CanadianSME Small Business Magazine - December 2023 Edition by CanadianSME

ISSUE NO. 61

DECEMBER 2023

CANADIANSME Empowering Canadian Small & Medium Businesses

EXCLUSIVE

Banking Partner

Shipping Partner

Accounting Software Partner

The ultimate guide to multi-country advertising

PAGE: 24

.CA domain or .com…or both – what’s best for your business? PAGE: 18

CDAP is a Piece of Cake Darian Kovacs, Jelly Digital Marketing & PR Founder, CDAP Dgital Advisor

All Images, trademarks, service marks and logos referred to or appearing in this magazine are the property of their respective owners.

OPTIMA AÉRO WINS THE GRAND PRIZE "AEROSPACE SME OF THE YEAR" AWARD Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, is proud to announce the results of the 5th Gilles Demers Awards Gala, a prestigious event that highlights the excellence of SMEs in the sector. The winners were revealed at the gala evening held on Friday, December 8. AÉRO MONTRÉAL

Merchant Growth Secures $300 Million Forward Flow Facility with Fortress Investment Group to Refinance CEBA Loans "This significant financing program with Fortress reinforces our commitment to supporting small businesses. We understand the challenges businesses face, particularly with the approaching CEBA loan forgiveness deadline, and this funding will help empower businesses to navigate these financial obligations effectively," said David Gens, Founder & CEO at Merchant Growth.

FINANCE

BDC Square Vancouver: a new networking space for entrepreneurs to make powerful connections

FINANCE

"Peer-to-peer connections can go a long way in developing entrepreneurial skills and building a strong business community," said Jean-Philippe Ménard, Senior Vice President, British Columbia and North, BDC. "I am proud we are offering a space that will bring this community together, fostering more collaboration, and ultimately driving B.C.'s economy forward."

Dear Readers, Welcoming the festive season and the onset of winter, we are delighted to present to you the December issue of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. This edition arrives as a celebration of change, capturing the transition from autumn's vibrant display to winter's serene beauty. It serves as a canvas showcasing the resilience, innovation, and dynamism of Canada's SME sector. Within these pages, you'll find a rich collection of stories, insights, and expert perspectives, each echoing the spirit of small and medium enterprises across the nation. Join us in exploring narratives that not only reflect on the past year's journey but also look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. In these pages, you will find a diverse collection of articles and interviews, each a testament to our commitment to providing insights, guidance, and inspiration tailored to the unique aspirations and challenges of Canada's thriving SMEs. Our special focus this month is on "Economic and Social Development," with content revolving around themes that are vital to our readers. We also bring to you thought-provoking pieces like "Meshing the Innovation Gears" by eCampusOntario, and Catherine Fortin Lefaivre's insightful exploration of digital transformation in SMEs. Deidre Lipton from Microsoft Canada shares expertise in "The Small Business AI-Readiness Guide," and we delve into the world of online advertising with "Going Global with Amazon Ads." Discover four Canadian winners of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund by reading “Celebrating Canadian small businesses with Xero’s Beautiful Business Fund” Additionally, the issue features a comprehensive look at domain choices in ".CA domain or .com…or both – What’s Best for Your Business?" and Darian Kovacs of Jelly Digital Marketing & PR demystifies the CDAP in "CDAP is a Piece of Cake." Each piece is curated to enrich your knowledge and assist in your business growth as we step into a new year. We are also excited to feature exceptional interviews with industry leaders like Lori Merrall of Sola Salon Studios, Shannon Leininger of Cisco Canada, and Prashant Ganti, Head of Product Management, Zoho Finance and Operations Suite among others. Our star feature is the Business Woman Of The Month, Angela Podolsky, Founder of Kinesics.com. Angela's unique approach to skill-building, focusing on intonation, micro-expressions, and deception detection, is truly empowering. Lastly, we are thrilled to announce the fifth edition of the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2023, a platform designed to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of small business owners to Canada's economy. With over 25 different categories, we encourage entrepreneurs to apply at www.smeawards.ca. As we wrap up this year, we invite you to dive into this issue, engage with our content, and subscribe at www.canadiansme.ca for a continuous stream of enriching insights. Here's to a future brimming with innovation, resilience, and endless possibilities. Warm Regards, SK

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IN THIS ISSUE CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

21 Ensuring Financial Health at Year-End: Expert Advice from

Prashant Ganti Head of Product Management, Zoho Finance and Operations Suite

Meshing the innovation gears between industry and academia

UUUSoftware: The Forefront of Groundbreaking Development in Computer Programs

Novisto: Pioneering Sustainable Corporate Management through Innovative Technology

Choosing the Right Design Service

Driving Change: JH World Services' Commitment to Technological Innovation

IN THIS ISSUE Canadiansme Small Business Magazine

38 The creator class is here, and it’s looking for help to thrive

Advancing Collaboration in the Digital Era: Cisco's Vision with Shannon Leininger

.CA domain or .com…or both – what’s best for your business?

Going global with Amazon Ads: The ultimate guide to multi-country advertising

IN THIS ISSUE Canadiansme Small Business Magazine

67 Haletale Elevating Rental Property management with Innovative Solutions

35 Business Woman Of The Month

Angela Podolsky

48 How to accelerate your

SME’s digital transformation

51 The Flexibility of Sola Salons' Franchise Model with Lori Merrall

33 The Small Business

AI-Readiness Guide

54 The Rise of Canadian Food Exports: Trends and Developments Explained by Martin Lavoie

IN THIS ISSUE Canadiansme Small Business Magazine

Innovative Ventures Shaping Tomorrow: Top Startups of December 2023

Oliu™: Transforming SME Digital Experiences - A Conversation with Chandra Rink

Kundan Joshi's Pioneering Work at The AppLabb Transforms the Mobile App Industry

46 Revolutionizing Small Business Sales: Chatsimple's 24/7 AI Sales Agent

Navigating finances: Understanding the accounting challenges of small businesses

CDAP

is a Piece of Cake At a time when so many small and medium-sized businesses across the country are finding it increasingly challenging to stay afloat, the federal government has extended a lifeline - but it’s one that few business owners have in their sights.

Darian Kovacs, Jelly Digital Marketing & PR Founder, CDAP Dgital Advisor

I first heard about the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) as our nation emerged from the depths of COVID into the “new normal,” and I immediately recognized the positive impact it could have on thousands of businesses who

(barely) made it through the pandemic or were emerging from it.

A perfect example of this is JJ Bakes Company, a local bakery cafe and catered baked goods supplier in Langley, British Columbia. “I (started) JJ Bakes at the top of the top of the pandemic, we were baking from home… we all had so much time to just hang out and bake all day long. It grew chaotically until we needed a space to grow into,” explained co-owner Kaitlyn Santa Juana. JJ Bakes Company has since transformed into a physical cafe where the treats, drinks, and decor pay homage to the family’s Filipino heritage.

