Supporting Small Business
Q&A WITH Jenny Bird
From your experience, what words of encouragement and guidance can you offer to those who have a great business idea but might be held back by self-doubt or fear of failure?
Just go for it! Inertia kills want-to-be founders. Don’t overthink it and be open to adjusting your initial idea over and over until you have a viable business model. Never be afraid to say “I don’t know” and to ask for help. Get over your fear of failure right away. Surround yourself with positive people, and
We chatted with Jenny Bird, Founder and Creative Director of JENNY BIRD, to learn how she got started in the jewellery business, how she balances work and life, and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
seek out mentors you feel aligned with. You choose who you surround yourself with.
Could you share the story of how you founded JENNY BIRD and what inspired you to start your own business in the jewellery industry?
Despite my successful brand marketing career, I wasn’t ful fi lled. I daydreamed of a big, beautiful creative life where I was designing things I loved while being in charge of my days, who I was surrounded by, and ultimately my own destiny. I found my passion for jewellery after a first chapter with handbag design. I believed in my creative talent.
Startup Global Pitch Competition: Road to the 2023 Grand Finale
Startup Canada’s Startup Global Pitch Competition puts the spotlight on innovative, global-ready, early-stage Canadian startups.
Exporting can be a scary word, especially for early stage entrepreneurs. It’s this fear that persuades many founders to restrain all operations to local markets — forced to squeeze more juice out of the same lemon. I n reality, involvement in international markets offers founders expanded customer bases, diversified supply chains, and improved stability amidst periods of localized economic uncertainty.
Startup Canada’s Startup Global program connects a cohort of early stage entrepreneurs with networks of international ecosystem partners and celebrates those making waves in the global marketplace. This year’s Startup Global Pitch Competition finalists — selected at hybrid competitions as part of our cross-country Startup Canada Tour — are proving that Canada’s innovative, early stage ventures are internationally competitive.
1. Hinterland Flour Mill — Whitehorse, Yukon
The Yukon’s first flour mill, Hinterland is working to help shape a sustainable food system in Northern Canada.
2. Aruna Revolution — Halifax, N.S.
As a producer of compostable menstrual pads, Aruna Revolution provides an affordable and environmentally responsible period product.
3. Mae: Making Auto Easy — Vancouver, B.C.
The first-ever unbiased car shopping experience built for women, by women.
4. HEAT-MX — Montreal, Que.
HEAT-MX provides performance benefits and environmental contributions never before seen in the outdoor product and clothing industry.
How did you manage your time and energy while growing JENNY BIRD and do you have any advice for maintaining that balance?
You must fiercely protect the time for your wellness each day against the raging needs of your growth company like it’s a sport. This is the hardest one to commit to but it will always deliver the highest returns. I also recommend regularly disconnecting and unplugging to get into an inspired headspace and out of the tiresome day-to-day distractions.
5. ImaginAble Solutions — Hamilton, Ont. Creator of the technology Guided Hands — an assistive device enabling anyone with limited fine motor skills to write, paint, draw, and access technology.
6. MycoFutures — Bonavista, N.L.
This cleantech startup cultivates mycelium — the root system of fungi — to create a new, circular material for the fashion industry and beyond.
7. Tokidos — Montreal, Que.
The first screen-free gaming console for kids aged three to eight, to play independently or as a family.
8. mDETECT Inc. — Kingston, Ont.
mDETECT is transforming how treatment decisions are made for late-stage, metastatic cancer patients through its innovative “liquid biopsy” technologies.
Once the remaining competitors are announced, all 10 finalists will compete live on October 26th during the Grand Finale in Brampton. Secure your virtual or in-person ticket at startupcanadatour.ca
Kayla Isabelle, CEO, Startup Canada
Scan here to read the full interview with Jenny on innovatingcanada.ca
How Purolator Supports Canada's Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Purolator’s True North Small Business Grant Contest supports small- and medium-sized businesses in growing, thriving, and making ongoing positive impacts on Canadian communities.
Opal
Founder, Stush Patties
Co-Founder, Westman Soil Sampling
As recently reported by Statistics Canada, nearly 1.2 million small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) do business across the country. Together, they employ 8.2 million Canadians, representing 67.7 per cent of the total private workforce.
A prosperous ecosystem of SMBs provides far-reaching benefits to the broader economy and within local communities. These businesses provide job opportunities, foster community identity and involvement, and build diversified, innovative local marketplaces.
