CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

Welcome to the December 2024 edition of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine! As we step closer to the new year, this issue is dedicated to exploring the interplay of economic and social development and the pivotal role small and medium-sized businesses play in shaping Canada’s future. In this edition, we are thrilled to feature our Business Woman of the Month, Janice Liu, Founder & CEO of The Mantis Group. Her inspiring journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and leadership. Additionally, Diane Amato shares invaluable tips on securing the financing your business needs to thrive, while Krikor T. Tengerian’s insights into the rising tide of cyber threats emphasize why cybersecurity should be a top priority for SMBs. As businesses navigate digital evolution, leaders like KJ Burke, Field CTO at CDW Canada, offer practical strategies for harnessing technology for growth, while Robert Burko, CEO of Elite Digital delves into the future of marketing and creative innovation. On the sustainability front, Brittany G. and Heather Kingdon from Foresight Canada present "Earth Tech: 2050", highlighting innovative actions driving a more sustainable future. This month’s issue also explores the connection between employee well-being and productivity, with Paula Allen from TELUS Health | TELUS Santé uncovering the impact of sedentary work on business efficiency. Our diverse lineup of interviews and articles offers a wealth of insights and advice tailored to empower your business journey. We hope these stories ignite your passion, inspire innovation, and provide the tools you need to achieve success in 2025 and beyond. We’d also like to thank our sponsors—RBC, UPS, Constant Contact, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google—for supporting this platform. Please read the complete issue here: https://lnkd.in/eCx-SvR2

We recently had the pleasure of hosting an in-studio podcast with none other than the trailblazing Thomas Jankowski, joined by our amazing host, Kripa Anand! 🌟 Thomas brought his visionary expertise to the table, sharing game-changing insights on healthcare innovation, the transformative role of AI, and the inspiring journey behind Medimap. 🚀 This is a conversation packed with value, inspiration, and cutting-edge ideas. Get ready to tune in—this episode is dropping soon, and it’s one you absolutely don’t want to miss! 🎧 Stay tuned for updates! A heartfelt thank you to our partners for their invaluable support: 🤝 RBC🚚 UPS 📧 Constant Contact🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts🌐 Google #CanadianSME #HealthcareInnovation #AI #Medimap #SmallBusinessSuccess #InnovationInAction

RBC Global Asset Management Inc. announces estimated December 2024 cash distributions for RBC ETFs and ETF Series of RBC Funds RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (“RBC GAM Inc.”) today announced estimated December 2024 cash distributions for unitholders of RBC ETFs and ETF Series of RBC Funds. Please note that these are estimated amounts only, as of December 13, 2024. The estimates could change if the RBC ETFs or ETF Series of RBC Funds, as applicable, experience subscriptions or redemptions prior to the ex-dividend date or for other unforeseen factors. Read more at https://lnkd.in/g9Hq8chd Subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine by visiting https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23

Sanctuary AI New Tactile Sensors Enable Richer Sense of Touch -New tactile sensor technology enables speed and improved success rate for general purpose robots -Integrated haptics enables higher volumes and richer data for higher performing embodied AI Models Sanctuary AI, a company on a mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general purpose robots, unveils a new generation of tactile sensor technology optimized to improve dexterous manipulation. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gvP-umjT Subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine by visiting https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23 Jeremy Fishel

🏆 Business Woman of the Year Award 🏆 Are you a trailblazing woman who’s built a thriving business against all odds? The Business Woman of the Year Award at the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2024 is your moment to shine! 🤩 Last year, Tracy Sicard, CEO of TuesdayAfternoon Media (TAM), earned this honor for her outstanding achievements. Now, it’s your turn! ➡️ Quick Tips for a Standout Nomination: 📚 Share Your Story: Highlight challenges, innovative solutions, and your journey. 📈 Show Results: Use numbers to showcase growth and success. Celebrate Your Team: Recognize their contributions with testimonials. 📝 Be Clear: Keep it concise and easy to follow. 📸 Add Credibility: Include testimonials from clients or partners. 📢 Apply now at smeawards.ca and celebrate your success! A big thank you to our sponsors— RBC, UPS, Constant Contact, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google—for supporting this platform. Stay inspired—subscribe at canadiansme.ca! 🎙️ 💥

