Claim OwnershipThe Small Business School Podcast
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Ready to leave the small business struggle behind? The “School for Small Business” podcast supports small business owners in scaling a business that is profitable, purposeful, and doesn’t leave you burnt out. No matter whether you run your business online or you own a brick-and-mortar, you can expect our world class experts to support you with mindset, tactics, and everything in between so you can have the business you dreamed of. Based on our lived experience, we know that small business CAN be easy and we are here to show you how.The “School for Small Business” is hosted by Staci Millard, a CPA by trade with over 15 years of experience seeing the behind the scenes of thousands of small businesses. After growing and selling her first 7 figure business, Staci has been on the ground running - mentoring small businesses and working to increase success rates. Staci strongly believes you don’t need to have gone to business school to be successful so you can expect nothing but simple, impactful advice. Tune in each Tuesday for a new 30 minute or less episode of nothing but valuable advice to help you grow your small business. We are so excited for you to be on this journey with us!
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Welcome back to Small Business School! In this episode, I get real about one of the biggest traps service-based business owners fall into: competing on price and service. It might work when you’re just starting out, but it becomes a fast track to burnout, razor-thin margins, and a business that can’t scale. I walk through why this model stops working, what really happens behind the scenes, and how to shift into pricing and delivery that actually support long-term growth. Key topics covered: W...
In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci gets real about what it looks like to lead well when you’re stuck in the “messy middle” of business, beyond the fun startup phase but not yet in a smooth, scalable rhythm. She shares how leadership in chaos doesn’t require perfect systems or a cleared calendar… just intention, clarity, and small but powerful shifts in how you show up every day. Key topics covered: Why waiting “until things calm down” keeps you stuck in chaosThe power of mi...
Welcome back to Small Business School! Let’s talk about something that confuses almost every entrepreneur at some point — tax installments. In this episode, I’m breaking down what they are, when you owe them, and how to handle them without stress or surprise bills from the CRA. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re being asked to pay tax before year-end, or what happens if you skip an installment, this episode is for you. Key topics covered: What tax installments actually are (and why they’re no...
In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m diving into one of the biggest growth milestones for any small business owner — making your first or next leadership hire. If you’ve been wearing all the hats (COO, CMO, CFO…and maybe even floor sweeper), this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how to recognize it’s time to expand your leadership team, what roles make the biggest impact, and how to set those hires up for success, even if you’re starting small. Key topics covered: How ...
Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Shae Invidiata, a passionate advocate for women’s financial sovereignty and holistic wealth. Together, they dive into how women can break free from shame around money, embrace confidence in financial conversations, and build legacies that last generations. Shae shares how money isn’t just about numbers, it’s about energy, self-worth, and the freedom to design your life with intention. This conversation will leave ...
In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m diving into what it actually means to have a financially healthy year-end — not just filing taxes and hoping for the best. I share how to go beyond the “pray there’s no big tax bill” mindset and use your numbers as a leadership tool. This one’s part mindset, part strategy, and 100% about setting yourself up for confidence instead of chaos when year-end hits. Key topics covered: The difference between a compliant year-end and a healthy ...
Welcome back to Small Business School! In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Anna Lozano — entrepreneur, mentor, and host of The Prosperity Playground podcast. Anna shares her inspiring journey of creating, growing, and selling her first company (Love Powered Co.) and how she’s now redefining success through alignment, intuition, and energetics. We talk about what it really looks like to build a business that feels as good as it performs — one that sup...
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 individualsWhy you need to opt in at least 12 months before taking leave, and...
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 ...
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 isHow shaming customers for shopp...
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 stag...
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 successThe...
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 d...
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 lett...
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: ...
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 ...
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 on...
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 ...
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 ...
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 convers...
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