Welcome back to Small Business School! Ever wondered if EI maternity leave is worth it as an entrepreneur? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what EI looks like for self-employed business owners; when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to make the best decision for your unique business and lifestyle.

Key topics covered:

• The difference between traditional EI and the special benefits program for self-employed individuals
• Why you need to opt in at least 12 months before taking leave, and why timing is everything
• How much you actually pay in versus what you might get back (with real examples!)
• The pros and cons: including when EI makes financial sense and when to skip it
• Smart alternatives to EI like building your own maternity fund, paying dividends, or private insurance options

At the end of the day, it’s not just about if you can get EI, it’s about whether EI truly fits the business and life you’re building. Take the time to run the numbers and trust yourself to choose what works best for you.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! Stepping away from your business for maternity leave isn’t something that just happens, it has to be built with intention. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I’d plan for maternity leave as a business owner. From the financial foundation to the emotional reality, so you can take time off feeling prepared, confident, and supported.

Key topics covered:

• How to plan your pay while you’re off, from saving ahead to building a business that pays you even when you’re not in it.
• Deciding if your business can run without you or if you’ll need to save for your time away.
• Why SOPs, team training, and test runs are key to stress-free leave.
• How to start letting go of control, plan your check-ins, and set expectations for your return.
• Building for maternity leave can also help you scale and create freedom in your business long after baby arrives.

Taking maternity leave as a business owner is absolutely possible, it just takes intention and preparation. Even if you’re not there yet, starting now can set you up for the kind of freedom and flexibility every business owner deserves.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this episode, I dive into a question I get all the time: “How do small businesses survive against Amazon?” Spoiler alert — some don’t, but many thrive. And the difference? It’s not what you think. I’m breaking down the truth about competing in a world where giants exist, and why your mindset and innovation matter more than your price tag.

Key topics covered:

• Why Amazon isn’t the “small business killer” people think it is
• How shaming customers for shopping on Amazon actually pushes them away
• What thriving small businesses do differently (hint: they innovate!)
• How to create a competition-free zone where your uniqueness wins
• Two smart paths forward: play a whole different game — or use Amazon as a tool

Your biggest threat isn’t Amazon — it’s the version of you that’s afraid to stand out. Compete by being human, build connection, and remember: no one can do you better than you. 💛

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m diving into one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of entrepreneurship: planning for the true cost of growth. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of scaling that we forget growth always costs money, time, and energy before it pays off. I’m sharing practical, grounded advice for planning your growth intentionally so it strengthens your business instead of stretching it too thin.

Key topics covered:

• Why every stage of growth eats up cash — and how to prepare for it
• Understanding true growth costs: team, tools, time, and implementation
• How to plan ahead so you can fund your growth without creating chaos
• Building financial buffers and cash flow forecasts to support expansion
• The difference between growing out of clarity versus growing out of FOMO
• How intentional, well-funded growth builds a stronger, more sustainable business

Challenge:

Write down your top one to two growth goals for the next quarter. Then ask yourself — what will this really cost in time, tools, and team? Add a buffer, and decide how you’ll make it possible.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Hi friend, welcome back to Small Business School! This week, Staci gets real about why women—especially mothers—often face more challenges finding financial success in business. From societal expectations to mindset blocks, she unpacks the deep-rooted beliefs that hold women back from prioritizing profit and challenges us to reframe how we think about money, success, and impact.

Key topics covered:

• Why “help at home” and access to funding aren’t the only factors in women’s business success
• The hidden shame around women saying they want to make money
• The mindset shift from running a “passion project” to building a profitable business
• How women can balance being heart-led and money-focused
• Why normalizing conversations about money between women is key to lasting change

Take a few minutes to reflect on your own beliefs about money. Ask yourself: Do I truly believe it’s okay to want to make money in my business?

Then, start a conversation with another woman entrepreneur—normalize talking about profit, growth, and financial goals.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m breaking down how to forecast your revenue — intentionally and confidently — instead of reacting to whatever comes your way. Forecasting doesn’t have to feel stressful or uncertain. When you approach it as a tool to create your future (not predict it), you give yourself clarity, direction, and control in your business.

