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Small Business

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.

American Express Canada and DMZ’s grant program returns to support Canadian small business

Mario Toneguzzi -
Funded by Amex Canada and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, 100 Canadian small businesses will be selected to each receive a $10,000 CAD grant and mentoring support from DMZ.

CFIB calling on measures in federal budget to address declining entrepreneurship

Mario Toneguzzi -
The CFIB said 73% of small firms say they are not confident that the federal government has their back as a business owner.

Small businesses see fuel costs as key constraint to growth: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
Small business long-term optimism improved modestly to 58.5 points in April, following the sharp decline recorded in March.

Daily Synopsis: Apr 15, 2026

Retail Insider -
Uniqlo announces Winnipeg opening date, Winners accused of closing some store washrooms, food suppliers adding surcharges, Ontario moves to ban employees paying for uniforms, Montreal businesses await boost as Canadiens clinch playoff spot, and other news.

Rogers Launches POS and Credit Card Program for SMBs

Lee Rivett -
Rogers introduces Rogers Red Partner, a first-in-Canada POS and credit card program aimed at reducing fees and boosting customer loyalty for SMBs.

Small business confidence loses momentum amid rising energy costs: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
Several cost concerns increased this month, with the share of businesses worried about fuel costs jumping from 36% in February to 50% in March.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 18, 2026

Retail Insider -
Fines for made-in-Canada claims could chill investment say food manufacturers, Couche-Tard optimistic despite fuel increases, most Canadians want to ban or regulate algorithmic pricing, legendary Italian retailer in Vancouver's Chinatown dies at 93, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 4, 2026

Retail Insider -
SSENSE lays off more than 200, Joe Fresh 1st apparel retailer on DoorDash, Save-on-Foods opening in new Langley retail project, Brampton charging retailers $100 for every abandoned shopping cart in city, and other news.

Mastercard Small Business Fund opens for 2026 applicants

Mario Toneguzzi -
According to Statistics Canada, women-owned businesses represent almost one-fifth of private sector businesses in Canada.

Canadian small business sales growth drops to pandemic-era levels: Xero

Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian small business sales growth dropped 4.1% year-over-year (y/y), the largest quarterly decline in sales since the September quarter 2020, falling well below the long-term series average of 4.5% y/y. 

Businesses anticipate obstacles ahead: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
In the first quarter of 2026, nearly three-quarters (73.1%) of businesses are either very or somewhat optimistic about their outlook over the next 12 months, higher than the proportions of businesses that reported the same in the third (66.7%) and fourth (66.3%) quarters of 2025.

Small business optimism climbs above historical norms for the first time since 2022: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
Confidence levels among almost all provinces hovered just above or around their historical averages, while most sectors saw gains in their 12-month outlook.

CFIB survey: Tax burden tops small business concerns in Canada as retailers cite costs, regulation and crime

Mario Toneguzzi -
Overall for all sectors, the CFIB said the total tax burden has been the top concern for over 25 years.

Canadian small business owners lose 31 working days a year to stress: Xero report

Mario Toneguzzi -
Owners spend an average of nine hours a week feeling stressed, concerned or worried about their business, with financial management cited as a key pressure point.

Small Businesses double down for 2026: Majority plan to increase marketing budgets to combat inflation: Constant Contact

Mario Toneguzzi -
Small business owners are meeting economic uncertainty with aggression rather than retraction.

Lessons learned along the entrepreneurial journey: Marc Lafleur

Mario Toneguzzi -
Lafleur is a founder at heart and has taken a particular interest in mentoring up-and-coming founders.

CFIB Business Barometer: Small business confidence remains steady in January

Mario Toneguzzi -
More businesses reported struggling with tax and regulatory costs (70%), followed by insurance (69%) and wage costs (62%).

Small businesses must be top priority as MPs return to Ottawa: CFIB

Mario Toneguzzi -
“2025 was a rollercoaster for small businesses."
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