Purolator – a leading Canadian integrated freight, package, and logistics solutions provider – understands the important role SMBs play in driving this country’s economic engine. To that end, it launched its True North Small Business Grant in 2021 to provide support to these vital organizations. More than $330,000 in funds will have been awarded by the end of 2023.
Supporting SMBs across the country to achieve their business dreams is one way we can also help realize our vision to make Canada stronger.
“SMBs are critical to the success of our economy yet can also be the most impacted by inflation, supply chain issues, and changing consumer behaviours,” says John Ferguson, Presi-
dent and CEO of Purolator. “We’ve seen these entrepreneurs adapt as they’ve changed business models to adjust to market influences. Supporting SMBs across the country to achieve their business dreams is one way we can also help realize our vision to make Canada stronger.”
Helping
grant recipients thrive
The True North Small Business Grant is designed to help entrepreneurs scale up their businesses by improving operations, expanding into new markets and locations, and reaching more customers through marketing and increased brand awareness.
Opal Rowe is founder of Stush Patties, an Ontario-based gourmet Jamaican patty food operation, and a True North grant recipient.
“Starting a new business is tough and no amount of planning can prepare you for the challenges you’re bound to face,” Rowe says. “Winning the grant allowed me to buy new equipment and engage with new partners, which increased sales and helped Stush Patties grow.”
Another grant recipient is Dean Gamey, who was able to grow his Manitoba-based Westman Soil Sampling Ltd. “Winning the True North Small Business Grant allowed us to purchase more equipment to offer the best for our customers, Canadian farmers,” he says. “This allows them to adjust their soil, as needed, to optimize plant growth and deliver quality food for Canadians.”
An enhanced grant program each year
Every year, Purolator enhances its True North Grant program to meet the changing needs of SMBs and their communities – particularly important in times of economic disruption. Purolator uses its national reach as a major brand to promote these grant-winning SMBs online, and also empowers them to extend their support further through a community “pay-it-forward” component.
“We are committed to contributing to the well-being of Canadian communities,” says Stacey Cummings, Director of Marketing at Purolator. “That’s why we continue to invest in this annual small business grant, and ensure that in doing so we reflect SMB’s current needs and circumstances. It’s our way of recognizing the contributions of the businesses that support our local economies and help our communities thrive.”
SMBs play such an important part in Canada’s economy and prosperity, and when they reach newfound levels of success, we all win.
Learn more about how Purolator supports small- and medium-size businesses at purolator.com/en/services/businesssolutions/small-business
This article was sponsored by Purolator
Tania Amardeil
Rowe
Dean Gamey
Unleashing the Power of Small Biz: How One Organization’s Collaborative Model is Driving Innovation
Ninety-eight percent of businesses in Canada are small and medium-sized — and about half of them anticipate a labour shortage in the next three months. Their owners are passionate, but often isolated, as they navigate change, take on financial risks, and wear many hats trying to innovate. One Canadian organization is alleviating their burden by revealing exceptional talent hidden in plain sight.
Artificial intelligence and new technologies are transforming how we do business by offering unprecedented convenience and personalization to consumers. But many small- and medium-sized businesses work in niche industries with a massive skills gap hindering their growth. This is where Canadian-based Mitacs makes a difference. With an innovation legacy that spans almost 25 years, the not-for-profit organization brings on board top talent, expertly matched and co-funded, to help business owners and entrepreneurs innovate with confidence.
Removing the pain points for business
“Small- and medium-sized business owners and entrepreneurs in the innovation space have big, meaningful ideas, but often they are working with limited resources and financial constraints,” says John Hepburn, CEO, Mitacs. “We can play an important role in their success by bringing the connections, expertise, funding, talent, insights— the whole community—needed to take innovation to the next level and drive commercial results and sustainable growth in Canada.”
The post-pandemic landscape for Canadian businesses is a challenging one: the global transition to net zero, rising costs and access to financing, major supply chain shocks due to war and increased geopolitical tensions, Big Tech and the digital transformation of the economy. But one of the biggest pain points for small and medium-sized
businesses is access to talent.
Tapping into Canadian talent and research
With one foot in the academic world and another in industry, Mitacs taps into the extraordinary research talent located in Canadian post-secondary institutions and connects them with business and non-profit organizations to transform ideas into productivity gains. Since 2010, Mitacs has invested more than $1.3 billion in collaborative R&D, resulting in over 100,000 cutting-edge projects and nearly 50,000 careerready students.