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Jeannette, Kaitlyn, and the JJ Bakes team

learned about CDAP and found my agency, Jelly Marketing, on the list of approved CDAP advisors. Instantly, a kinship was formed as we are also a Langley business, so we have first-hand knowledge of the community they’re selling to. JJ Bakes already had a professional website, quality images, and a social media presence, but they were drawn to CDAP for the opportunity to ensure they weren’t missing any marketing opportunities and take their digital presence up a notch ahead of their cafe’s grand opening. “The Canada Digital Adoption Program… helped us grow in really great ways,” said Kaitlyn. “We were seeing our social and SEO content grow to about four times greater than what we were seeing prior.”

Digital Transformation Kaitlyn has also expressed that CDAP helped her stay organized with marketing the bakeshop, and found it beneficial that the audit and strategy conducted on her behalf was broken down into different, actionable sections for each core area of digital marketing, to ensure nothing was missed. “It was formatted really easily… I learned a lot about marketing and what customers are looking for,” she shared. Within the digital marketing CDAP, we focus on key areas that help increase brand presence online, namely social media, public relations, search engine optimization, paid digital ads, eNewsletters and photo or video assets. For each section, up to three chosen competitors are analyzed, the client’s current marketing efforts are audited and a clear, actionable strategy is developed to help the business reach its goals. “It really did help streamline everything,” Kaitlyn explained.

Business owners looking to benefit from CDAP like Kaitlyn did need to meet certain criteria. Their company must be Canadian-owned, have 1-499 employees, and have earned at least $500,000 in revenue in one of the last 3 years. If they qualify, they can apply

online in about 20 minutes and will often be approved within 24 hours.90% of the $15,000 grant is reimbursed upon submission of a completed digital adoption plan.

“Having the CDAP program and planning…..in advance helped us,” said Kaitlyn. Unfortunately, very few business owners are aware of how easy it is to apply for, complete, and action a digital adoption strategy in their company. Some are concerned it will require a large time commitment in an era where business owners are spread thin, and others are worried it won’t be as impactful as it sounds or it will create an awkward obligation to retain the services of the CDAP advisor after. I’ve spoken to hundreds of business people in the last year about CDAP, and those who can see the potential are benefiting from it greatly. Not only do they walk away with inside knowledge and a strategy their team can execute, but participation in CDAP makes them eligible for other business-boosting perks like incredible wage subsidies for younger workers and interest-free BDC loans. To be frank, at a time when businesses are struggling I feel a moral obligation to shout the benefits of CDAP from the rooftops it feels unethical not to. To learn more, visit Canada.ca and search “CDAP.” Darian Kovacs is an Indigenous business leader and owner of Jelly Digital Marketing + PR, a Vancouver-based CDAP advisor.

.CA domain or .com…or both – what’s best for your business? What if you could influence how customers perceive and discover your website…with the letters that go to the right of the dot in your domain name? We’re talking, of course, about top-level domains (TLDs), which sometimes get overlooked and misunderstood. We’re going to show you how picking the right TLD for your business’ website can help you reach your desired audience, get ranked higher by search engines—and even be seen as more trustworthy.

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Let’s back up: What is a top-level domain? A TLD is the last segment in a domain name. TLDs can be “generic” (like .com), while others have been created for specific countries and geographies, like .CA for Canada.

Is picking a TLD a big deal to my business? In a word—yes! Your choice of TLD can help users immediately identify your website and business’ geography, overall purpose and ownership.

To choose the right TLD, you need to have a solid understanding of your business. Ask yourself the following questions: Where do you expect to be doing business? Exclusively within Canada? Or is your business international? What kind of audience or visitors are you trying to attract?

Now, for one of the biggest TLD-related questions: should I go with .com or .CA? Yes, .com is the most popular TLD out there…but we could spend days raving about the many, very real benefits of choosing .CA! Here’s the short version.

You should register a .CA TLD if you’re: Operating a Canadian business targeting Canadian customers. That.CA TLD shows everyone that you and your website are Canadian. Plus, strict Canadian Presence

Requirements mean that only real Canadian people and organizations can access and register a .CA domain.

Having a .CA domain is especially appropriate if your business offers products and services confined to a specific geographic area—like a Calgary, AB-based restaurant, for example.

Another big advantage: Canadian consumers are pretty gosh-darn loyal to .CA. We’ve found 85% of Canadians prefer to be on a .CA domain than a .com when supporting local businesses.* *Research conducted in 2022 by the Strategic Counsel

Looking to soak up all those tasty Canadian SEO benefits. Having a .CA TLD tells search engines like Google that your website and/or business is Canadian. This is hugely beneficial, as your site will be ranked higher in search results pages when customers search for businesses like yours within Canada. Higher search rankings mean far greater visibility and more clicks.

As a bonus: when someone uses Google.ca rather than Google.com, search results will tend to favour .CA websites. Selling online and shipping to Canadians in Canadian currency. Canadian customers tend to gravitate towards businesses with .CA TLDs, as there’s peace of mind knowing they’re going to be charged in Canadian dollars for their goods. What’s more—customers like knowing you ship within Canada, so they’re not going to get dinged for additional crossborder duties and taxes.

So, .CA or .com? Or both? In other words, can you have your .CA cake and .com too? Absolutely.

As we covered, a .CA domain can deliver

oodles of benefits to your business site. But— and there is a big but coming—having a .com domain can be helpful if you plan on expanding internationally at some point.

In this case, it is best to get a .CA and forward it to your .com domain. The .CA will help you attract Canadian customers and .com will help your site rank better against other international results.

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Here’s the thing: domain names generally aren’t all that expensive. So, it’s never a bad idea to register .CA and .com domains—even just to protect your brand and prevent a competitor

from scooping up the .com version of your .CA domain name. Think of it as cheap insurance.

Curious if your business domain name is available as a .CA? Use our free domain name search tool today!

Ensuring Financial Health at Year-End: Expert Advice from

Prashant Ganti

Head of Product Management, Zoho Finance and Operations Suite

robust measures to secure and maintain the confidentiality of financial data, particularly during sensitive year-end operations. Furthermore, Prashant shared best practices and tips for SMBs to optimize their year-end accounting processes, demonstrating Zoho's commitment to empowering small businesses with efficient and secure financial management tools. Prashant has over 20 years of experience in the software industry with a deep focus on financial technologies. In his current role as the Head of Product Management, Zoho Finance and Operations Suite, he is responsible for revenue growth, and product direction and drives improvements and enhancements to the products across regions. In addition to this, he oversees the global advisor program that focuses on building alliances with audit and advisory firms.

