hub
20:00 – What Mark learned about government as mayor
23:15 – Music, hype songs, and leadership lessons across roles
27:30 – Authenticity, personal brand, and staying true to values
29:30 – Normalizing entrepreneurial challenges and struggles
33:50 – The pace of City Hall vs. entrepreneurship
36:00 – Rapid fire: podcasts, donuts, role models, and family
39:25 – Closing reflections on leadership and making a difference

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In this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, host Eric sits down with Nishant Raina, Vice President of Product Management at Mastercard in Canada. Nishant shares how Mastercard is helping small business owners tackle some of their biggest challenges. You’ll hear about the crucial role small businesses play in Canada’s economy, the pain points they’re facing right now, and how Mastercard’s programs and tools are making a difference.

00:00  Introduction and Guest Overview
01:21  The Role of Small Businesses in Canada’s Economy
06:34  Mastercard’s Initiatives to Support Small Businesses
09:31  The Future of Financial Institutions and FinTech
14:29  Mastercard’s Use of Data and Cybersecurity
18:31  Barriers to Digital Tool Adoption
21:13  Embracing AI and Digital Payments
23:30  Mastercard’s Role in Supporting Small Businesses
30:20  Building a Small Business Community
33:05  Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Nishant Raina
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishantraina/

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with David Perry and Paul LaBarge—two champions of Canadian innovation—to dive deep into a bold proposal that could reshape the future of early-stage business funding. Drawing inspiration from Canada’s mining sector and successful UK policy, they explain how adapting flow-through share structures to tech startups and small businesses could ignite local investment, drive job creation, and help homegrown companies scale without fleeing the country. The idea is simple yet profound: allow investors to claim immediate tax deductions for backing early-stage ventures, effectively reducing their risk and increasing the viability of Canadian innovation. The conversation also touches on national economic resilience, the gaps in current programs like SR&ED, and how democratizing wealth through broader investor access can create meaningful change.

This discussion isn’t just theory—it’s a roadmap. Canadian small business owners stand to benefit from a funding model that prioritizes simplicity, broad access, and real economic impact. You’ll learn how this approach compares to existing options, why it’s gaining political traction, and how it could unlock new opportunities in communities across the country—not just in major tech hubs. Best of all, you’ll find out how to get involved. Entrepreneurs and advocates can endorse the movement, share their stories, and help shape a funding ecosystem that truly supports Canadian-owned growth. If you’re building a business and looking for smart, scalable ways to grow, this episode is packed with insight and action.

 00:00 – Intro: Meet David Perry & Paul LaBarge, and the power of flow-through shares
 01:30 – What flow-through shares are, and why they matter beyond mining
 06:30 – Focusing on tech first: a strategic step toward broader eligibility
 08:15 – Canada’s economic vulnerability and why timing matters now
 10:30 – How the idea gained political momentum and party platform attention
 15:30 – Why flow-through shares are not just for the wealthy
 17:00 – What the government gains: economic activity, jobs, and taxes
 20:00 – The case for job creation in rural and underserved regions
 25:00 – Simplifying what qualifies: reducing friction for small businesses
 32:00 – Broadening access to capital and employee ownership
 34:00 – Quality jobs: how this policy creates long-term economic value
 36:00 – Innovation vs. commercialization: why Canada struggles with the latter
 41:00 – The policy pitch: low cost, high return, and no bureaucracy
 43:00 – Final thoughts: democratizing investment and wealth creation
 45:00 – What small business owners can do: take action at canflowthrough.com
 50:00 – Call to action: share your story and join the grassroots movement

David Perry & Paul Labarge

canflowthrough.com

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with Ottawa connector and storyteller Sam Laprade to explore how she co-authored Ottawa Made, a book celebrating local innovation and entrepreneurship. Sam shares the full behind-the-scenes of writing and launching the book—from managing self-doubt and editing challenges to finding time to write amid a busy life. She also dives into the sales side of authorship, explaining how thoughtful distribution, event-driven marketing, and community partnerships helped move books beyond the bookstore.

