TheCanadianSMESmallBusinessMagazineproudlypresentsSmallBusinessShow2025,"ThrivingintheDigital-First Economy,"asitsguidingthemeandsubjectofdiscussionthisyear.Thisshowstandsasatestimonytotherelentlessspirit ofsmallandmedium-sizedbusinessownersandaimstofueltheirdrivefurther
The Small Business Show 2025 was held on May 29 at the prestigious Metro Toronto Convention Centre, where the who’s who of the SME sector converged. With the present year ' s theme being "Thriving in the Digital-First Economy," it was all about creating a robust energy base for the day filled with innovative insights, networking and camaraderie. Through engaging panel discussions, expert-led workshops, and valuable collaboration opportunities, attendees gained practical insights into embracing adaptability and maintaining an unwavering spirit of excellence in a technology-driven world.
Tanya Casole-Gouveia was invited to host the action-packed event. With her extensive experience as a host of popular live events for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the Pan Am Games, Cirque Du Soleil and CBC Sports and long-time host of live painting competition ‘Art Battle’, she stood out at this year’s Small Business Show as the guiding light of connectivity building, charisma and networking.
The CanadianSME Small Business Show 2025 received tremendous support from an outstanding group of sponsors and partners, who also showcased their offerings in the hall. We would like to express our appreciation to: UPS,ourShippingPartner,fordelivering withcareandprecision
Canon,ourBusinessSolutions Partner,fordeliveringinnovativ toolstosupportsmallbusiness
Co-operators,ourPlatinum Partner,fortheirunwavering supportofsmallbusiness
ng h.
A1GlobalCollege,ourExclusive KnowledgePartner,for empoweringgrowththrough educationandexpertise
ADP,ourGoldPartner,for simplifyingpayrollandHR solutionsforsmallbusinesses.
Talan,ourGoldPartner,fordriving innovationandsupportingthe growthofsmallbusinesses
ge,ourGoldPartner,for pportingsmallbusinesses hsmartfinancialsolutions.
Freshslice,ourGoldPartner,for fuelingthecommunitywith greattasteandstrongsupport forsmallbusinesses. BDC,ourBronzePartnerand LanyardSponsor,for championingCanadian entrepreneurshipeverystep oftheway
The CanadianSME Small Business Show 2025 received tremendous support from an outstanding group of sponsors and partners, who also showcased their offerings in the hall. We would like to express our appreciation to:
MercerMarshBenefits,our BronzePartner,forsupporting thewell-beingandsuccessof Canadiansmallbusinesses
BrightHR,ourBronzePartner,forsimplifying HRandcomplianceforsmallbusinesses.
Zensurance,ourRegistration DeskSponsor,forsupporting smallbusinesseswithsimple andeffectiveinsurance solutions. Organizedby:
IndominusManagedSecurity, ourKeynoteSponsor,for safeguardinginnovationand supportingsecuregrowthfor smallbusinesses
CanadaLife,ourBronzePartner, forhelpingsmallbusinesses andtheiremployeesbuild financiallysecurefutures
ArthritisVIP,ourKeynoteSponsor,for championingawareness,inclusion,and innovationinhealthandbusiness. , y p , connectingCanadianbusinessesand communitiesfromcoasttocoast.
29thMay,2025, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Level 100, Toronto
AMAZING
EXHIBITORS
UPS Canada
Co-operators
Fresh Slice Talan
ADP
Canon Sage
Mercer Marsh Benefits
BDC Canada Life
Zensurance Air Canada
Sprintpoint
2H Media Inc.
