CanadianSME Small Business Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Stephen P. Smith, Founder and CEO of Planet Beach and HOTWORX®. As an innovative leader in the fitness industry, Stephen has pioneered the use of infrared technology to create a unique fitness experience, expanding the HOTWORX® franchise globally, including in Canada.

With a strong focus on technology-driven solutions, Stephen shares his journey of creating a patented infrared sauna workout, building successful franchises, and scaling his business to international markets. His insights are invaluable for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to differentiate their offerings and achieve sustainable growth.

• Innovation in Fitness – Stephen explains the inspiration behind HOTWORX® and how patented infrared technology is changing the way people experience fitness.
• Franchise Growth Strategies – Learn how HOTWORX® grew from a single location to a global franchise through strategic planning and execution.
• Canadian Expansion – Discover why Canada is an ideal market for HOTWORX® and the opportunities it presents for franchise growth.
• Value Propositions of HOTWORX® – Understand the unique benefits HOTWORX® offers to both customers and franchisees in a competitive fitness market.
• Future Developments – Get a glimpse into the future of HOTWORX® and Stephen’s plans for continued global expansion.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephen P. Smith for sharing his valuable insights on innovation, leadership, and franchising. His expertise and entrepreneurial spirit are truly inspiring.

To learn more about HOTWORX®, visit: https://www.hotworx.net/.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand   

IHG Hotels and Resorts: https://businessedge.ihg.com/s/registration?language=en_US&CanSME

Google: https://www.google.ca/

Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit!

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Lisa McEwan, Vice President of Hemisphere Freight and Customs Brokerage Services Inc., to discuss the impact of Canada’s new CARM portal on cross-border trade and its implications for small and medium-sized businesses. With over 15 years of expertise in cross-border logistics and supply chain management, Lisa shares how the CARM portal is affecting trade efficiency, potential economic losses, and strategies businesses can adopt to build resilience in their supply chains.

• Impact of the CARM Portal on Trade Efficiency – Lisa explains how the CARM portal is affecting cross-border trade, causing delays, and creating challenges for businesses.
• Potential Economic Loss from Trade Disruptions – Discover how disruptions in trade could affect Canada’s economy, especially with imports from the US.
• Broader Impact on Supply Chains – Lisa provides insights on how CARM-related challenges are adding pressure to Canada’s already fragile supply chain.
• Building Supply Chain Resilience – Learn actionable strategies for building resilience into supply chains to withstand disruptions.
• Staying Ahead of Future Trade Changes – Lisa shares tips on how businesses can stay informed and navigate future changes in the trade landscape.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lisa McEwan for sharing her valuable insights on navigating the complexities of Canada’s trade regulations and helping businesses build resilient supply chains.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand   

IHG Hotels and Resorts: https://businessedge.ihg.com/s/registration?language=en_US&CanSME

Google: https://www.google.ca/

Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit!

In this episode of the Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, we had the pleasure of hosting Bobbie Racette, the pioneering Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus. Bobbie shared her inspiring journey from overcoming adversity to becoming Canada's first Indigenous woman to secure Series A funding. Throughout the conversation, Bobbie discussed the inception of Virtual Gurus, the importance of creating meaningful employment opportunities, and her plans for future growth and expansion into the U.S. market. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to build inclusive, impactful businesses and stay ahead of technological advancements.

Key Highlights:

• Bobbie shares the inspiration behind creating Virtual Gurus and the challenges she faced in the early stages.
• Insight into how Virtual Gurus is making a difference by creating inclusive employment opportunities.
• Bobbie discusses her journey to becoming Canada’s first Indigenous woman to secure Series A funding.
• Plans for Virtual Gurus’ growth and expansion into the U.S. market.
• How Virtual Gurus is enhancing technology to meet evolving client needs.

Thank you, Bobbie, for sharing your invaluable insights and inspiring journey with us on the podcast. Your dedication to creating inclusive opportunities and driving innovation is truly remarkable. For our listeners, we hope Bobbie's story has inspired you to pursue your vision with determination and to consider how you can make a meaningful impact in your own business endeavors.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Don't forget to subscribe to Indigenous-SME Business Magazine at www.indigenous-sme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this engaging episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we were thrilled to have Josh Title, co-founder of Cate and Levi, share his inspirational journey of blending sustainability with business innovation. Josh's commitment to environmental responsibility shines through Cate and Levi's unique approach to creating toys. Each product is a work of art, fashioned from reclaimed materials, demonstrating that eco-conscious practices can coexist with successful business models. As Josh navigates us through the inception, growth, and ethos of Cate and Levi, listeners gain valuable insights into the significance of sustainability in today's consumer market.

Key Highlight Points

• Josh Title discusses the founding principles of Cate and Levi and the importance of sustainability in his entrepreneurial journey.
• Insights into overcoming obstacles in sourcing reclaimed materials and ensuring each toy is both unique and environmentally friendly.
• Practical advice for small businesses on establishing a presence on Amazon, including key steps and pitfalls to avoid.
• Josh's insights on the evolving relationship between eco-conscious business practices and the entrepreneurial landscape.