Can you briefly explain why the end of the financial year is a critical period for small and medium-sized businesses, and why getting it right is so important In an enlightening interview with

for their financial health?

CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Prashant Ganti, Head of Product Management at Zoho Finance and Operations Suite, offered his expert insights on key aspects of year-end financial processes for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Prashant emphasized the critical nature of the financial year-end for SMBs, underscoring its importance in maintaining financial health and stability. He identified common challenges faced during year-end accounting and illustrated how Zoho's solutions effectively address these hurdles, simplifying complex tasks and ensuring accuracy. Addressing growing concerns around data security, he detailed Zoho's

A financial year is the accounting period during which your business earns an income, typically spanning over 12 months. Self-employed individuals in Canada are typically required to use December 31st as their yearend. Regardless of the timeframe followed by businesses, the end of the financial year is a critical period for SMBs. During this time, they can analyze their performance, adjust their goals, and plan for the future. It also allows them to get their financial records in order. Moreover, they can prepare to meet their tax obligations by ensuring that they have the necessary documentation, calculate their taxable income, and claim deductions. Overall, the end of the financial year is important for SMBs to maintain financial health, ensure compliance, and evaluate their strategy in a constantly changing business landscape.

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Finance What are some common challenges that SMBs face when it comes to year-end accounting, and how can Zoho's solutions help them navigate these challenges more effectively? SMBs often face challenges like collecting payments on time, invoicing delays, reconciling statements, and tracking expenses. Relying on manual methods for year-end accounting processes adds to the complexity resulting in error-prone data. So this can be quite overwhelming for SMBs. Zoho Books, a cloudbased accounting platform is built to address all these challenges comprehensively. The cloud

accounting software streamlines the invoicing processes, automates payment reminders, provides an overview of all expenses, and also helps identify overdue invoices through aging summary reports. SMBs can also scan and record their expenses,

perform stocktakes with inventory valuation summaries, and automatically fetch and reconcile bank statements. Overall, with Zoho Books, SMBs can

ensure accuracy and efficiently complete their yearend accounting. Small business owners often wear multiple hats. How can Zoho's software streamline the year-end accounting process and save SMBs time and resources during this busy period? Small business owners are often pressed for time

since they play a multifaceted role when it comes to managing their business. At Zoho, we understand this challenge quite well, and we have built our products to help achieve maximum efficiency by automating and streamlining many of the routine processes. Zoho Books comes with various features that enable continuous close, keeping all accounts up-to-date daily, and providing current financial information at any time. Firstly, to close the books, businesses need to make sure they have captured all expenses and bills with receipts, storing all necessary documents that comply with regulatory requirements. Zoho Books' documents feature offers businesses a central repository to store all necessary documents. And, with the auto-scan enabled businesses can upload invoices, expenses, bills, sales orders, or purchase order, and have them all recorded automatically.

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Secondly, with bank feeds, businesses can fetch their statements, and automate reconciliation, reducing the possibility of errors. Moreover, businesses can automate tax calculation in invoices, and run summary reports that simplify tax filing. Businesses will also be able to run financial reports in real-time which helps in providing data-driven insights.

In essence, Zoho Books is built to help SMB owners navigate the yearend accounting processes by automating key tasks, ensuring compliance, and creating real-time visibility into their finances. This not only saves them loads of effort, but also precious time which they can use to focus on building their business.

Finance Data security is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. How does Zoho ensure the security and confidentiality of financial data for SMBs using its accounting solutions, especially during sensitive year-end processes? Zoho takes data protection and security very seriously. As a company, we ensure that all the applications we use follow strong security measures that are built-in and automated. All our solutions use two-factor authentication with secure logins, and password management tools to safeguard not only our own business but also our customers.

Moreover, Zoho's solutions comply with international data protection regulations, including GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, and ISO, ensuring that Canadian SMEs can trust us to manage their financial information with the highest security and privacy standards.

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Could you share some best practices or tips for SMBs to make the most of the year-end accounting process? One of the most important things that SMBs can do is to consider implementing continuous accounting as opposed to traditional processing which is usually done towards the end of a financial year. With continuous accounting, all financial data are processed and reconciled in real-time, ensuring improved accuracy, and reducing the chances of errors. Much of the grunt work involved in the process

is distributed throughout the year, minimizing last-minute scramble. This way, businesses will have an up-to-date view of their finances, making year-end reporting less overwhelming. More importantly, continuous accounting helps SMBs stay agile, providing better visibility to make informed decisions. Using a cloud accounting platform like Zoho Books will go a

long way in not only streamlining all accounting processes but also building financial resilience.

The ultimate guide to multi-country advertising There are shoppers around the world—right this second—looking for products just like yours. So why not help get your brand in front of them? Canadian sellers sold almost 100 million products to Amazon customers in 2021 - that’s over 200 products per minute i With more customers shopping online than ever before, now could be the right time to focus on reaching shoppers around the world. If you are looking to help increase the visibility of your brand to grow your sales globally, then multi-country advertising may be the solution you’re looking for. i.Amazon’s economic impact in Canada: How we’re investing in local communities, June 2023

Expanding your advertising globally with Amazon Ads You may already be running sponsored ads by Amazon Ads in the home base of your business, but have you considered advertising to shoppers around the world too? Sponsored ads by Amazon Ads continue running when your working day is over, so you can let them do the heavy lifting and reach customers around the world who are awake when you’re asleep.

Advertising Multi-country advertising can help you connect with customers across multiple countries and regions. For example, you can advertise in countries in different regions, like Mexico in North America or Japan in Asia, or across multiple countries within the same region, such as France and Italy. Shipping your products across countries is simple too – Remote Fulfillment with FBA and Pan-European FBA, for example, can help you fulfill orders to customers in North America and Europe respectively.

German health and nutrition company foodspring saw success advertising across Europe with solutions and tools from Amazon Ads: “We’re currently based in six countries and we’re always adding more. Over the last few years, Amazon Ads has launched so many different multi-country tools and features that help make our tasks way easier,” said Aakriti

Malhotra, Senior Marketplace Manage, foodspring. Managing ads across multiple countries is now even easier. If you’re already using Amazon Ads solutions, you can now manage your advertising across all

applicable countries through a single sponsored ads account, while new advertisers only need to create one account to register for sponsored ads in all eligible countries. And now you can view and manage your campaigns and create a single

campaign report across all countries you advertise in, in one place.