Indominus
DUCA Financial Services Credit
Union LTD
Million Deliveries
The Business Growth Guys Inc
Effortless Mortgage
Yedi
CPB Canada
IG Wealth Management
Customerization
WEOC
Boundless Accelerator
Sapling Financial Consultants Inc
Vistance Capital Advisory
Riipen
Strategic Group Investment & Insurance Partners
XenTegra Canada
A1 Global College
Naico Tech Inc
Bell - Excell Communications
City of Elliot Lake
WSI / Comandix Marketing Inc
Thrive People Solutions Inc
clerktech
David Lewis Leadership Ltd
Cansulta
ADSS Global Page Pros
Rogers Uptown Communications
The Q Group
Business Operating System (BOS)
GoThru Media Inc
BIPOC Executive Search
WOW! mobile boutique
McMaster Digital Transformation
Research Centre (MDTRC)
Radical Digital Agency
ExpertiseAI
Wagepoint
True North HR Consulting Corp
CorGTA
Cyberimpact
Arthritis VIP
WatchDog Security Technologies Inc.
Build Me App
Optimal Catalyst Consulting Inc
imbus Canada Corporation
GreenShield
Canada Startup Association™ (CSA)
Woveo
BluEnt
Ostana Inc
Workplace Medical Corp
BrightHR
2789+ ATTENDEES
Zetane
Search Engine People
World Vision Canada
Excellence Canada
TD Insurance
Cansec Systems Ltd
Prismware Technologies
ALCit
Prospera Labs AI
Hawki IT
LiveBlack
Toronto Digital Marketing Agency
Spearmint HR Inc
Hexcombs Consulting Inc.
Datasoft Global Technologies Inc.
DBA "Cadency"
designACE Inc
bgshomes
Social Research and
Demonstration Corporation
Odyssey3D Inc
ONIK Inc
Horn IT Solutions Inc
My Big Business
Suite Harmony & Still Standing
Retreats
Kirke Leadership Inc
humanexecutiveresources
IDL Web Inc
theScore
JAVM Canada
BackStretch Recruitment Group
Feddev
NuVista Technologies
EGO SMART INC
www.smeshow.ca
Totalregistrations
Totalbusinessesengaged
Socialmediaimpressionsonallplatformsfor Showpostsduringthe3monthsperiod Keynoteattendees
PaidpromotionimpressionsonSocialMedia
Averageworkshopattendees
Averagedemosessionattendees
Noofexhibitors
Totalworkshops
Around4950+ 2789+
1.4million 400+persession
2.9million Upto100 Upto25 100+ 8
This Exclusive One-Day Show Featured Panel Discussions, Webinars, Workshops And Keynotes Presentations By Canada’s Top Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs.
The event was power-packed, bringing together small business owners, industry experts, and digital innovators for a high-impact day of learning, networking, and hands-on workshops. With over 3000+ attendees and 100+ exhibitors, the event equipped entrepreneurs with the energy needed to grow and compete in today’s fast-evolving marketplace.
In her warm recorded welcoming speech, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, outlined today’s economy and the unprecedented challenges we face. She also emphasized that the new federal government has a plan to focus on building the strongest economy in the G7 by removing barriers to interprovincial trade and invigorating new markets for small businesses by equipping them with digital tools and training.
3,000+ attendees
90+ exhibitors
MinisterofWomenandGenderEqualityand SecretaryofStateforSmallBusinessandTourism.
The event featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who shared their expertise and insights:
Paul Gaspar Director, Small Business, UPS® Canada
In his compelling keynote address, Paul emphasized the critical importance of agility and responsiveness in today’s rapidly evolving global trade landscape Businesses must stay ahead by focusing on core areas such as sales, customer service, optimized online shopping experiences, and transparent pricing, including accurate delivery cost estimates Paul’s keynote underscored the value of partnering with logistics experts like UPS, whose deep expertise in global transportation and customs compliance enables businesses to navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
Mike Bruno
AVP Digital at Co-operators
Mike addressed the keynote by stating digital transformation isn’t just for tech giants it’s for every business, regardless of size He passionately conveyed that in today’s fast-evolving landscape, adapting to digital change is no longer optional He briefed on high-impact digital strategies specifically tailored for small businesses, highlighting tools such as SEO, Google optimization, social media engagement, enhanced onsite experiences, and agile internal workflows like Kanban.