But this episode is about more than just writing—it’s about building something real. Sam reveals how deep, authentic relationships became her competitive edge in Ottawa, leading to everything from radio shows to keynote invitations. Her approach is a masterclass in grassroots visibility: handwritten notes, consistent event attendance, and becoming known as a connector in the city. If you’ve ever wanted to grow your presence without spending a fortune, learn why every entrepreneur has a story worth telling, or if you simply wondered how to turn relationships into lasting business opportunities—this episode delivers both strategic insights and heartfelt inspiration.

00:00 – Intro: Turning ideas into books and the power of local stories

01:10 – How Ottawa Made began and why Sam brought on a co-author

04:00 – Why writing this book became a legacy piece

05:20 – What surprised Sam most during the writing process

08:00 – Advice for first-time authors and why small daily progress matters

10:50 – Selling the book: launches, corporate gifting, and local retail partners

14:30 – Building a real competitive moat through consistent community presence

16:45 – How Sam’s portfolio career evolved from being helpful and visible

20:40 – Budget-friendly ways to be a “super-connector”

22:00 – Why handwritten notes and showing up matter more than digital spam

24:00 – Raw honesty: stories that didn’t make the book and the editing process

26:00 – The courage it takes to share real experiences and hard truths

28:30 – Rapid-fire round: favorite Ottawa spots, biggest lessons, and regrets

31:00 – Final advice for small business owners: be visible, be helpful, be human

Sam Laprade, Griffin Fundraising & Ottawa Media Personality

Connect on LinkedIn

Her Website

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In this episode, Eric Saumure welcomes Monique Goffinet, seasoned board leader and governance expert, for an energizing and insightful conversation about board leadership, governance trends, and how business owners can use board involvement to grow professionally. Monique shares the realities of board service, demystifies common misconceptions, and dives into leadership lessons from her years as a CEO and board member. From emotional intelligence to modern succession planning and the "three Cs" of leadership, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners looking to sharpen their strategic edge and contribute more effectively in board environments.

Whether you're thinking of joining your first board or already serve on one, this conversation will reshape how you view governance and leadership in today's fast-paced world.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview

01:56 – Misunderstood Roles of Board Members

06:16 – What Is Role Creep in Governance?

07:50 – Boardroom Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Grit

10:30 – Leadership Training and Real-World Lessons

14:11 – Outdated Governance Ideas and Succession Challenges

18:14 – The Risks of Rigid Bylaws and Outdated Board Culture

22:26 – Founder-to-Chair Transitions and Power Balance

27:08 – High-Growth Environments and CEO Vision Alignment

32:12 – The Three C’s: Communication, Compromise, and Consensus

38:45 – Emotional Intelligence in the Boardroom

41:39 – Boards Aren’t Just for Retirement Anymore

44:14 – Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned

50:49 – Board Experience in Nonprofits and Public Sector

53:38 – Staying Connected and Final Thoughts

Monique Goffinet, MA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-goffinet-ma-a1754395/

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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Today, Eric sits down with Albert Labelle, partner at PearTree and a pro in strategic philanthropy.

Albert breaks down flow-through shares—a powerful but often overlooked tax strategy that can help small business owners and individuals boost their charitable giving while lowering after-tax costs. They dive into how flow-through shares work, the tax advantages for Canadian donors, and how PearTree helps make it all happen. Albert also clears up common concerns around compliance and explains how to spot legitimate donation strategies.

If you’re looking to give smarter and make a bigger impact, this episode’s for you.

00:00 Intro
00:51 Meet Albert Labelle
02:17 What are Charity Flow-Through Shares?
02:56 Donating Appreciated Securities
04:38 PearTree’s Role in Changing the Game
06:42 Tax Benefits Explained
09:57 How to Donate with PearTree
15:16 Compliance & Risk
23:24 Alternative Minimum Tax Strategies
39:56 Wrap-Up & Resources

Albert Labelle, MFA-P, Partner, PearTree Canada
https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertlabellejr/
https://peartreefinserv.com

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This special episode is part of the Podcasthon initiative, a global movement harnessing the power of podcasts to drive conversations around important causes. Podcasthon brings together creators, thought leaders, and change-makers to amplify voices that matter. Learn more at Podcasthon’s website.