This is especially critical for smalland medium-sized businesses, who don’t have easy access to niche talent.
It’s not uncommon for Mitacssourced talent to be offered full-time jobs at the end of a project—many of whom go on to create big impact, as in the case of Patrick Steiche, former-Mitacs intern-turned Director of Innovation at Hydra Energy. Last year alone, the collaborative model resulted in nearly 1000 jobs and saved partner organizations $5 million in HR recruitment costs.
Over the last two decades, more than 10,600 small- and mid-sized enterprises in Canada have worked with Mitacs, representing 88% of its client base. And the outcomes have been significant, with many businesses
realizing increased sales, productivity, revenue, and groundbreaking solutions in areas like healthcare, cleantech, and social entrepreneurship—thanks to a consistent focus on human-centered innovation.
Mitacs has seen more than a six per cent higher business survival rate for organizations it partnered with. And it’s easy to see why.
Small and mediumsized business owners and entrepreneurs in the innovation space have big, meaningful ideas, but often they are working with limited resources and financial constraints.
In a time where innovation has become synonymous with technology, our need for human collaboration and empathy has never been greater. With around 100 Mitacs advisors in regional centres across Canada, small businesses are closer than ever to building a dream team capable of extraordinary things. The next big challenge isn’t finding people who can support innovation; it’s driving the kind of innovation that will ultimately support people.
Find a Mitacs Advisor today, visit discover.mitacs. ca/smallbusiness
Ken Donohue
This article was sponsored by Mitacs
Vaughan is a prosperous community and one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. “Home to nearly 345,000 people, Vaughan’s globally competitive economy includes more than 19,500 businesses, and has seen employment growth that exceeds that of the province and country,” says Mayor Steven Del Duca, City of Vaughan. “A recent forecast by York Region suggests that by 2051, Vaughan’s population will increase by more than 66 per cent to over 576,000 people.” With this growth, people need options to travel around the city, which has spurred the City to proactively find new methods and technologies to meet Vaughan’s transportation needs of today and tomorrow. “We see the enhancement of people and goods movement as key opportunities to provide better service
The City of Vaughan Embraces Automotive and Smart Mobility Solutions
The City of Vaughan is a rapidly urbanizing city, and it’s taking bold approaches to harness the mobility solutions of the future.
Tania Amardeil
to our community,” says Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development for the City of Vaughan.
Demonstrating smart mobility innovations
Fittingly, on behalf of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) has selected the City of Vaughan as the successful recipient to be awarded $2.5 million over a two-year period for a new OVIN Demonstration Zone, delivered in partnership with the City of Markham.
“The new OVIN Demonstration Zone will strengthen Ontario's position as a global leader in the auto sector and help ensure that our innovators and entrepreneurs have the tools needed to bring made-in-Ontario automotive and mobility solutions to the world," says Vic
Futurpreneur Is Leading the Way in Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Futurpreneur is dedicated to supporting young Indigenous entrepreneurs between 18 to 39 through financing, expert mentorship, and access to business resources.
Tania Amardeil
For over two decades, Futurpreneur has been a driving force behind Canada's young entrepreneurs.
As a national non-profit organization, their unique focus is on providing early-stage financing, mentorship, and invaluable resources to aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39, empowering them to launch successful businesses. Melissa Gladue, Business Development Manager of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program at Futurpreneur, emphasizes their commitment to this mission.
Established in 1996, Futurpreneur has enabled more than 17,700 diverse young entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, launching over 13,900 businesses spanning every province and territory. They've facilitated over $200 million in capital, coupled with oneon-one mentorship.
Acknowledging the specific challenges faced by Indigenous businesses, Futurpreneur introduced its Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program in 2019. Financial obstacles, including limited access to banking services and capital, have pushed many Indigenous individuals toward predatory lending institutions. To address this, Futurpreneur offers The Ohpikiwin Series, workshops focused on Indigenous business and credit knowledge. They also tackle issues like discrimination and bias within banking and educational institutions.
Futurpreneur's dedicated team of eight Indigenous staff members, with their lived experiences and passion, strives to help Indigenous youth thrive in the business world.
Futurpreneur provides peace of mind with up to $60,000 in collateral-free financing. They offer
Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“The OVIN Demonstration Zone will provide entrepreneurs, innovators and visionaries an exciting opportunity to safely test their automotive and smart mobility solutions in the real world,” says Mayor Del Duca.
