CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK. In this episode, we explore how AI PCs, modern technology, and purpose driven leadership are reshaping productivity, security, and fulfillment in Canadian workplaces.Our guest is Michelle Biase, President and Managing Director of HP Canada. With over three decades in Canada’s IT channel and a strong commitment to inclusive leadership, Michelle shares how HP is helping SMBs embrace AI, accelerate transformation, and build a more resilient future of work.Key HighlightsCanada’s Work Reset: Why fulfillment is declining and how leaders can rebuild purpose and connection within their teams. AI as a Fulfillment Driver: How modern tools help SMBs reduce busywork and unlock new confidence in day to day productivity. Next Gen AI PCs: How HP’s AI powered devices turn efficiency into measurable results for Canadian businesses. Empowering SMBs: How HP’s OneHP approach supports entrepreneurs with secure, integrated AI and technology solutions. Inclusive and Sustainable Vision: Michelle’s leadership philosophy and HP Canada’s commitment to meaningful, long term impact.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how data unification and AI powered architectures are reshaping the way businesses access insights, make decisions, and scale securely.Our guest is Nathan Vega, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Starburst. With experience at Protegrity, Covail, and IBM Watson, Nathan shares how federated data access, Lakeside AI, and trust focused strategies help SMEs unlock AI without costly migrations or large technical teams.Key HighlightsAI Fears vs Reality: Nathan explains why AI anxiety persists and how the technology strengthens human centered work. Unifying Fragmented Data: Practical ways SMEs can blend data across tools to make smarter, faster decisions. Lakeside AI for SMEs: How Starburst enables accessible, budget friendly AI adoption for small and mid sized businesses. Data Anywhere Strategy: A clearer path to scaling without complexity or expensive full scale migrations. The Agentic Workforce: How humans and AI agents will collaborate to drive better decisions and reduce routine work.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how flexible debt capital is helping technology entrepreneurs scale faster while retaining ownership and control in a competitive financial landscape.Joining us is Michael Wallace, CEO of TIMIA Capital, a Canadian firm offering alternative financing solutions for B2B tech companies. With experience spanning management consulting, investment banking, and entrepreneurship, Michael shares how TIMIA is reshaping startup financing by aligning growth capital with founder independence.Key Highlights:The Evolution of Debt Financing: How debt capital has become a vital alternative to venture funding for tech founders. Navigating Today’s Funding Market: How TIMIA helps B2B tech companies retain equity and scale confidently. Debt vs. Equity: The advantages of flexible debt financing for long-term business growth and control. Leadership and Legacy: Michael’s approach to leading TIMIA while balancing team, investor, and founder needs. Future Vision: TIMIA’s growth roadmap and what to expect from Michael at SaaS North.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how small businesses perceive their banking partners and how customer experience and data-driven insights shape long-term trust and growth.Joining us is Paul McAdam, Senior Director of Banking at J.D. Power, who leads research on digital and in-person experiences across North America. With three decades in financial services, Paul brings a deep understanding of what Canadian SMBs need from the institutions they rely on.Key Highlights:Small Business Banking Sentiment: What SMBs value most and where service gaps still exist. E Commerce Satisfaction Trends: Why online businesses score higher and what traditional SMEs can learn. Top SMB Challenges: The financial and strategic concerns keeping owners up at night. Customer Experience Foundations: How service principles and analytics reshape modern banking. Future Vision: How J.D. Power helps banks understand evolving needs and drive meaningful growth.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how AI Voice and Chat technology is reshaping the way businesses communicate, scale, and convert opportunities with greater speed and efficiency.Joining us is Anita Alimanesh, Co-Founder and CMO of ZapTron AI, a leader in intelligent automation solutions. With a background in psychology and experience from Google’s Ads and SMB Growth team, Anita shares how ZapTron designs AI Voice Agents that deliver measurable results for businesses aiming for rapid, sustainable growth.Key Highlights:AI Voice Agents & Business Growth: How AI transforms operations by reducing missed opportunities and accelerating response times. Performance Guarantees: The KPIs that matter most when proving ROI and ensuring consistent automation outcomes. Deep Customization: Why tailored automation systems outperform one-size-fits-all solutions for complex scaling. ZapTron’s Origin Story: How psychology, communication, and strategic marketing shaped ZapTron’s unique approach. Future of AI Communication: Anita’s vision for AI-driven systems that empower organizations to scale smarter and faster.