#BusinessLeaderSpotlight Today, we’re spotlighting Roshni Wijayasinha, CM, MBA, CEO and Lead Strategist at Prosh Marketing. With a passion for the fast-paced world of startup marketing, Roshni has built a career helping companies craft impactful strategies from the ground up. Having served as Head of Marketing for three startups, Roshni leveraged her expertise to found Prosh Marketing—a firm dedicated to driving long-term growth for businesses, even with limited budgets. Her ability to create meaningful impact through strategic innovation and her dedication to empowering companies to succeed make her a true trailblazer in the marketing space. We’re proud to celebrate visionary leaders like Roshni who inspire the business community with their passion and creativity! With deep gratitude, we acknowledge RBC, UPS, Constant Contact, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google, whose partnership is crucial to our achievements and impact! Please make sure to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at https://lnkd.in/g_jpMD23 for more insightful content. #BusinessInnovation #StartupMarketing #GrowthStrategy

🚀 Unlock the secrets to thriving in the digital space! In our latest CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, Amir Waheed, co-founder of Kinex Media Inc., shares powerful insights into building a strong digital presence, leveraging storytelling, boosting SEO, and maximizing eCommerce potential. Don't miss this chance to gain actionable tips for scaling your small business online. 🎥 Watch the full video here. A special thanks to our partners—RBC, UPS, Constant Contact, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Google—for supporting Canadian small businesses and making this episode possible. 👉 Subscribe now to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine for more valuable content: www.canadiansme.ca #DigitalMarketing #SmallBusiness #SEO #eCommerce #CanadianSME

✨ Happy Friday! ✨ This holiday season, let’s embrace the magic of supporting local! 💚 Today, we’re thrilled to feature Far & Free as our UPS Small Business of the Day! 🌟 Their eco-friendly designer eyewear, including the dreamy Patio Vibes at Dusk sunglasses, is perfect for elevating your summer look while celebrating sustainability. Explore their collection at farandfree.ca. Small businesses are the heart of our communities, so let’s #ShopLocalFirst and uplift incredible brands like Far & Free. 💼 Want your business featured? Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gMjpY7Pu #CanadianSME #SmallBiz #ShopLocal

We’re excited to announce a strategic partnership between Intel Corporation and Open Innovation AI to accelerate the development and deployment of sovereign AI and Generative AI (GenAI) solutions across EMEA and beyond. By integrating Intel’s #Gaudi AI technology with the Open Innovation Cluster Manager (#OICM+) platform, this collaboration creates a powerful synergy to revolutionize AI-driven innovation in critical sectors such as Government, Telecom, Finance, Healthcare, and Logistics. Together, we’re paving the way for next-generation AI adoption, empowering organizations with secure, scalable, and efficient AI solutions to tackle their most complex challenges. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to delivering transformative AI outcomes that drive meaningful impact globally. Abed Benaichouche, Ph.D Rachid Belmeskine, Ph.D Ghalib BRAHIMI Taha Khalifa Eslam Kandiel Tarek Rahal Pat Gelsinger Greg Lavender

The 2024 Annual Report on Angel Investing in Canada highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the early-stage investment landscape. By examining the data and showcasing success stories, we aim to inspire bold action to strengthen Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the right policies and collaborative efforts, Canada can unlock a golden age of entrepreneurship—creating opportunities for all, strengthening communities, and securing a bright economic future. Thank you to Professor Colin Mason, University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School, for his invaluable contributions to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the author of eleven consecutive editions of this report, his global perspective and rigorous analysis continue to elevate the conversation around early-stage investing in Canada. While $1.66 billion in angel investment marks a significant milestone, we know there’s still much to be done to support entrepreneurs during these challenging times for raising capital. Participating organizations included: Angel Investors Durham   Angel One Investor Network   Anges Québec   Archangel Network of Funds   Bizfield Angel Network Ltd   Bluesky Equities   Brampton Angels  Brightspark Ventures   Brilliant Phoenix Group   Canadian International Angel Investors   China Canada Angels Alliance   Durham's Neighbourhood Association of Angel Investors East Valley Ventures   Georgian Angel Network   Golden Triangle Angel Network (GTAN)   GreenSky Ventures  HaloHealth   Highline Beta   InterGen   Island Capital Partners   KNDL (prev. SOAN)   Keiretsu Forum   Maple Leaf Angels   Niagara Venture Forum Northern Ontario Angels   OKGN WMAN Angel Funds   Panache Ventures   Pelorus Venture Capital Ltd. SheBoot   SWO - Southwestern Ontario Angel Group Startup TNT   TandemLaunch Inc.  The Firehood   The51   VANTEC Angel Network and eFund   WECAN - Windsor Essex Capital Angel Network   Women's Equity Lab   York Angel Investors Yukon Venture Partners, LLC There’s plenty to celebrate, but more work to do. Let’s keep building.