In today’s episode of Small Business School, I sit down with Dmytro, founder of Sing Smart, an international online vocal coaching company. His story of resilience—from pursuing music in Ukraine, navigating the pandemic, and moving to Canada—highlights the power of using your voice not only to sing but to truly express yourself. Dmytro reminds us that our voice is more than technique; it’s a reflection of our soul.

Key topics covered:

• Dmytro’s journey from musician to global vocal coach, and how adversity shaped his business.
• Why most people don’t want to be superstars—they want confidence in using their voice every day.
• How creating a safe, supportive environment helps people explore and embrace their voice.
• The balance between encouragement and honest feedback in building growth and resilience.
• Practical ways to prepare for speaking or performing, like practicing different “characters” to expand your vocal expression.
• Why enjoying the process—and treating it as a journey—is the key to building confidence and authenticity.

One powerful takeaway: your voice is the reflection of your soul, and the more you practice using it, the more confident and comfortable you’ll become.

Get 50% off your first lesson with SingSmart using code SBSP50.

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 Dmytro:

Instagram: @singsmart.ca

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 Business Builders workshop, I’m digging into one of the biggest struggles small business owners face: the constant ups and downs of the feast or famine cycle. If you’ve ever had a month full of sales and then felt crickets the next, you’re not alone. In this episode, I walk through why this cycle happens, the stress it creates, and how you can finally step out of it by building more predictability into your business.

Key topics covered:

• Why the feast or famine cycle shows up (and why it keeps us stuck in stress mode).
• The difference between reactive and proactive business building.
• How to plan revenue ahead instead of scrambling month-to-month.
• Three proven paths to create stability: recurring/retainer offers, rebooking systems, and consistent lead generation.
• Why predictable revenue doesn’t mean boring—it actually creates more freedom and intentional growth.

Challenge

Pick one of the three paths to predictable revenue:

1. Create a recurring/retainer offer
2. Build a rebooking or renewal system
3. Plan a consistent lead generation habit

Choose the one that will have the biggest impact for you this quarter and commit to taking one action step this week to move it forward.

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!

Today’s episode is a little different than our usual conversations on Small Business School—but it’s one I think every business owner needs to hear. I’m joined by Debbie Stanley, a seasoned expert in estate administration and the founder of ETP Canada. We dive into a topic that so many people avoid: what happens when we don’t plan ahead for life’s inevitable events. Whether it’s navigating the role of executor, understanding probate, or thinking about the future of your business, this conversation is full of insights that will help you feel more prepared and confident.

Key topics covered:

• The role of an executor and why it can be so overwhelming without guidance
• The truth about probate, what it actually means, and why it takes so long
• Special challenges small business owners face if they pass away without a plan
• How a tech audit and succession planning can protect your business long-term
• Simple, practical first steps to start preparing without feeling overwhelmed

This episode is your reminder that planning ahead isn’t about fear—it’s about giving yourself, your family, and your business peace of mind for the future.

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Debbie:

Instagram: @deb_stanley

Website: executorready.ca (visit for vip-club discount code for our course Executor Ready)

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 Business Builders episode, I’m diving into a topic that so many entrepreneurs shy away from—budgets. But here’s the truth: a strategic budget isn’t about restriction, it’s about freedom. When you align your spending with your vision, you give yourself the clarity and structure to actually grow the business (and life!) you want. I’ll walk you through how to shift from “last year’s numbers” thinking into creating a budget that supports the future you’re building.

Key topics covered:

• Why most budgets fail—and how to create one rooted in your vision, not last year’s revenue
• The key categories every business owner should consider when mapping costs to growth
• How to set realistic revenue targets that align with your expenses and goals
• The importance of revisiting and adjusting your budget regularly (it’s not a one-time exercise!)
• Your simple homework: define three goals for your business this year, and map out the resources needed to make them possible

Challenge

Write down three goals you want your business to support this year—both personally and professionally.

Then, map out the resources or expenses that would help you reach those goals.

Don’t worry about the revenue yet—just focus on identifying what it would take to run the business well and support those goals.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

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! It’s just you and me today! I’m unpacking the mindset shifts and practical tactics I shared during a recent Coach’s Corner —aka the exact money guidance I’d give if we only had a few minutes together. We’ll talk about expanding what you believe is possible, measuring what actually matters, and making grounded decisions that move your business forward (without the all-or-nothing gambles).

Key topics covered:

• Money is a mindset: expand your belief by getting in rooms with people a few steps (then a few more) ahead; invest sustainably, not from desperation.
• Coaching with discernment: tools and mentors can be powerful—just avoid high-ticket “last dollar” decisions; grow through steady rewiring, not quick fixes.
• Measure before you judge: keep bookkeeping current, set deadlines for reports, and use the data (not your gut) to spot leaks and wins.
• Adopt a growth lens: add “yet” to your self-talk (“I’m not good at this… yet”) and remember—finance is the part of business you can’t ignore.
• Core money mechanics: know your burn rate/runway/breakeven, manage the three profit pillars (revenue, cost of sales, overhead), protect cash, and demand ROI from every spend.