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how brands can merge influencer content, performance marketing, and financial discipline to drive measurable, profitable growth in the digital marketplace.We’re joined by Alishan Dhanani, Director of Performance Marketing at inBeat Agency, where he scaled his department to over four million dollars in ARR and manages multimillion-dollar budgets for global brands. With a background in Big 4 finance and deep expertise in performance creative, Alishan shares how small businesses can build smarter, ROI-driven marketing engines.Key Highlights:Influencer as Performance: How UGC creators drive results and what SMEs should look for in brand-aligned content. Smart KPIs: How CLTV and ROAS create sustainable long-term growth across the funnel. Performance Creative: The visuals and messages that consistently generate strong B2C and B2B conversions. Finance Meets Marketing: How Alishan’s analytical background shapes profitable campaign decisions. Scaling SMB Growth: His vision for helping Canadian SMEs accelerate growth through smarter strategy and execution.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how B2B organizations can turn buyer research, human insight, and AI-assisted outreach into predictable revenue systems that actually convert.We’re joined by Shane Lawrence, Managing Partner at SMB Acuity Inc., where his team specializes in running buyer interviews and win-loss programs, then transforming those insights into sales playbooks, automations, and clarity across the entire go-to-market engine. Shane shares how Canadian SMEs can use human-led, AI-boosted research to align teams and unlock measurable growth.Key Highlights:1. Win–Loss for Revenue: How buyer interviews reshape sales strategy quickly without big budgets.2. AI + Human Outreach: How AI supports authentic communication and cross-team alignment.3. 90-Day Pilot Model: How short, outcomes-based projects de-risk change and accelerate results.4. Sales Enablement Today: Why practical playbooks and automation improve consistency and pipeline flow.5. Future of B2B Growth: How insight-driven research and AI will define the next era of sales and marketing.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK. In this episode, we explore how small businesses can elevate their visibility, unlock engagement, and transform great ideas into meaningful real-world impact through strategic showcasing.Joining us is Roxanne Molnar, Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Growth Venture, a leader in fractional business development, launch events, and partnership-driven brand activations. Roxanne shares how she helps entrepreneurs move beyond survival mode, build confidence, and bring their ideas into moments that truly shine.Key Highlights:1. Showcasing Beyond Social Media: How Growth Venture helps businesses share their story without big budgets.2. Idea to Impact: How strategic events can transform a company’s visibility and momentum.3. Power of Collaboration: Why partnerships unlock growth opportunities that don’t exist alone.4. Founder Mindset: How entrepreneurs can overcome hesitation and embrace public visibility.5. Future of Growth Venture: Roxanne’s vision for fractional consulting and impact-focused brand activation.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how financial literacy can transform the lives of newcomers, young adults, and entrepreneurs by helping them build confidence, stability, and long-term financial wellbeing.We’re joined by María Kamila González, co-founder of Finanzo, a Canadian financial literacy platform that has trained more than 100000 learners worldwide. She shares how Finanzo blends behavioral science, multilingual content, and practical money education to make financial empowerment accessible for all.Key Highlights:Financial Empowerment: Why literacy is essential for newcomers and how behavior shapes financial success.The Finanzo Origin Story: How community demand and expertise in finance and psychology sparked rapid growth.Newcomer Entrepreneurship: The biggest challenges newcomers face and the foundational steps to succeed.Future of Financial Wellbeing: How AI and digital tools will make learning global and more inclusive.Social Impact and Vision: What Finanzo’s award recognition means and where the platform is headed next.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK. In this episode, we explore how businesses can break through growth plateaus by leveraging fractional CMO strategy, gaining clarity, expertise, and momentum without full-time executive costs.Joining us is Manuel Rodriguez, Marketing Manager at Able & Howe, a strategist whose journey from immigrant to marketing leader shaped his ability to position, adapt, and build value under pressure. Manuel shares how the fractional CMO model helps businesses cut through noise, build trust, and turn digital efforts into predictable growth engines.Key Highlights:Adaptability & Growth: How Manuel’s journey shaped his approach to helping companies compete. Overcoming Trust Barriers: Why SMEs struggle with agencies and how to build transparent partnerships. Fractional CMO Advantage: How SMBs gain strategic leadership without full-time overhead. Independence-Focused Model: How Able & Howe helps clients reduce agency dependence over time. Future of Digital & AI: How SMBs can stay ahead without overwhelm and Manuel’s vision for Able & Howe.