“Amazon [Ads] is not just for big sellers. With Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Displays, the opportunities to help you grow are endless. There are great knowledge tools and features that will help guide you to achieve your goals,” continued Malhotra.

The results speak for themselves. Advertisers see an average return on ad spend (ROAS) of 2.4, four months after launching Sponsored Products campaigns in a country other than their brand’s home country ii . ii.Amazon internal data, WW, Dec 2021 – May 2023. Limited to sellers with minimum SP campaign duration of six months post launch. iii.Amazon internal data, EU, NA, 1 Jul 2021 – 28 Feb 2022

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Navigating language barriers Caffè Vergnano, one of the oldest coffee roasting companies in Italy, used Amazon Ads to help increase sales and build brand awareness across Italy, Spain, Germany, and France. “We’ve seen great success using Amazon Ads,” said Carolina Vergnano, CEO. “We started [using Amazon Ads solutions] in 2018, and since then we’ve always had double-digit growth. We saw immediate growth, and long-term [growth] that we’ve been able to maintain over the years.”

The language was a challenge that was quickly

identified by the Caffè Vergnano team when they began multi-country advertising. The Amazon Ads suggested keyword localization and custom keyword ranking feature became a big help. With this feature, they were able to see suggested keywords in the local language of the country where their Sponsored Products and Sponsored

Brands campaigns would appear. Custom keyword ranking helped Caffè Vergnano sort their

suggested keywords based on estimated clicks or sales volume, so they could select high-performing keywords to optimize their campaigns. Text and video translation support is also available to help you translate your ads for use in different countries.

Advertising According to Amazon research, using tools available in the ad console have helped multi-country advertisers drive 11X higher ad-attributed sales at a 40% lower cost per click (CPC) on average iii .

Turning new audiences into new customers

You can also help boost visibility for your products and brands during local and peak shopping events across different countries when customers are browsing for items, such as Ramadan or Christmas, so consider these in your planning.

You don’t have to dive right in. Start small and test the waters. You could start by launching ads in one or two countries that have something in common with your brand’s home country—like a shared language, cultural similarities, or neighboring location—to help familiarize yourself with advertising in new countries.

Amazon Ads can also help you get to know your audience better too. Customers in different countries may have different shopping habits. If you’re a registered brand owner, tap into the Brand Analytics feature in Seller Central to gain insights into the most popular keywords and shopping queries in different countries or regions.

Multi-country advertising is a great way to help boost visibility of your brand and increase your sales. Just remember, there might be some taxes and fees to consider when selling and advertising on Amazon in multiple countries. Visit our free guide to explore answers to your questions about taxes and regulatory fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT) rules. Find out more about how you can get started with multicountry advertising with Amazon Ads.

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In August this year, small business platform, Xero launched the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, a program which seeks to help small business customers by offering $15,000 in funding to boost their growth plans and drive future success. There were four categories - Innovating for sustainability, Strengthening community connection, Trailblazing with technology and Upskilling for the future. Applications came in from across the country. Last month, four incredible small businesses were named the winners. Let’s meet them.

Hoot Reading is the leading online tutoring service providing 1:1, evidence-based literacy instruction with qualified teachers. Incubated on a research project at the Nokia Research Lab with Sesame Workshop (the creators of Sesame Street) and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, Hoot Reading partners with school districts across North America to change children’s lives through literacy.

What's Hoot Reading’s origin story, and how has its mission to change children's lives through literacy driven it to be the organization it is today? Hoot Reading's research-backed approach to remote literacy instruction was incubated on a research project at the Nokia Research Lab with Sesame Workshop (the creators of

Sesame Street). Our mission to change children's lives through literacy has been the

driving force behind our growth. Literacy is a cornerstone for future success, and by providing personalized online tutoring, we aim to make a meaningful impact on students' lives and academic achievements.

Maya Kotecha, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Hoot Reading

Carly Shuler, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Hoot Reading

Congratulations on being a Xero Beautiful Business Fund winner! What does this mean for the team, and what drew you to the program? Being recognized as a Xero Beautiful Business Fund winner is an incredible honor for the Hoot Reading team. This achievement validates our dedication to transforming childhood literacy and provides us with invaluable financial support to propel our mission forward. The Xero Beautiful Business Fund's focus on empowering small businesses drew us to the program. Particularly the "trailblazing with technology" category, as it resonates with our goals of leveraging innovative solutions, such as AI, machine learning, and speech recognition, for enhancing literacy.

Hoot Reading won in the Trailblazing with Technology category - what will this funding enable the team to do? The funding will be instrumental in advancing our platform capabilities and operations, and we intend to prioritize the enhancement of tracking tools, automation and strengthened privacy and security measures. We plan to invest in developing technologies that leverage AI, machine learning, and speech recognition to power proprietary scheduling and matching algorithms, as well as an updated digital assessment experience. These technologies will improve the online learning experience for students by allowing them to efficiently match with the best teacher for their individual learning needs. Additionally, the funds will support the expansion of our reach, enabling us to connect with more students and schools.

Funding As an online tutoring service, technology is at the heart of the business. How do you leverage tech services for your business - from operations to customer service offerings - and why are they important? From a seamless onboarding process to personalized lesson plans and progress tracking, our platform leverages technology to offer a comprehensive and effective learning experience. Our use of advanced analytics helps tailor lessons to each student's needs, ensuring a personalized and adaptive approach. Our technology enables us to

Sarah Aubrey-Davies, Founder, More Granola

provide real-time feedback and progress reports to districts and

parents, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Embracing

technology is crucial for delivering high-quality, accessible, and engaging literacy instruction on a large scale.

Hoot Reading has had a lot of success raising funds, what advice would you give to other small business owners looking to do the same? Securing funds for a small business is undoubtedly a challenging but essential aspect of growth. My advice to fellow small business owners would be to articulate your mission clearly and the impact your business aims to make. Investors and grant programs look to companies with compelling stories and a clear vision for the future. Additionally, build strong relationships within your industry and community—networking is often a gateway to funding opportunities. Be persistent, stay adaptable to market trends, and showcase the value your business brings. Finally, don't be afraid to seek mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs who can provide valuable insights and support on your funding journey. 28 - CanadianSME - December 2023

More Granola is a gourmet granola brand setting out to make healthy eating more indulgent, while also stimulating creativity in consumers. We make granola snacks in a line of dessert inspired flavours, including Pecan Pie, Hot Chocolate, Nutty Crumble and Salted Caramel. Our signature ‘snackable chunks’ are an innovation in the granola world by bridging the gap between looser style granola cereal and chewy granola bars.