Justin Folkerts Chief Operating Officer at Supra ITS
Justin delved into the major forces reshaping the landscape including cybersecurity threats, the rise of AI, and shifting employee work preferences offering a clear-eyed view of what businesses must understand, avoid, and adapt to stay ahead.
Mohamed Basma
General Manager, Small Business Services, ADP Canada
Mohamed gave a highly practical keynote, addressing the three biggest challenges consistently faced by small businesses: recruiting and retaining qualified talent, maintaining profitability, and managing cash flow He also offered a wealth of strategies to help entrepreneurs not only navigate these common hurdles but also turn them into opportunities for growth
Eric Sleeth
Sr Growth Manager at Sage Canada
Eric gave a forward-thinking keynote that shed light on the evolving role of today’s small and medium-sized business (SMB) finance leaders. Tasked with managing resources, guiding strategy, forecasting, and driving growth all with lean teams and tight budgets finance professionals are increasingly turning to AI-driven solutions to meet these growing demands He outlined that accessible AI technologies are revolutionizing financial operations by automating routine tasks, uncovering deeper business insights, and supporting smarter, faster decisionmaking
Bradley Sutherland
Senior Manager of Business Development at Air Canada
Bradley Sutherland of Air Canada delivered a compelling keynote that highlighted the vital role business travel plays in the growth and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises. Recognizing that travel remains a key driver for building relationships and accessing new markets, Sutherland shared valuable insights into the latest travel trends Air Canada is observing across the SME sector He briefed on cost-saving opportunities tailored for small businesses
Kyle Sutton VP of Sales at Page Pros
Kyle delivered an energizing and insightful keynote that underscored a crucial truth: if your business isn’t visible on Google Maps, you’re invisible to local customers. Drawing on the success of Page Pros’ award-winning RankPRO™ service, which has helped thousands of businesses rank in the top 3 on Google Maps, Sutton shared a powerful playbook for leveraging Local SEO to drive measurable growth He outlined the key differences between average business listings and those that lead to local market dominance
Ali Masoud
SAP Finance Solution Architect at Talan Americas
A very insightful session was presented by Ali, who elaborated on the growing complexity of cash flow management in today’s unpredictable business climate. The keynote addressed a pressing reality: traditional cash-flow strategies fall short in a world where stability is no longer guaranteed. He introduced a practical framework for Agile Cash-Flow Management, specifically designed for finance leaders in project-driven small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs)
IT specialist and the CEO of Indominus Managed Security
It was a standout keynote presented by Rene that tackled one of the most pressing and unavoidable challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses today: cybersecurity He opened his speech with a powerful truth like taxes, cybersecurity is now inevitable and avoiding it is no longer an option Drawing from his book "SECURE by Design," Rene introduced a practical and empowering six-step framework designed specifically for SME owners and executives to take control of their cybersecurity defences
Dr. Mark Hawass Founder of Arthritis VIP
Dr. Mark Hawass, an award-winning expert in integrative and regenerative medicine, delivered a compelling keynote that challenged conventional views on aging and wellness. With a provocative message, Dr. Hawass asked: What if the fatigue, joint pain, and burnout we often accept as “just getting older” are actually signs of deeper, correctable imbalances? In a talk that resonated deeply with today’s highperforming professionals, Dr Hawass unveiled the silent biological patterns that quietly erode performance, clarity, mobility, and overall vitality
National Director of Franchise Sales with Freshslice Pizza
Sarah presented a thought-provoking keynote that explored a powerful message: true innovation goes far beyond technology. While the acceleration of digital tools is reshaping industries, the speaker emphasized that thriving in today’s economy requires a holistic approach to innovation one that integrates advancements in leadership, culture, business models, and customer experience She further elaborated on what it means to innovate
Partner, Director and President of The Wizard of Ads
Stephen delivered one of the most engaging and hands-on workshops centred around a powerful idea from a TEDx talk: every impactful, profitable story is built on four essential ingredients Stephen, an international award-winning speaker and expert in leveraging the power of story to drive sales, presented the session, which was structured around strategic storytelling It provided participants with a practical framework to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with their audience.