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK. In this episode, we explore how social impact technology is reshaping nonprofit management, helping organizations operate more efficiently and fundraise more sustainably.Joining us is Ron Spreeuwenberg, CEO of Societ, a global social impact technology company serving nonprofits in over 40 countries. Ron shares how purpose-built platforms like Sumac, Glass Register, and FundSpring are helping nonprofits “Do More Good” by simplifying operations, strengthening governance, and unlocking new fundraising potential.Key Highlights:1. Fundraising Barriers: The biggest challenges nonprofits face and how tech helps them increase impact.2. Zero-Fee Giving: Why Glass Register removes donation fees and builds deeper donor trust.3. Subscription Fundraising: How FundSpring makes expert-led campaigns affordable and sustainable.4. Integrated Tools: How Sumac and Partner Web streamline operations and donor engagement.5. Future Vision: How Societ aims to redefine global nonprofit wellbeing and impact.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK. In this episode, we explore how smart automation can help small and medium-sized businesses operate more efficiently, scale faster, and compete in a technology-driven world.Joining us is Latif Rahimi, Founder and CEO of Biztomate, an entrepreneur with hands-on experience building ventures across multiple industries. Latif shares how Biztomate empowers SMEs with intelligent automation designed to simplify operations, accelerate execution, and support sustainable growth.Key Highlights:1. Startup Priorities: The top three focuses startups need to stay competitive and scale.2. AI & Automation: How AI is making automation more accessible and shaping better experiences.3. The Biztomate Story: How Latif’s background inspired a platform built for real SME challenges.4. Operational Clarity: How automation helps leaders reduce chaos and focus on what matters most.5. Future Vision: How the Biztomate App will use AI to simplify connection-building and automation.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can streamline international operations and eliminate the financial friction that slows down global growth.Joining us is Cato Pastoll, Co-founder and CEO of Loop Financial, a pioneer in cross-border fintech innovation. Cato shares how Loop helps businesses simplify payments, manage multiple currencies, access working capital, and understand the hidden fees that often go unnoticed in traditional banking.Key Highlights:1. The Founding Story: What inspired Loop and how it removes major cross-border pain points.2. Hidden FX Fees: How banks hide foreign exchange costs and how SMEs can secure fair rates.3. Scaling Globally: Why Canadian businesses should explore global markets and how Loop supports them.4. Customer-Centric Innovation: Features that simplify operations and strengthen trust and security.5. Future of Global Commerce: Cato’s long-term vision for Loop and the evolution of cross-border finance.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how small and mid-sized businesses can adopt Artificial Intelligence responsibly, balancing innovation with governance, ethics, and trust.Joining us is Campbell Robertson, Founder of Boxwood Strategy Group, a leading expert in AI Governance and Risk Management. With years of consulting experience at IBM and OpenText, Campbell helps Canadian SMBs move beyond theory to trusted, real-world AI adoption that drives measurable value.Key Highlights:1. Making AI Real: How SMBs can move from hype to practical adoption with clear readiness guardrails.2. Shadow AI Risks: How hidden AI tools impact cost, compliance, and data security for small businesses.3. Ethical Advantage: Why building compliance-first, trust-driven AI creates both protection and growth.4. ValueFirst Method: How patience and precision—like fly fishing—mirror successful AI strategies.5. Future Vision: How Boxwood Strategy Group is helping SMBs turn AI investments into lasting business value.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can stay visible, credible, and competitive amid seismic shifts in search engine behavior and the rise of AI-driven discovery.Joining us is Natasha Burtenshaw-deVries, Director of Organic Growth at Flywheel Digital, an SEO and digital strategy expert helping brands across North America grow through data-backed, people-first approaches. Natasha shares insights on AI’s impact on search, how to build long-term trust, and the mindset required to thrive in an ever-changing digital ecosystem.Key Highlights:1. SEO’s New Era: How to align with Google’s E-E-A-T principles and build lasting credibility through quality content.2. AI & Search: How AI is reshaping organic traffic and what SMEs can do to maintain visibility in zero-click searches.3. Emotional Resilience: How founders can manage uncertainty, risk, and burnout in fast-changing markets.4. Career Pivots: How transferable skills from education and recreation shaped Natasha’s approach to leadership and growth.5. Future Vision: How Flywheel Digital is driving innovation and thought leadership in SEO across North America.