Congratulations on winning the Innovating for Sustainability prize as part of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund! What does this mean for you and More Granola? Winning the Innovating for Sustainability prize enables us to take an exciting step towards our sustainability goals. We’re looking at our ingredient sourcing and, with the help of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, making changes based on the sustainability of those ingredients in the long run. Our goal is to prioritize sourcing locally; reducing our dependence on water-intensive crops, supporting local Canadian farmers, and reducing CO2 emissions from transportation.

Funding 2. How did More Granola come to be and how has it grown over the years? The idea for More Granola was born out of a personal need. As a consumer, I used to buy boxes of granola only to pick out all the little chunks to snack on. I could never understand why those pieces were so rare when they were so clearly the best part of the box! To me, the void was clear: granola snacks are limited to chewy, single-serve balls and bars, and granola cereal is too messy to eat without a spoon. My entrepreneurial career began during the pandemic. I used to work in Wealth Management, but ultimately knew that wasn’t where my passion lay. I decided to go back to school and was completing my MBA at an entrepreneurship-focused school in Madrid, Spain when the pandemic hit. I flew home in March 2020 and knew it was the perfect time to launch the business of my dreams and spread joy through food. Now, almost 3 years later we’re in over 260 retails Canada-wide and have sold thousands of bags online via our Shopify store. I graduated from baking the product myself, to scaling up our production in 2022, and now, we’re available in Sobeys, Whole Foods, and Healthy Planet stores across Ontario.

Having started a company from the ground up, based on a gap in the market - how did sustainability fold into your business plans and what advice would you give other business owners who also want to be sustainability-focused? In the beginning, I found it hard to prioritize my sustainability goals as a small business. I wanted to do everything from day one, but I would have priced myself out of the category. My advice to others starting is to pick one thing and build as you grow.

Running a retail business, you have to think about everything from your supply chain through to accounting and customer experience - what technology tools do you leverage and do you have any recommendations for others to consider? Shopify was an easy way to create our website and launch our business. It’s accessible, and very user friendly. We use Later to plan our social media posts; it streamlines the work so that we can efficiently prepare

posts and stories and preschedule them to publish. Lastly (of course) we love using Xero for our

accounting needs. It is intuitive, simple to use, and easy to customize to our

reporting needs. It saves me tons of time each month and gives me confidence in preparing our books myself.

Why are programs like the Xero Beautiful Business Fund so important for the small business community? Starting a small business is a hard journey. You hear ‘no’ a lot, face tons of obstacles, and some days, feel like everything that could go wrong does. Programs like the Xero Beautiful Business Fund give small business owners hope, and the motivation to keep going. They provide the support and backing for businesses to chase their dreams and tackle projects that they might not otherwise.

Based on successful non-profit social enterprise models across the country, Building Up was developed in Toronto to improve our city’s environmental efficiency, affordable housing stock, and most of all – to create a real pathway for individuals experiencing barriers to enter apprenticeships and careers in the trades. They break cycles of systemic inequity through their extensive network of wrap-around supports that prioritizes long term career impact and personal growth for their participants. Their model that supports the transition from trainee

Marc Soberano, Executive Director, Building Up

to tradesperson include; a paid in-class preapprenticeship training program, real life employment through our social enterprise and personalized career case management.

Can you share a bit about Building Up, its purpose, and what it means to be a nonprofit social contractor?

You won in the Strengthening community connection category. Tell us more about the significance of community to Building Up and why it’s important to have access to this type of funding to achieve your goals? The whole point of this organization is to respond to

the community. There's this belief in Canada that the shortage of tradespeople exists

because people aren't interested in getting into the trades. But we had 1,800 people apply to a program last year.

So it's a misunderstanding that people don't want to get into the trades. The reality is people

The root of Building Up is about connecting the work that most needs to

don't know how to start and they don't have the skills or the

employ people to run their business we run our business to train and employ people. So we go into non-profit housing where there's a lot of work that needs to be done to bring that housing up to a livable standard

looking to get the skills, experience, confidence, and

get done with the people that most need the work. What we do is operate a non-profit renovation business. Where most people will train and

and then we do those renovations while extending the offer to the people living in those buildings to carry out the work and use that as a way to train them - with a view to get them long-term careers in construction.

network to do so. What we're trying to do is just fill the gap and give those folks that are

support that they need to get into the industry. In turn, also give the employers in the industry that are looking for access to the community where they otherwise wouldn't be able to reach them. The reality is though, we had 1,800 applications last year but only 100 spots available in the program. So that’s why funding like this is incredibly important - so we can pursue our aspiration to grow. There’s a lot involved too - there's a financial cost beyond what we can make through being a non-profit business. When folks

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Funding go through the program, they get access to financial coaching, one-on-one mentorship, driver's license applications, to name a few things, so we're working with people that could need that kind of support and there's a lot more of those folks out there. It costs money and we’re always in the process of ensuring we can offer full support for everyone that comes through Building Up.

What have been some of your proudest moments while running Building Up? Since starting Building Up in 2014, we have had 700 people go through the program. That’s 700 reasons to be proud. For me, the most powerful moments have been witnessing the journeys of these individuals. For example, connecting with someone who maybe lost their kids or was coming in and out of jail and didn't

have any direction and were looking for an alternative and then they found Building Up and were suddenly

getting secure housing or getting their Red Seal, which is their certification. And now, they completed their apprenticeship and they’ve been able to break the

cycle. So, it's just the individual journeys and seeing that what we’ve set up works and has a positive impact on the community.

Do you consider digital tools important when running a business and what’s been your approach for Building Up? Yes, we do and there are a few reasons why. Firstly, we manage such a high number of applications and we’re on the journey with so many people - we don’t just source jobs and disappear - we stick with them and make sure that they're progressing. So, having the right systems in place to track every single person who engages with Building Up is really important. Think of this in the context of continuity, for example, the staff team grows or maybe someone who was supporting a certain group of people. Ensuring that people's progress is well-documented accessible and transparent is incredibly important. Secondly, having the right tools in place also helps with things like reporting to funders. We need to be able to comment on demographic breakdown, progress, and gaps we need to focus on filling.

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Lastly, being able to tell the story from an accounting standpoint as we're running a construction business while also running this training program. We need to be able to figure out if we're running our jobs profitably or if we're losing a lot of money and be able to tag expenses to different divisions and jobs and have that reconcile with the bank immediately. All of these things are important in the same way they're important for normal business even though money isn’t the main goal for us, it is one of the restraints that needs to be organized. Specific tools we use - Procore for construction job management, Humanity for team scheduling, Xero as our accounting platform, and Dext for

receipt capture which has a direct integration with Xero.