Managing Partner with Achievan
Amin Panjwani’s highly practical and future-focused workshop demonstrated how AI is transforming small business operations by automating timeconsuming, repetitive tasks, freeing up owners and teams to focus on growth and strategy
Through a live demo, attendees saw firsthand how AI can streamline essential functions like marketing automation, enabling personalized customer communication at the right time, and HR workflows, such as summarizing resumes and filtering candidates based on specific criteria.
Founder and Owner of Vistance Accounting
This was a high-impact session tailored for early-stage companies The workshop flipped the script on traditional finance, reframing it not as a back-office function but as a strategic growth driver
Jane-Michèle Clark Founder and CEO of The Q Group
Jane-Michèle Clark presented an energetic and engaging session that was designed to be interactive, practical, and fun. It focused on transforming how small business owners and professionals approach sales and audience growth Participants delved into a proven technique for identifying and targeting new audiences, a strategy that has been successfully applied by hundreds of businesses and even taught at the MBA level The workshop aimed to reframe their mindset around business and growth
Co-Founder, CTO of Customerization
Small business owners eager to explore AI without feeling overwhelmed found clarity and confidence in the “Start Small, Grow Smart” workshop, led by Anton Tchernikovsky Powered by real-world examples and a live demo of Zoho’s AI capabilities, this session provided a refreshingly grounded approach to adopting automation in a practical and scalable way Anton explored the reasons behind AI adoption, addressing both its growing importance and the common fears and misconceptions that often hinder businesses.
CEO & Principal Consultant at True North HR
Paola Accettola unpacked the strategic advantages of Fractional HR support in her workshop Her session emphasized the consistency, continuity, and scalability that a fractional team provides, especially as companies navigate growth and increasing complexity She presented a stunning workshop that briefed on a team-based HR model offering broader expertise across areas such as compliance, talent management, employee relations, and DEI.
Machine Learning Engineer and AI Software Developer for Zetane
One of the most eye-opening sessions was led by Brooke Davidson, Product Design Lead, and Meet Patel, Industrial AI Engineer at Zetane. Their workshop addressed a vital issue: Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses are being left behind in the AI revolution, not due to a lack of innovation, but because they’re underserved with outdated, expensive, and often ineffective solutions Drawing on insights from over 40 AI projects, Brooke and Meet guided participants through a faster, more innovative approach to implementing AI that sidesteps the typical slowdowns of POCs, MVPs, and over-engineered MLOps
Brit Loojie
HR Advisor at BrightHR
Business
Development Manager at BrightHR
Brit and Javon, two seasoned experts in HR and Occupational Health & Safety, presented a hands-on workshop that delivered clear, actionable solutions for small and medium-sized businesses struggling with the everyday realities of HR compliance, health and safety regulations, and administrative overload
They demonstrated how their awardwinning HR and OHS software empowers businesses to stay fully compliant, eliminate paper-heavy processes, and build safer, more efficient workplaces
Adynamicpaneldiscussionwashosted,focusingontheevolvingneedsof digitaltransformationforsmallbusinessesintoday’sfast-paceddigital economy.ThepanelhighlightedgovernmentsupportthroughtheCanada DigitalAdoptionProgram(CDAP)andsimilarinitiatives,whichofferfunding, training,andadvisoryservicestoeasethetransition
Thispanelbroughttogetherindustryexpertsandsmallbusinessleaders toexplorehowautomationandartificialintelligence(AI)can revolutionizeeverydayoperationsforsmallenterprises Withafocuson accessibleandcost-effectivesolutions,thediscussionprovidedpractical guidanceonintegratingAIintobusinessworkflows
Inanerawheredigitaltransformationisreshapinghowbusinessesoperate, thispanelexploredhowsmallfirmscanmaintainastrongworkplaceculture, supporttheirpeople,andstayresilient.Thesessionfocusedonpractical strategiestobalancetechnologicalintegrationwithhuman-centricvalues
A dynamic panel discussion was hosted, focusing on the evolving needs of digital transformation for small businesses in today’s fast-paced digital economy. The panel highlighted government support through the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) and similar initiatives, which offer funding, training, and advisory services to ease the transition. Entrepreneurs also shared real-world success stories, illustrating how digital tools have enabled them to streamline operations and drive growth.