Key topics covered:

• The difference between a target and a forecast (and why you need both)
• How to use your past and current data to build realistic revenue projections
• Understanding seasonal trends and how they impact your business
• Connecting your forecast to your capacity and marketing efforts
• Why a good forecast gives you control, not pressure

A forecast isn’t about being right — it’s about being ready. The more clarity you build, the less anxiety you’ll feel about what’s coming next.

Challenge:

Open up your revenue from the last 12 months and chart out your actuals by month.
Then, forecast the next three months by labeling each one with:

• What’s booked or guaranteed
• What’s expected
• And your stretch goal (the fun, visionary number!)

Next month, review how close you came — and update the forecast again. Keep it rolling and start building that muscle of confident, intentional forecasting.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! This week, I’m diving into a hot take — your relationship with the CRA might actually say a lot about your relationship with money. Yep, I said it! After chatting with a client in the wealth management world, I realized how deeply our money mindset is tied to how we feel about Canada Revenue Agency. So, let’s unpack that and shift the narrative from fear to empowerment when it comes to taxes and audits.

Key topics covered:

• Why your reaction to a CRA letter might reveal your deeper money mindset
• How most CRA letters are computer-generated (not personal attacks!)
• The truth about CRA audits — and why they’re not always a bad thing
• How professionals can help you prepare and respond calmly
• Building financial confidence so those brown envelopes don’t send you into panic mode

Imagine what it would feel like to open a CRA letter without your heart racing — just peace and confidence. That’s the energy we’re working toward.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to another episode of the Business Builders series. This week, I’m diving into one of the most common questions I get asked — how much should I be paying myself? Whether you’re just starting out or years into business, figuring out your own pay can feel confusing and even emotional. In this episode, we break it down step-by-step so you can understand your true value, create a sustainable pay structure, and start treating yourself like the CEO you already are.

Key topics covered:

• Why your business should exist to serve your life — not starve it
• The two ways you get paid as an owner: for your role and as a shareholder
• How to figure out what it would cost to replace you in your business
• The risks of both underpaying and overpaying yourself
• How to build your salary into your financial model and start reverse-engineering profit

Challenge:

Get clear on your numbers!

1. Decide what enough looks like for you — what income do you personally need to feel secure?
2. Calculate what your business should be paying to replace you for the roles you fill.

Once you know these two numbers, you’ll have the clarity to start building your pay plan like a true CEO.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Rebecca, founder of The Detour Co, a natural skincare brand rooted in mindfulness, intentional living, and self-connection. What started as a side project in her kitchen has grown into a brand that’s not just about beautiful skin — it’s about helping women slow down, reconnect, and nurture themselves through simple daily rituals.

Key topics covered:

• How Rebecca went from yoga and meditation teacher to skincare founder — and why her brand is so much more than just products.
• The philosophy behind “from the land, not the lab,” and how nature inspires everything she creates.
• Staying grounded while growing a business and raising kids (and how meditation keeps her centered).
• The importance of community and why finding “your people” changes everything in entrepreneurship.
• How brand clarity and messaging often come from conversations, connection, and simply showing up.

At the end of the day, building a business that feels good matters just as much as building one that looks good — because when you’re aligned and connected to your purpose, everything else flows naturally.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Connect with Rebecca:

• Instagram: thedetourco.muskoka
• Website: https://thedetourco.com/pages/facial (use code ACADEMY for free shipping on any order. Expires 12/31/2025)

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this week’s episode of Business Builders, we’re diving into one of the hardest questions every entrepreneur faces — when to let go of an offer that’s no longer serving you. Just because something’s profitable doesn’t mean it’s right for your business.

Together, we’ll look at how to assess your products or services through a lens of energy, alignment, and long-term sustainability. It’s time to create more space for what truly lights you up.

Key topics covered:

• Why profitability isn’t the only kind of return on investment that matters.
• How to recognize when an offer is draining your energy (even if it’s making money).
• Understanding the “fear of letting go” and how the sunk cost fallacy keeps us stuck.
• The five-point system to audit your offers and spot what’s out of alignment.
• How to gracefully phase out or reshape an offer that no longer fits your vision.

Challenge:

Audit your current offers using Staci’s 5-point system — profitability, energy, scalability, client results, and alignment. Then, circle one offer that might need to be retired or reshaped and reflect on what changing it could make possible for your business.

Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.

Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!