How do you raise awareness about the work you and the team do and what advice would you give people who want to get involved in their community but don’t know where to start? A lot of it's been word of mouth and we do have

social media but a significant number of those 1,800 annual applications come from friends and

family of people who have done the program in the past or people in the community who are sharing updates and talking about the work we do. It’s the same with our customers and funders - It's a lot of personal relationships and just being out there.

When I was getting Building Up going I was incredibly surprised and excited by how openminded people were to helping out. It was incredibly affirming. It gave me the confidence to ask to meet and talk about what I was planning and people took the meetings. My word of advice would be to ask if people are excited to contribute, especially if it's just a meeting and I would recommend for people to be a little bold about it. You don't have to have everything figured out. You can just go out there and ask people for help and some will say no but most will say yes, and if you have a bunch of meetings, a few of them are going to be really helpful.

Can you tell us more about Scimar and your commitment to ending type 2 diabetes? My dad was a professor and a

Mick Lautt, CEO, Scimar

researcher at the University of Manitoba when he made a really novel discovery. Everyone who studied diabetes was focused on insulin being released by the pancreas, but he found a different hormone that was released by the liver that is also really important. He named it “hepatalin” and that’s the

Scimar is a

scientific foundation of all our work.

Manitoba‑based biotech on a mission to change

We’re developing and testing

how the world prevents, detects, and treats type 2 diabetes.

products that will restore your hepatalin production. If you can get your hepatalin working at full capacity you essentially aren’t diabetic anymore.

Congratulations on being a Xero Beautiful Business Fund winner! There were four categories to apply for and Scimar won the Upskilling for the future prize. What drew you to this particular category and how will the funding help you to achieve your goals? Type 2 diabetes affects people all across the country, but we know that its impact on First Nations communities is especially bad. The numbers are mind-blowing. 80% of young people living in indigenous communities will develop T2D in their lifetime without a proper intervention. We want to be part of reversing that trend. Working with indigenous communities requires building authentic relationships. The first step in that is making sure that everyone on our team gets specialized training so they understand the historical and the modern context for this health crisis. That way, we can approach this problem from a wholistic perspective. The program is called, Truth2Action: Reconciliation for Business.

Scimar is a community centric organization - can you share any details about particular projects the team has undertaken that really spotlight this?

Type 2 diabetes is largely a lifestyle disease. The best way to avoid it is to eat healthy food. But that’s hard for young people today. Sometimes they just don’t know how to cook a balanced meal. So, we’re currently running a pilot project we call “Kitchen Skills for Better Nutrition.” We are throwing dinner parties, and inviting people aged 18-25 to get together and cook a meal. They learn a new recipe, we

give them a grocery gift card so they can buy the ingredients, and even a set of pots and pans if they need them. Its all to give them

the skills they need to establish healthy eating habits.

Running a business is no easy feat but is often aided by having the right tools, such as accounting software, and advisors on board - what does this look like for Scimar? We need business tools that are flexible, and Xero is a good example of that. We are

developing products and running them through clinical trials. We also have a content creation team that operates like a media outlet, and we have a business unit that is bringing in investment funds from both

institutional and retail investors. With all that going on, we need software and people who are comfortable working in all those arenas.

What advice would you give other small business owners that are also in the health sector and are looking to raise funds? Health care is immensely individualized and very personal, so our approach to raising money reflects that. We are going directly to real people through Regulation A+. “Reg A” allows retail level investors – people with a couple hundred dollars to invest – to buy stock and join our company as shareholders. It’s a special provision set up by the American SEC and governed by FINRA. People can literally go to our website, click a few buttons, and they own a piece of Scimar. If people believe in our mission to end type 2 diabetes, this is a great way for them to get involved.

The Small Business

AI-Readiness Guide What is AI? AI is not one single technology, but instead a collection of different technologies found in the apps, devices and search engines most small businesses are already using. AI can perform tasks that usually require human

intelligence like speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Your organization may already be using AI for tasks like building customer-service chatbots or crafting product

Deidre Lipton SMC Lead, Microsoft Canada

If you’re a small business owner or

manager looking to embrace AI technology tools in 2024, you’re in good company. Scotiabank’s annual small

business report, Path to Impact, revealed that nearly half of Canadian small businesses believe the integration of AI technology will help grow their business and 44% said they’re interested in adopting it. Similarly, in a recently released Small Business State of Mind Report, 80% of respondents said they were interested in learning more about how to apply AI to their business. However, in the same report, 67% of respondents admitted they knew little to nothing about AI and only 10% had a good understanding of how to use AI for work. For those SMBs looking to reap the benefits of AI but aren’t sure where to start, read on for some helpful tips and advice to get started. 33 - CanadianSME - December 2023

descriptions, but AI has a multitude of uses. It can certainly help to speed up a process you’re already doing, but it could also help you reimagine how essential tasks are done to make them more efficient.

Artificial Intelligence How can AI help grow my business?

How do I get started?

With the pace of work on a constant incline and employees reporting high levels of stress and burnout, AI offers the potential to hit pause on that endless treadmill and allow companies of all sizes to refocus on the work that matters instead of the mundane, repetitive tasks that eat up time.

The first step is to identify opportunities where AI can help create efficiencies for you and your team. Identify key pain points, untapped possibilities and key performance indicators, then identify those AI solutions that will drive your goals forward. The Microsoft Small Business Resource Centre is a great place to start building your understanding of the types of AI solutions available to you and your team and what’s on the horizon.

How can I help my team to safely engage with AI?

In the latest Work Trend Index report from Microsoft, which surveys employees and business leaders across the globe, the data found

Like any new technology, training, and onboarding is an important consideration when introducing AI at work. AI has incredible potential to change the course of your business, but only if your team knows how to use it effectively and ethically.

Here are some important considerations when introducing AI tools at work:

that nearly 2 in 3 employees struggle with having the time and energy to do their job and those people are 3.5x more likely to struggle with innovation and strategic thinking. Small business owners too report that they are too focused on daily tasks to focus on innovation.

When we’re dedicating much or even most of our time to low-impact tasks, we aren’t putting enough time into the highimpact tasks that help SMBs grow. In today’s economy, that can mean the difference between companies that thrive and companies that struggle. By adopting AI tools that speed up workflow and reduce the mental load of menial tasks, we can refocus on the things that matter.

Develop clear guidelines for interacting with and using AI in your business based on your company’s values and needs. Establish a human-centered process: AI is meant to augment our work and will always need human input and oversight. Implement continuous learning: Training isn’t a one-time thing. AI technology is constantly advancing and improving and filling skill gaps will be key to using these technologies successfully.

To learn more about the free skilling and coursework opportunities available to your business, visit AI Skills Initiative. As businesses that hold the most growth potential, SMBs are poised to reap the greatest benefits from AI. Today’s AI tools can help businesses automate business operations to grow, cut costs, and increase efficiency to achieve more than ever before. It’s a great time to be a small business.