A heartfelt thank you to Josh Title for sharing his journey and the sustainable ethos behind Cate and Levi on this episode. Josh's dedication to creating eco-friendly toys and his innovative approach to business serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact on the planet and society.

We're also grateful to our partners, Exclusive Banking partner RBC, Exclusive shipping partner UPS, exclusive accounting software partner Xero, and exclusive E-mail partner Constant Contact, for their ongoing support of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast.

Remember to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca  for more insightful content that empowers and enlightens.

In this engaging episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Alex Fullick, Founder and Managing Director of Stone Road Inc., to dive deep into the realms of business continuity and resilience. Alex, with over 26 years of industry experience, is an award-winning professional, author of eight influential books, and the host of the 'Preparing for the Unexpected' podcast. His expertise in crafting strategies for organizations to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse situations has positioned him as a leader in the field. Alex shares his journey into business continuity, tackles the biggest obstacles in the field, discusses the crucial role of tests and exercises, provides advice for small businesses on improving resilience, and explores future trends in business continuity and resilience.

Key Highlight Points

• Alex recounts his path to becoming a leader in business continuity and resilience, highlighting his motivation and the key moments that shaped his career.
• He identifies the primary challenges in the field and shares strategies that have proven effective in navigating these hurdles.
• Alex underscores the significance of regular testing and exercising of business continuity plans and how these practices have evolved over the years.
• Offering valuable guidance to small business owners, Alex emphasizes the importance of resilience planning and identifies common pitfalls to avoid.
• Discussing future trends, Alex provides insights into how businesses can prepare for upcoming changes in business continuity and resilience.

Our conversation with Alex Fullick reminds us of the paramount importance of resilience and proactive planning in today’s business landscape. Alex's insights serve as a call to action for businesses of all sizes to prioritize continuity planning and embrace resilience as a core aspect of their strategy. Reflecting on Alex's advice, we're encouraged to assess and strengthen our own business continuity plans, ensuring our businesses are equipped to face uncertainties head-on.

A heartfelt thank you to Alex Fullick for sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience in business continuity and resilience. His contributions to the field are not only transformative but also inspire businesses to adopt practices that safeguard their future.

We also extend our gratitude to our partners, Exclusive Banking partner RBC, Exclusive shipping partner UPS, exclusive accounting software partner Xero, and exclusive E-mail partner Constant Contact, for their support of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast.

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca  for more empowering content designed to support your business journey.

In this inspiring episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, where we have the privilege of hosting Frantz Saintellemy, the visionary President and CEO of LeddarTech. With a distinguished career that spans over 25 years across the electronics and automotive industries, Frantz is an acclaimed expert in areas such as autonomous driving, AI, IoT, and automation applications. Beyond his professional accolades, Frantz's role as a co-founder of Groupe 3737 showcases his commitment to entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Under his guidance, LeddarTech has emerged as a trailblazer in AI-based sensor fusion and perception software solutions, marking significant strides in ADAS, autonomous driving, and parking applications.

Key Highlight Points

• Insights into Frantz's path to leadership at LeddarTech, including pivotal moments and valuable lessons on innovation and change within the tech industry.
• The evolution of LeddarTech from its roots in Quebec City to its status as a global leader in autonomous driving technologies, highlighting key milestones and challenges.
• Strategies for demystifying LeddarTech's sophisticated products to potential investors and highlighting the societal contributions of the technology.
• Discussion on how LeddarTech aligns its operations and innovations with goals for a safer, more sustainable world, including specific products and initiatives addressing these concerns.
• Frantz shares his outlook on the future of automotive safety and AI, emphasizing emerging trends and technologies poised to revolutionize the sector.

Our sincere thanks to Frantz Saintellemy for his invaluable insights and for sharing LeddarTech's compelling story of technological advancement and societal contribution. This conversation not only sheds light on the future of automotive safety and AI but also underscores the importance of leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

We're also grateful to our partners, including Exclusive Banking partner RBC, Exclusive shipping partner UPS, Exclusive accounting software partner Xero, and Exclusive E-mail partner Constant Contact, for their continued support of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca  for more stories of innovation, leadership, and impact. 

In this compelling episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we delve into the world of insurance technology with Mark Morissette, Co-Founder & CEO of Foxquilt. Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey, from the inspiration behind founding Foxquilt to addressing the unique insurance needs of small businesses through data analytics, AI, and community-based approaches. We explore the significant partnership between Foxquilt and Markel, the impact of this collaboration on product offerings and market reach, and how Foxquilt is reshaping insurance solutions to support the modern entrepreneur. Join us as Mark provides a roadmap for small business owners seeking innovative and responsive insurance strategies in today’s digital age.

Key Highlight Points:

• Mark discusses the challenges Foxquilt aims to solve for small business owners and reflects on the rewarding aspects of building the company.
• Details on how the collaboration with Markel enhances Foxquilt's mission and offerings.
• Examination of the insurance requirements of today’s entrepreneurs and the limitations of traditional models.
• The unique advantages of Insurtech, including Foxquilt, over legacy insurance companies.
• Insight into Foxquilt's recent achievements, including the partnership with Markel and plans for US expansion.