Dr Georgette Zinaty (Moderator)
FounderandCEOofWomen HelpingEmpowerWomen andtheChiefofStaffat MyantCorporation
Andrew Marsh
VPofDigitalStrategy atSearchEngine PeopleInc
Namay Sharma CEO&Founder,Toronto DigitalMarketingAgency
JustinFolkerts ChiefOperatingOfficer atSupraITS
Mike Bruno AVPDigitalat Co-operators
Karima-Catherine (KC) Goundiam Founderand CEOofB2BeeMatch
This panel brought together industry experts and small business leaders to explore how automation and artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize everyday operations for small enterprises. With a focus on accessible and cost-effective solutions, the discussion provided practical guidance on integrating AI into business workflows. Key takeaways from the panel included practical applications of AI, successful case studies, and the balance between automation and creativity
Miki Velemirovich (Moderator)
Eric Sleeth
HeadofProduct Alexa TranslationsAI SrGrowthManagerat Sage
Anton Tchernikovsky Co-Founder,CTOof Customerization
Shabnam Haghzare NationalAILeadat Mitacs Young Lee CanadaCountry Manager&Growth LeadatGoDaddy Canada
In an era where digital transformation is reshaping how businesses operate, this panel explored how small firms can maintain a strong workplace culture, support their people, and stay resilient. The session focused on practical strategies to balance technological integration with human-centric values, ensuring that digital progress doesn’t come at the cost of employee well-being or organizational identity Panellists highlighted strategies for boosting remote team morale, upskilling and reskilling, addressing mental health, and balancing automation in tech-driven environments
Jesse Galati
Shveta Malhan (Moderator) Co-FounderandManaging PartnerofYenza3 CEO/FounderofPage ProsInc
Jonathon Meany HeadofService Small BusinessatADPCanada
ManraajMand Co-Founderof WatchdogSecurity
Darby Hucaluk SeniorPrincipalandthe TorontoGrowthLeaderfor MercerMarshBenefits Canada
Smita Chauhan SeniorVice-President& AssociateDirectorat RobertHalfManagement Resources
The Business Mixer Networking event provided attendees with a vibrant atmosphere to connect, share, and develop both personal and business relationships. This prime gathering for SMB owners fostered collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth in a lively and engaging environment.
The event featured an impressive lineup of demo speakers who shared their expertise and insights:
Zhang Vinay Raj Ryan Prud’homme Trevor Shorte Mortgage Broker at Effortless Mortgage
Chief Growth Officer, Cansulta
Bradley Arsenault
CTO, ProsperaLabs Inc
Solutions Engineer, ExpertiseAi
Naz Noorani Yauheni Baldziusau
Co-Founder and CEO of Odyssey3D
Moin Khan
Managing Director at XenTegra Canada & India
Manager at Cyberimpact
Hammad Siddiqui Founder & Executive
Naazim Abdulla Chief AI Officer at Naico ITS
Mia Zhang
Mortgage Broker at Effortless Mortgage
Effortless Mortgage delivered a standout demo presentation aimed at demystifying the mortgage process for self-employed professionals a group that continues to face unnecessary roadblocks from traditional lenders. The session addressed a key frustration: why banks often deny mortgage applications from entrepreneurs, freelancers, and non-traditional earners, even when they have the means to pay. Effortless Mortgage shared its proven 3-step strategy to becoming mortgage-ready and explained how they successfully match clients with the right fit from a network of over 90 lenders, including alternative (B) and private options
Chief Growth Officer, Cansulta
Outgrowing Band-Aids &
Tape to Build a Stronger Business: A smarter way to solve business problems without burning time, money, or brain cells.