The demonstration zone will be a key hub of commercial activity, especially for innovators who may not have the resources to showcase their technologies. Smart mobility companies are encouraged to apply to participate in the demonstration zone.
Learn more at vaughanbusiness.ca/ MobilityDemoZone
This article was sponsored by City of Vaughan
resources and programs promoting financial empowerment and lit eracy, such as business plan templates and cash flow analysis tools. Their internationally recognized mentoring program pairs young entrepreneurs with seasoned experts from a network of over 2,600 volunteer mentors, ensuring they navigate the path to success effectively.
Paula Oness, a Métis woman and founder of Mind Over Everything, benefited from Futurpreneur's support. Her clinical hypnotherapy practice helps clients form new habits, find purpose, and achieve success. Paula shares that besides the financial support, the mentorship provided by Futurpreneur has been incredibly valuable. With the right people backing her, she no longer feels hindered by barriers, highlighting how Futurpreneur can truly transform lives.
If you’re a young Indigenous entrepreneur with a big idea, Futurpreneur can help. Get connected with a dedicated team member at futurpreneur.ca/ssb
This article was sponsored by Futurpreneur
Paula Oness Founder, Mind Over Everything
Pathways to Growth: Delivering the World to Canadian Small Business
It’s a big world out there. For over 35 years, Canadian businesses have relied on companies like FedEx to bring it to their doorstep.
D.F. McCourt
In Vancouver, a small practice immigration lawyer is expecting a package of documents from abroad that will allow her to finally reunite the family of her client. In Grand Prairie, Alberta, a bespoke manufacturing startup with half a dozen employees eagerly awaits the new piece of equipment that will allow them to punch well above their weight class on the international market. In northern Saskatchewan, a single mom has transformed her hobby into an income stream and she’s just finished her biggest commission yet. But now her kitchen table is buried under dozens of custom-made wedding decorations that need to be in New York City before the weekend.
Small business is the lifeblood of the Canadian economy and it’s the beating heart of the countless eminently human stories that interweave across this country every day. And the success of these businesses is built on a foundation of reliable shipping and logistics. Without the trust that packages large and small will reach their destinations both quickly and intact, these businesses cannot thrive, they cannot grow, and they cannot contribute to a prosperous Canadian future.
As a trusted shipping provider for businesses of all sizes Canada-wide, FedEx knows the importance of its part in shaping the economic landscape that keeps this country competitive in the global marketplace.
The small business success story that enables small business success stories
Only a few decades ago, after all, FedEx was itself a small business startup, delivering just 186 packages on its
first night of operation in 1973. The company remembers the challenge of growth and has built a reputation on empowering and supporting small businesses in meeting that challenge, including through initiatives like its annual #BackingSmall Business Contest, where this year it delivered a total of $100,000 to 31 small businesses across Canada.
They know that the path to success for Canadian small business begins in Canada, but it does not end there. Though the world of international shipping can seem complex and intimidating, FedEx excels at shepherding growing businesses through the process. With the right support, the daunting prospect of international operations can be simplified, the doors of the globe can be thrown open, and small Canadian businesses can blossom worldwide.
set also on further horizons, always considering opportunities for expansion, for breaking into new frontiers. This adventurer’s spirit is core to the Canadian business identity, and it’s why so many growing companies seek a shipping provider who can help them tap new markets without compromising those markets they already serve.
My advice to other small businesses thinking about shipping internationally is to just do it. FedEx helped me figure it out, and at the end of the day, the benefits have heavily outweighed any cost.
“My advice to other small businesses thinking about shipping internationally is to just do it. FedEx helped me figure it out, and at the end of the day, the benefits have heavily outweighed any cost” explains Alysen Clark, founder of the innovative Ottawabased research and development company Staterra, specializing in nutritional neuroscience.
From Canadian Communities to the Global Bazaar
Canadian small businesses have big ambitions. They are focused on providing the best products and the best experiences possible to the customers they already have. But their eyes are
A better experience. A bigger future. A simpler path to sustainable growth. These are the things that every small Canadian business aspires toward, from Vancouver to Grand Prairie to Montreal. And when Canadian business owners set goals, they tend to achieve them. FedEx simply helps them along the way.
Scan here to download the FedEx International Shipping Workbook and access tools to make your international shipping experience easier.
This article was sponsored by FedEx.