A heartfelt thank you to Mark Morissette for his invaluable insights into the evolving world of small business insurance. This conversation has illuminated the critical role that innovative, customer-centric insurance solutions play in supporting and protecting small businesses. As we close this episode, we’re reminded of the power of innovation to address the specific and complex needs of entrepreneurs across industries. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mark for sharing his journey and wisdom with us, and to our partners – RBC, UPS, Xero and  Constant Contact – for their support.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of small business innovation, remember to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca.   

In this fascinating episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of technology, art, and Indigenous empowerment with our distinguished guests, Alejandro Mayoral Banos and Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy. Alejandro, a Mixtec and Totonac activist and the visionary behind the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA), has dedicated his career to promoting tech equity and digital sovereignty for Indigenous communities. Tsista Kennedy, an Anishinaabe own-yoh-da-ah-gah artist, brings his vibrant Woodland Style Art to the forefront of the IFA, enhancing its mission with his unique artistic vision. Together, they share their stories, challenges, and triumphs in leveraging technology and art to empower Indigenous Peoples.

Key Highlight Points:

• Alejandro recounts the journey of establishing the Indigenous Friends Association, driven by a passion for creating sustainable career pathways for Indigenous peoples through technology.
• Tsista shares his path to becoming a self-taught digital illustrator and his role in giving the IFA a distinct visual identity through art that tells powerful stories.
• Success stories and initiatives from the IFA that have significantly impacted Indigenous youth by fostering technology education and digital literacy.
• Alejandro discusses the importance of advancing digital sovereignty among Indigenous communities and how the tech community can support this mission.
• Tsista reflects on how his art serves as a catalyst for community empowerment and the potential of digital platforms to amplify Indigenous voices.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alejandro Mayoral Banos and Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy for sharing their groundbreaking work with the Indigenous Friends Association. Their commitment to blending technology and art with activism offers a compelling blueprint for how innovation can serve as a tool for cultural preservation and empowerment.

This episode stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that aim to bridge the digital divide and promote cultural representation in the tech and art worlds. Alejandro and Tsista's stories underscore the transformative potential of integrating Indigenous knowledge and creativity into our digital and cultural landscapes.

Special thanks to our partners, Exclusive Banking partner RBC, Exclusive shipping partner UPS, exclusive accounting software partner Xero, and exclusive E-mail partner Constant Contact for their support. 

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we were thrilled to feature Ron Tite, a celebrated entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author known for his innovative approach to marketing and business. As the founder and chief creative officer of Church+State, Ron has crafted memorable campaigns for global brands and championed the integration of art and commerce. His journey from stand-up comedy to marketing leadership offers unique insights into creativity, storytelling, and audience engagement. 

Key Highlight Points

• Exploring how Ron's diverse background has informed his marketing philosophy, including a memorable instance where comedy influenced strategy.
• Ron discusses effective tools for storytelling and shares a successful campaign that exemplifies the power of narrative in marketing.
• Insights into overcoming market challenges, with an emphasis on the critical role of digital adaptation for small business growth.
• The balance between humor and professionalism, and how comedic elements can enhance customer engagement and brand identity.
• Ron's predictions for evolving marketing strategies and a sneak peek into his upcoming book's relevance to entrepreneurs today.

Our deepest thanks to Ron Tite for enlightening us with his wisdom and experiences in the world of marketing and business. This episode not only underscores the significance of storytelling and humor in engaging audiences but also offers practical advice for small businesses navigating the complexities of the modern marketplace.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, including Exclusive Banking partner RBC, Exclusive shipping partner UPS, exclusive accounting software partner Xero, and exclusive E-mail partner Constant Contact, for their unwavering support of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast.

Remember to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca  for more inspiring stories and expert advice tailored to the Canadian SME landscape.

In this enlightening episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we're honored to feature Bruce Frankel, the Co-Founder and Chief Business Architect of Business Authority and Vice-President of Redstring. An award-winning author and journalist, Bruce has dedicated a significant part of his career to fostering strategic partnerships and championing the value of older adults in the entrepreneurial landscape. Today, he shares his journey in establishing Business Authority, his insights on supporting entrepreneurs aged 50 and above, and his strategies for building a successful and resilient business.

Key Highlight Points:

• Bruce's initial challenges and the critical lessons learned in launching Business Authority, emphasizing resilience and strategic planning.
• The inspiration behind focusing on entrepreneurs 50+ and how Business Authority addresses their unique needs, promoting a diverse age range in entrepreneurship.
• The role of a strong network in the success of Business Authority and Bruce's advice on building and leveraging networks for entrepreneurial growth.
• The impact of mentors and advisors on Business Authority's direction, highlighting the importance of external guidance and perspectives.
• Strategies for sustaining motivation and drive, with Bruce sharing how he manages these aspects at Business Authority and offering advice for entrepreneurs facing challenges.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Bruce Frankel for joining us and providing invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, particularly for those starting later in life. Bruce's leadership in creating Business Authority serves as an inspiration, illustrating that entrepreneurship truly knows no age limits.

We extend our thanks to our partners – RBC, UPS, Xero, and Constant Contact – for their support in bringing these impactful discussions to our audience.