In a high-energy and relatable session presented by Trevor Shorte, attendees were guided through a journey many entrepreneurs know all too well the “duct tape” phase of business building. From juggling free tools and midnight YouTube tutorials to launching new offers on hope alone, this talk unpacked the reality of DIY entrepreneurship and offered a smarter path forward. The presentation demonstrated how streamlined operations and simplified tech stacks can free up time and reduce burnout
Chief Solutions Engineer, ExpertiseAi
While presenting at the show, Vinay Raj reiterated the common industry truth that most B2B SaaS websites are unengaging From forgettable design to lifeless copy, too many SaaS brands are missing the mark and losing visitors in seconds But it doesn’t have to be this way He explained how websites needed to be designed for function, not engagement. Instead of listing features, the session emphasized the power of storytelling, interactive demos, customer use cases, and outcome-focused copy.
Partnership Manager at Cyberimpact
In this hands-on, practical demo presented by Ryan, attendees experienced a comprehensive walkthrough of the lead capture and email automation process using Cyberimpact, from designing a landing page to launching an automated email series Whether you ' re just starting with digital marketing or looking to streamline your workflows, this session offered a crystal-clear view of how to turn interest into engagement and conversions Best practices, including CTA, personalized email and website content, landing pages, and strategies, were shared at this demo presentation
Bradley Arsenault
CTO, ProsperaLabs Inc.
This demo from ProsperaLabs AI introduced small and medium-sized businesses to the power of no-code AI agents digital team members that automate repetitive tasks, boost efficiency, and help companies to scale without adding headcount or writing code The session showcased how to launch, customize, and integrate AI agents in minutes
THE POWER OF 3D Virtual Tours & Video in marketing your location
Yauheni Baldziusa
Co-Founder and CEO of Odyssey3
This demo session, led by Yauheni Baldziusau, was designed for business owners who want to showcase their physical space in a more engaging and effective way Whether you run a coworking space, salon, clinic, gallery, or retail store, the presentation demonstrated how 3D virtual tours can make your location stand out and drive visits Some of the key insights discussed by him were why visual marketing matters, how to utilize it, and what 3D virtual tours are Impressions matter, just like interactive digital experiences that build prospects, foster customer trust, and encourage return visits
Director of Community & Partnerships at Canada Startup Association
Hammad Siddiqui
Founder & Executive Director at Canada Startup Association
This live demo by the Canada Startup Association introduced the Fundable Story Framework a proven method for crafting a compelling investor pitch. Led by Hammad Siddiqui and Naz Noorani, the session focused on helping early- to mid-stage startups build stories that inspire belief, not just interest Raising capital isn’t just about metrics it’s about narrative They showed the audience how to pitch with clarity, credibility, and emotional resonance
Moin Khan
Managing Director at XenTegra Canada & India
As remote and hybrid work becomes the norm, small and mid-sized businesses need scalable solutions that ensure productivity without compromising security or experience. This demo illustrated how Parallels RAS and ControlUp provide just that, without the burden of legacy systems or heavy IT overhead. Attendees at the event experienced real-time control of the ControlUp track session, including health, latency, and device performance.
Chief AI Officer at Naico ITS
Naico ITS presented an excellent demo on how small businesses can start leveraging AI today, without large budgets or tech teams The focus was on real-world use cases, easy entry points, and AI tools tailored for small businesses to have a significant impact The presentation, led by Naazim, stressed that AI isn’t just for tech giants Naico ITS invited attendees to book free 1-on-1 consultations, offering personalized guidance on where AI fits into their business strategy The company emphasized that AI is no longer optional it’s a competitive edge
AI AGENTS ARE REAL AND THEY ARE HERE!