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we dive into how AI is revolutionizing the fintech space, particularly in streamlining the investment process for lean teams and family offices.Joining us is Nicolas Frendo, CFO at Acephalt, an innovative fintech startup developing an AI platform designed to simplify due diligence, assess risk, and enhance investment decision-making. Nicolas shares his entrepreneurial journey, the technology behind Acephalt’s platform, and how his financial and technical expertise is driving its mission.Key Highlights:Entrepreneurial Journey: Why Nicolas pivoted from financial analysis to founding Acephalt, shaping its technology and mission. AI for Speed & Efficiency: How Acephalt’s multi-agent AI platform accelerates deal sourcing and risk assessment. Building Trust in a Niche Market: How Acephalt is winning early clients and gaining acceptance from traditional investors. Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Turning rejection and setbacks into strategic lessons for sustaining growth. Future Vision: The significance of Acephalt’s upcoming open beta and its potential to empower investment teams.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how performance marketing can transform ad spend into predictable profit by combining creative storytelling with data-driven precision.Joining us is Sanjay Mayar, VP of Growth and Marketing at Imajery, a performance marketing agency that helps ambitious brands scale through measurable growth strategies. Sanjay shares actionable insights on building high-performing campaigns, balancing creativity with analytics, and helping SMEs prepare for key opportunities like Black Friday.Key Highlights:Performance Marketing Simplified: How SMEs can use performance marketing to achieve measurable ROI. Creative Storytelling: Why blending creativity with data helps brands stand out in competitive markets. Predictable Growth Engine: How an analytics-obsessed strategy drives sustainable, scalable results. Leadership in Growth: The critical role of founders and CEOs in aligning vision with marketing execution. Black Friday Strategy: How SMEs can leverage data insights and Imajery’s free marketing audit for peak performance.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we dive into how a mix of psychology, technology, and storytelling can elevate brands and help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.Joining us is Andrea Chase, co-founder & CMO of BAITS Global Inc. and MarketingVerse, a seasoned entrepreneur and communications consultant with a passion for empowering women-led businesses. Andrea shares her entrepreneurial journey, the psychology behind effective marketing, and how her agency is helping tech ventures and service businesses scale through powerful marketing strategies.Key Highlights:Psychology in Marketing: Why understanding consumer behavior is key to creating compelling, action-driving messages. Empowering Women in Tech: How Andrea pivoted from a tech startup to founding an agency dedicated to helping women-led businesses thrive. Mentorship & Mental Stamina: The importance of mentorship and maintaining mental resilience in the entrepreneurial journey. Strategic Thinking: How broad experience allows Andrea to create focused marketing strategies tailored to a client’s goals. Future Vision: Andrea’s plans for creating impact through MarketingVerse, voiceover work, and thought leadership.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how Canadian B2B technology companies can turn cybersecurity compliance from a daunting challenge into a strategic advantage that wins major contracts.Joining us is Ali Aleali, Co-Founder and CEO of Truvo Cyber, an Ottawa-based cybersecurity firm transforming complex certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 into sales assets. Ali shares how Truvo’s guaranteed audit pass model helps founders close bigger deals, prove trustworthiness, and turn compliance into a powerful growth engine.Key Highlights:The “Trust Test”: Why passing security due diligence is essential for landing big clients. 90-Day Audit Roadmap: How small teams can achieve certification quickly and efficiently. Software vs. Expertise: Why automation alone can’t replace human-driven compliance strategy. Security as an Asset: How strong credentials elevate brand trust and boost long-term sales. Truvo’s Future Vision: Simplifying continuous compliance for Canadian founders and scaling globally.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how modern retailers can build stronger customer connections through unified leadership, harmonized shopping, and smarter use of data.We’re joined by Chris Parsons, Founder of Retail Rewired and VP of Partner Growth & Marketing at Hale Digital. With over 25 years of experience leading major brands like Walmart, Home Hardware, and Ren’s Pets, Chris shares how retailers can simplify the customer journey and create meaningful, consistent experiences across every channel.Key Highlights:1. Retail Leadership: How the Four Pillars help small businesses inspire teams and build genuine customer connection.2. Harmonized Shopping: How SMEs can deliver consistent online and in-store experiences without enterprise budgets.3. Customer Mindsets: Why shoppers think in moments, not categories, and how that insight transforms growth strategies.4. AI + Retail Data: The biggest opportunities for AI to improve merchandising, planning, and customer experience.5. Future Vision: How Retail Rewired and Hale Digital are helping brands grow through unified retail strategies.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.