Tune in and give yourself the gift of clarity—one grounded decision at a time.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

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 Business Builders, I’m making the case that numbers are power—not pressure. I share how finally looking at my metrics didn’t turn me into “cold corporate”… it freed me to cut what didn’t matter, pay my team better, and serve more generously. If you’ve been avoiding your P&L or marketing stats, this is your gentle nudge to step in as the visionary CEO your business needs.

Key topics covered:

• The mindset shift: numbers are a tool, not a grade—use them to guide, not shame.
• The five basics to track monthly: revenue, profit, owner’s pay, cash/runway, and margin vs. expenses.
• Simple starting points (even if you’re messy): download statements, categorize, sort—then review trends.
• Who does what: bookkeeper (data), accountant/CFO (interpretation & advice)—and how to get plain-English summaries.
• Setting targets you can actually hit: plug leaks, choose focus products/vendors, and run a monthly CEO Money Meeting.

Challenge

Choose a recurring date each month (like the second or third Tuesday) and block off 30 minutes for a CEO Money Meeting.

During that time, start small by tracking just three numbers:

• Revenue
• Profit
• Owner’s pay

Even if your records feel messy, the goal is simply to get started. Tracking monthly will get easier over time, and it builds the confidence you need to make smarter decisions.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

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 Small Business School, I sit down with Jenn Rowles—known by her clients as the Chaos Destroyer. Jenn helps busy entrepreneurs and women create structure, reduce overwhelm, and find calm in the middle of their packed lives. We talk about why chaos feels like the “norm” these days, how it impacts both family and business, and what you can do to take back control of your time and energy.

Key topics covered:

• Why chaos has become the default way of living—and how entrepreneurs often feel it even more.
• The importance of intentional connection time with kids (and how a few minutes can save hours later).
• How physical clutter and “drop zones” fuel mental burnout.
• The power of simple 30-second habits to reduce overwhelm and build calm.
• When to outsource tasks vs. when to build better systems at home and work.
• How planning and reducing decision fatigue can completely change how your week feels.

Jenn’s mission is simple but powerful: to make calm the new normal. 

Mention ‘Small Business School Podcast’ and receive $50 off the six week transformation.

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Jenn:

• Instagram: @mypersonalconcierge_
• Website: www.mypersonalconciergeyeg.com

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 Business Builders, we’re tackling one of the scariest (but most necessary) moves you’ll make as a business owner: raising your prices. If you’ve been holding onto the same rates for too long because you’re afraid of client pushback, this conversation is for you. Raising your prices isn’t about being greedy—it’s about protecting your business, honouring your growth, and creating space for sustainability.

Key topics covered:

• Signs you’ve outgrown your current prices (hint: resentment and discounting are big red flags).
• Why raising your prices is a strategic business decision, not an emotional one.
• How to anchor into the data—profit margins, costs, and market research—so your pricing reflects real value.
• Three practical ways to raise your rates without losing integrity (and with a lot less fear).
• The emotional side of pricing shifts and why the right clients will respect and support your growth.

Raising your prices isn’t risky—it’s a recalibration of how far you’ve come.

Challenge

Pick one offer, service, or client group where your pricing needs to increase. Audit what it costs you to deliver, draft your updated rate, and either apply it to your next new client or prepare a clear notice for existing clients.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

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 Small Business School, I sit down with Laurie Hawkins to talk about how we can navigate chaos—both in business and life—without losing ourselves in the process. We dive into nervous system health, simple practices that shift everything, and the power of community when things feel heavy. Laurie brings so much wisdom (and encouragement!) about finding calm in the middle of it all.

Key topics covered:

• Why your nervous system is your most important business partner
• How stress, fear, and “fight or flight” responses show up in our leadership
• Simple, everyday practices to stay grounded (yes, even dancing or screaming counts!)
• Why community is truly medicine, and how to give and receive support
• The reminder that you were born worthy and whole—and how investing in yourself ripples into everything around you

Tune in and remind yourself that even in the middle of chaos, you have the power to pause, choose differently, and create a ripple of calm and possibility in your life and business.

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Laurie:

• Instagram: @hawkinspired
• Website: www.hawkinspired.com/readyformore

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!

Having tough conversations is part of leadership — but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally. In this episode of Small Business School’s Business Builders Series, I’m breaking down how to handle those sticky situations with clarity and kindness, so you can lead with confidence instead of avoidance. You’ll learn how to stop spiraling, avoid resentment, and actually strengthen relationships through honesty and respect.

Key topics covered:

• Why hard conversations are a leadership skill (not a personality trait)
• The three key questions to ask yourself before you speak
• How to check your tone and timing so you don’t react from emotion
• A simple 3-step framework for navigating tough conversations
• Common pitfalls like over-coaching or over-owning — and how to avoid them

Challenge

Pick one hard conversation you’ve been avoiding.

Ask yourself:
What outcome do I actually want?
What emotion am I feeling, and how do I want to show up instead?
Is this about them, the situation, or me needing to lead more clearly?

Write out the 3-part structure:
What have you noticed?
How does it affect the business or person?
What do you want to ask or suggest next?                                                                                                          
Then book the time and actually have the conversation this week.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

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!