Business Woman Of The Month

Angela Podolsky Founder of Kinesics.com

There’s a lot of in-depth contemplation and a wider hue & cry on the significance of emotional intelligence in the realm of business conduction. And this is why you

need experts like Angela Podolsky, who stand out as a beacon of expertise in the realm of

non-verbal communication. As the founder and CEO of Kinesics Consulting, she has meticulously created a platform that enables professionals at all levels of the corporate hierarchy to utilize body language and nonverbal cues for exceptional success.

The CanadianSME Business Magazine has decided to

honour her with the esteemed title of Business Woman of the Month for its December edition. This comes in light of her immense contributions to the business community in Canada, and we admire her resilience and strength.

Achieving Non-Verbal Excellence Through Innovation Angela Podolsky's journey as a behavior analyst and non-verbal communication expert is characterized by her unwavering dedication and commitment. She has a wide range of experience working with international companies, where she uses her expertise to improve sales, negotiation tactics, and presentation skills. Her credibility in her field is demonstrated by the fact that she has been invited to teach at esteemed institutions such as McGill University and the John Molson School of Business.

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Women Entrepreneurship Angela Podolsky's recognition as the Business Woman of the Month by CanadianSME Business Magazine showcases her unwavering commitment to excellence and the significant contributions she has made in the field of non-verbal

communication. Through her mastery of Kinesics, she consistently challenges and transforms the traditional notions of success. With each nonverbal cue, she leaves a lasting impact on the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary business dynamics. To benefit from Angela’s corporate training, keynote, nonverbal communication certification, and consulting, click here.

Unveiling the Power of Kinesics Kinesics aims to provide professionals, regardless of their experience level, with the skills and finesse

needed for effective non-verbal communication. Kinesics is a field that focuses on understanding body language and non-verbal cues. By studying these intricacies, Kinesics helps in quickly building rapport, delivering impactful presentations, conducting successful negotiations, and boosting sales.

Join Angela Podolsky on her upcoming podcast called Communication Secrets, which is all about unveiling effective tips on business leadership and business communications. Click the link here. Here, Angela will peel off the layers of what great communication is all about, busting some myths

whilst providing techniques for you to become a veritable and inspiring communicator. Support their mission by subscribing, sharing, and commenting. You can alternatively tune in here.

Empowerment Through Knowledge Angela's ethos revolves around empowering

individuals through knowledge. Kinesics explores more than just traditional skill-building. It delves into the intricacies of intonation, micro-expressions, and the ability to detect deception. These insights not only increase self-awareness but also strengthen external branding by ensuring consistent messages, ultimately leading to long-term revenue growth for businesses.

A Trailblazer in Mentorship and Recognition Angela's dedication to promoting entrepreneurship and engaging with the community is evident. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of business leaders is evident through her involvement as a mentor and judge at events such as Startup Weekends and Business Incubators. Her commitment has not gone unnoticed, as she has earned the prestigious 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Jewish Chamber of Commerce. This award is a testament to her business acumen and influential presence in the community.

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CanadianSME Magazine is an invaluable resource for small companies in Canada, both new and established. To subscribe to our magazine, please visit here. If you want to stay ahead with the latest news, try following us on Twitter at @canadian_sme. We encourage you to join our community of business-enthusiastic individuals.

The creator class is here, and it’s looking for help to THRIVE By Nishant Raina, Small Business Lead, Mastercard Canada Small businesses have always been at the heart of Canada’s economy. There are more than a million of them across the country, with over 100,000 new ones created every year. Many started out as bricks-and-mortar businesses that expanded into digital commerce. Now, thanks to online contentsharing platforms, the next wave of digital entrepreneurship – the creator class – has emerged. While it’s already a significant economic and business force, this new small business segment is growing fast.

The creator class is more than just people with a YouTube channel or influencers who post on TikTok or Instagram. It includes anyone with a desire to turn their passion and skills into profitable business streams by using social media platforms to reach niche sets of consumers, whatever their interests and wherever they are in the world.

It’s estimated the creator class already

generates more than $100 billion in economic activity in North America, with more than 22 million people identifying as creators. Mastercard research shows that close to one-third of creators can already be considered “microbusinesses,” with annual earnings of more than $50,000, while six per cent of creators are already generating more than $250,000 a year.

More than three-quarters of Canadians – 78 per cent – are looking to enter into a creator-based business or side hustle and 38 per cent of them have already made the leap. Younger Canadians are particularly keen. Our research shows that twothirds of creators in North America are under the age of 40. Nearly three out of every four Gen-Zers and 73 per cent of millennials in North America would rather be a creator, entrepreneur or small business owner than work at a traditional corporate job. Of those who have become creators, one in five already consider it their full-time job and more than half are thinking about quitting their day jobs to become a full-time creator.

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Two key factors are driving this paradigm shift. First, a growing number of people want to be able to do work they are passionate about. Second, they want to opt out of the traditional corporate or business structure. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift by causing more business to be conducted digitally and by giving people time to pause and re-evaluate their priorities.

Entrepreneurship

If you’re not a creator or an aspiring creator, you might think all it takes is a smartphone and an Internet connection. That’s certainly how many creators get started, but there’s a lot more to it than that to turn a passion into a business, which is the goal of nearly two-thirds of creators.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that nearly nine in 10 creators told us they are experiencing burnout. More than 80 percent said they face financial challenges such as rising costs and inconsistent revenue streams, managing financial operations, and inadequate funding.

Creators share many of the entrepreneurial aspirations of other small business owners and have similar needs for support with such things as content visibility, finances, tools, security protection, and education to

We believe big brands have an opportunity to help creators grow their businesses, something the vast majority of creators say they would welcome. One way to do this is by

supports.

can provide support as part of the value exchange. Another way is by investing in creators’ businesses, both financially and with

help them grow their future. But they also face special – and mounting – pressures that call for a new set of

building and cultivating spaces for creators to collaborate with a brand and where the brand

educational support, especially on how to scale and monetize their businesses.

At Mastercard, we’ve been a strong supporter of small businesses for decades. Our needsbased approach – listening to creators and learning from them – allows us to build

Many creators are “solo-preneurs” who struggle to balance the need to be constantly creating new content with the many other commitments of running a small business and the need to manage multiple platforms to bring their content to life. Our research found that creators in North America are already using an average of nine separate platforms a week, including websites to host content, digital payment tools to accept payments, and creative tools and design programs. Most creators expect even more platforms will be developed over the next three years to help them monetize their passions.