Meet Robert Rhéaume, Board Chair of the Montfort Foundation. He shares his pride in the community-funded Mental Health Emergency Zone (MHEZ) and the Montfort Hospital’s vital role in multilingual patient care, medical research, and healthcare training. Robert discusses their recent fundraising successes for mental health and inspiring donor stories, highlighting the community’s crucial role in the hospital’s success.

0:00 Introduction to the Special Episode
0:44 The Importance of Montfort Hospital
1:35 Meet Robert Rhéaume
2:57 Montfort's Unique Services and Impact
6:28 Donor Stories and Contributions
23:12 Future Goals and Fundraising Initiatives
34:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Robert Rhéaume
https://montfortfoundation.ca/administration/m-robert-rheaume/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-c-rhéaume-fcpa-fca-b0803210/

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In this episode, Eric chats with David Burden, Director of Sales and Biz Dev at Arketek, a leading Salesforce consultancy. David drops some great tips on smart sales strategies, using tech to grow your biz, and avoiding common small business pitfalls. They cover everything from the (fading) future of cold email to how AI and automation are changing the sales game. Plus, David shares practical ways small businesses can streamline their sales process and use CRM data to find more ideal customers. Packed with useful insights for anyone looking to scale smarter.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:42 Common Sales Mistakes in Small Businesses
03:44 The Future of Cold Email and Sales Strategies
05:37 AI and Automation in Sales
07:50 Automating Small Business Operations
10:30 Choosing the Right CRM
14:12 Building a Sales Playbook
17:29 The Value of Adding Value in Sales
18:37 Tracking Sales Metrics for Small Business Owners
19:10 Leveraging Customer Lifetime Value
21:39 Competing with Big Businesses
22:12 The Importance of Local Networking
25:03 Architect's Elevator Pitch
26:41 Future Trends in Sales and Business Technology
32:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

David Burden, CSP, Arketek

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-burden1/
https://arketek.ca/

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In this episode, Eric sits down with Shawn Stratton from Schooley Mitchell, a business optimization pro who helps small businesses cut costs—on average by 28%—without sacrificing quality. 

Drawing on his background as an expedition leader, speaker, and author, Shawn shares practical tips on auditing expenses and negotiating better rates on things like telecom, waste, and merchant services. He breaks down common myths around cost-cutting and explains how Schooley Mitchell handles the heavy lifting so business owners can save without extra hassle. 

It's a must-listen for anyone looking to boost profits and free up cash for growth.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:41 Identifying Unnecessary Expenses
02:50 Telecom Cost-Saving Strategies
06:17 Sculley Mitchell's Process and Services
13:01 Technology Trends and Cost Management
15:24 International Client Insights
17:34 Understanding Competitor Pricing
17:59 Overcoming Pushback and Skepticism
18:25 The Importance of Cost Savings
18:56 Revenue Growth vs. Cost Reduction
19:52 Negotiating with Vendors
20:54 Challenges in Collecting Financial Data
25:33 Identifying Low-Hanging Fruit for Cost Reduction
26:07 Avoiding Common Billing Pitfalls
28:10 Evaluating Major Operating Expenses
30:06 The Role of Salaries in Cost Management
32:12 Risk-Free Cost Audits
33:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Shawn Stratton
https://www.schooleymitchell.com/office/sstratton/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnstratton/

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In this episode of the Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric welcomes Tara Robertson, a senior accountant at Zenbooks.  Tara shares valuable insights on business taxation, her journey in the industry, and even some tax horror stories. They discuss the critical role tax accountants play, share tips for small business owners, and address common myths about business taxes in Canada. 

0:30 Introducing Tara Robertson: A Journey in Accounting 
1:34 The Cyclical Nature of Tax Season 
4:08 Tax Horror Stories and Lessons Learned 
6:59 Saving Clients Money 
10:43 Unexpected Deductions and Client Conversations 
14:15 Advice for Small Business Owners 
20:10 Managing Stress and Fostering Team Spirit 
23:33 Future Tax Changes to Watch Out For 
25:50 The Importance of Professional Help 
27:10 Tara's Interests 
28:31 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 

Tara Robertson  
[email protected] 
linkedin.com/in/tararobertsonaccountant