Small Business

Tax and cost pressures holding back most small business from expanding: CFIB 

Mario Toneguzzi -
A CFIB survey finds just 7% of small businesses plan significant growth over the next year, with taxes and rising costs cited as key barriers to expansion.

Most Canadian Small Businesses Haven’t Felt AI’s Impact: Zensurance

Mario Toneguzzi -
Second-wave findings from Zensurance’s 2026 survey show three-in-five small business owners remain outside the AI conversation.

77% of Canadians say buying local is how they are “standing up” for their communities in the face of US tariffs

Mario Toneguzzi -
New Meridian research reveals that 75% Canadians believe small local businesses are in for a rough two years.

52% of tariff-impacted small businesses are performing worse: Merchant Growth report

Mario Toneguzzi -
Many Canadian small business owners say they’re an afterthought in trade negotiations and most haven’t felt the Buy Canadian boost

Fuel costs, tariff pressures drag small business confidence down in September: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
Weak demand remained the leading growth constraint for nearly half (49%) of small businesses, while shortage of skilled labour persisted for 41% of small firms.

One in five small business owners describe their business as “weak” or “critical”: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
Small business tax relief needs to be at the top of the agenda to restore small business confidence

Trade war puts over 50,000 Canadian small businesses at risk: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
The CFIB is calling for immediate tax relief for small businesses through a Small Business Corporate Tax Rate cut.

Alberta launches tariff portal for businesses

Mario Toneguzzi -
The government said the portal launches as businesses continue to assess the impact of recent U.S. tariffs and Canada's planned retaliatory measures.

Small business confidence hits three-year low as costs rise and cash reserves shrink: Zensurance

Mario Toneguzzi -
Confidence fell to 49 per cent this year, down from 58 per cent in 2025 and 70 per cent in 2024.

Canadian small-business sales fall for third straight quarter: Xero

Mario Toneguzzi -
The data points to continued pressure on small businesses as they contend with weaker sales and longer waits for invoices to be paid.

New 50% U.S. tariffs add pressure on retailers as trade uncertainty disrupts pricing, inventory and growth: DOSS Report

Mario Toneguzzi -
A new DOSS report finds the latest 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are intensifying pressure on retailers, forcing companies to rethink pricing, inventory management and supply chains while delaying long-term growth plans.

Small businesses face mounting financial pressure: Merchant Growth

Mario Toneguzzi -
Ontario restaurants and small businesses are struggling with wildfire smoke, extreme heat, rising utility costs and new U.S. tariff threats. Merchant Growth's latest survey reveals growing financial strain, reduced U.S. trade and cautious consumer spending.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 20, 2026

Retail Insider -
Canadians turn to thrift stores, Trump threatens 50% tariff on Canada, HBC auction tied to world's biggest art fraud, KaleMart24 opening store, Flying Tiger opening 3rd GTA store, and other news.

CFIB urges Premiers to champion tax relief and internal trade reform

Mario Toneguzzi -
The federal small business tax rate has remained frozen at 9% since 2019, and the Small Business Deduction threshold has been unchanged at $500,000 since 2009.

Small businesses embrace the role of ‘creator’ to get seen in 2026: Constant Contact

Mario Toneguzzi -
Their content has a job: to bring in customers, to drive sales and to keep the customers coming back who already love them.

Internal trade improving on paper, but not yet in practice: CFIB (Video)

Mario Toneguzzi -
Report card shows improved grades across Canada, but most small businesses say it's no easier to operate across provincial borders

Parliament rises without delivering for small businesses – again: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
Nearly three in four (73%) of small firms say they don't feel supported by the federal government.

How small businesses are leveraging social media and AI to capture consumer attention: Constant Contact

Mario Toneguzzi -
Globally, 73% of small business owners identify as "Creators" in some capacity.

VIDEO: Franchise model helps Ontario bakery owner navigate economic uncertainty

Mario Toneguzzi -
Franchising can offer operational assistance such as human resources and technology support, along with brand recognition that helps create a stronger foundation for new business owners.

VIDEO: Edmonton entrepreneur warns of growing small business crisis across Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
“For many business owners, survival has become a daily battle."

Daily Synopsis: Jun 1, 2026

Retail Insider -
Canada sees middle market squeeze, Metro's Carmen Fortino and London Drugs' Clint Mahlman retire on same day, Pepper Lunch closes in Richmond, 16,000 fake World Cup merch items seized, No Frills opens 1st Lloyminster store, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: May 21, 2026

Retail Insider -
Fuel charges on grocery hits economy, Rona leads radio spend, campus thrift store opens in Calgary, Time Out Market prepares to open at Oakridge Park, 500 charges in retail theft scheme, and other news.

Q1 2026 Retail Economy Retail Report: Inflation Sticks, Consumers Trade Down

Craig Patterson -
Q1 2026 saw sticky food inflation, oil-driven cost risk, and cautious consumers reshape strategy. Winners lean value; independents, restaurants, and duty-free feel it.

Small business confidence falls steeply in May: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
"Demand is weak, costs, especially fuel, are high and conditions don’t show signs of improving."

FIFA World Cup a prime opportunity for small businesses: VistaPrint

Mario Toneguzzi -
With an estimated $3.8 billion benefit for Canada as 2026 World Cup co-host, the FIFA World Cup will be a prime opportunity for small businesses to enhance visibility from increased demand.
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