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products, services, and solutions to help them succeed. But we’re not doing this alone. We also work closely with other partners, such as Digital Main Street, to help the creator class by building an “ecosystem of support.”

If we all come together to provide the necessary tools and resources for this next wave of small business, the possibilities are endless. Just like the imagination and passion of the creators.

Meshing the innovation gears between industry and academia New platform drives innovative partnerships between small businesses and postsecondary researchers.

Innovation is the lifeblood of every economy. Innovation creates new products and services. It improves processes, increases productivity, and generates efficiencies. It responds to challenges such as climate change, pandemics, international competitiveness, and the ever-changing requirements of dynamic societies. Small and medium enterprises are the engines of the economy.

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According to the Federal Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) accounted for 99.8 percent of all businesses in 2021 and employed almost 90 percent of the private labor market. Between 2020 and 2021, SMEs were responsible for more than 85 percent of all new job creation. And yet, despite their pivotal role in the economy and the imperative that exists for SMEs to also power innovation in Canada, a 2023 Statistics Canada study found that only two percent of Canadian businesses invest in research and development – the main input to innovation.

Innovation Postsecondary institutions and their learners gain real-world experience eCampusOntario, the organization that convenes Ontario’s colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes in support of government priorities and industry needs, earlier this year launched a new platform to address this very challenge.

The Ontario Collaborative Innovation Platform (OCIP) is the clutch that meshes the gears between private industry and the public postsecondary sector, accelerating collaboration between them. Leveraging the research and development capabilities that exist at our colleges, universities, and

Colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes across Ontario have faculty experts, specialized equipment, and students eager to gain experience in industry. OCIP is the bridge between post-secondary research capabilities and economic opportunities for Ontario businesses. Institutions earn additional revenues for their programs, labs, and

equipment, and can also discover a path to commercialization for their intellectual property. Learners gain valuable workplace experience while solving real-world problems.

Indigenous Institutes, OCIP creates a receptive environment in which businesses can articulate an innovation need, and researchers can respond to those needs for assessments, expertise, facilities and people resources.

OCIP streamlines the R&D process for industry Innovation partnerships between business and academia deliver tangible benefits to both participants while also

improving Ontario’s ability to compete globally. Businesses can find solutions and support for their investment in innovation.

OCIP is open to all Ontario businesses. It simplifies the process of setting up an R&D partnership and provides businesses with access to supporting services to turn ideas and prototypes into commercial success. The platform guides businesses through the process of creating an Innovation Challenge (project proposal); helps match them with research experts and facilities in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes; and streamlines access to multiple funders and programs for non-repayable grants to support student hiring, research and project expenses. OCIP provides support at every stage and offers businessfriendly processes and standard agreements that work with all of Ontario’s postsecondary institutions. Standard agreements simplify IP ownership decisions, allowing businesses and institutions to keep or share the IP, where appropriate.

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The broader Ontario economy benefits when its companies innovate, when they bring new products and services to market, and when they develop new processes that improve their productivity. As the organisation responsible for driving digital transformation within Ontario’s postsecondary sector, eCampusOntario sees OCIP as central to its mandate of fostering innovation throughout the sector and into the broader economy.

Learn more at ocip.ecampusontario.ca

Navigating finances: Understanding the accounting challenges of small businesses By Zoho For small businesses, every penny makes a difference and smart decision-making is key, so accounting becomes imperative for financial stability and prudence. Despite its crucial role, small businesses often find themselves facing myriad of challenges in their accounting processes. From the intricacies of daily transactions to the complexities of tax season, the financial landscape for these small and medium enterprises can be daunting.

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Recent studies underscore the gravity of the situation, revealing that most small businesses struggle with accounting management. This blog dives into the top challenges small businesses face in their accounting journey, and how they can mitigate those challenges with the right accounting solutions.

Accounting Managing cash flow: The lifeline of small businesses Maintaining a healthy cash flow is a constant challenge for small businesses, with 29% saying it's a big hurdle, according to a recent survey. Late payments, unpredictable income, and unexpected expenses can throw off the balance of cash flow. Managing cash flow effectively is important for handling everyday needs, paying bills on time, and seizing growth opportunities.

Here's where a cloud-based solution can offer assistance. Businesses can monitor their cash flow in real time, provide online payment options, and automate reminders. This capability will help them stay on top of their cash flow and manage it more effectively.

Financial reporting: Striking a balance between accuracy and efficiency Financial reporting isn't just about metrics; it's the key to making informed decisions allowing investors and

In such cases, businesses should look for cloudbased accounting solutions with real-time reporting capabilities. This allows small businesses to access accurate financial data instantly. They can also automate report generation, reducing the time spent on manual processes, facilitating prompt, datadriven decision-making.

Bank reconciliation: Triumphing over confusion Bank reconciliation is often seen as a complex

game with rules, challenges, and triumphs. The Institute of Finance and Management estimates that 50% of all accounting mistakes are related to bank reconciliation issues. Mismatched transactions, overlooked fees, and errors can disrupt financial accuracy. To overcome these

business owners to evaluate the company's financial health and ensure financial stability. Financial reports,

challenges, businesses need to understand what causes frequent mismatches in their records and

measuring a business' success.

Modern accounting software with automated bank reconciliation processes come to the rescue here. This automation capability

such as profit and loss (P&L) statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts are essential for

However, according to findings by the Association of

Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), 32% of small businesses struggle with generating timely financial reports. This can result in data that does not reflect the true health of the business at any given point, leading to limited insights for business decisions.

address them systematically.

minimizes errors and saves time by automatically matching transactions and flagging discrepancies. The triumph over bank reconciliation challenges not only ensures financial accuracy, but also contributes to a smoother operational flow.

Collaboration: Working together for financial success Any business has to collaborate with three key stakeholders on a regular basis; customers, vendors, and employees. Following a streamlined approach to communicating and sharing information with these stakeholders will go a long way in contributing to the success of SMBs.

Accounting Utilizing an online accounting solution that offers a dedicated self-service portal for customers, empowers them to perform all the functions necessary to stay on top of their invoices, accept estimates, add comments, and make payments. Additionally, a vendor portal offers real-time insights for suppliers, enabling them to track purchase orders and generate consolidated statements for comprehensive financial oversight. Meanwhile, employees can work together online, and communicate through chat.

Automation: Elevating efficiency and accuracy Automation emerges to be a radical element in today's accounting, yet 57% of small businesses face challenges in fully implementing it, as reported by the International Federation of Accountants. The key is to leverage automation to reduce manual data entry, speed up reconciliation processes, and enhance accuracy.

Integration of automation tools into cloud-based accounting software streamlines repetitive tasks such as data entry and invoicing. This not only reduces errors, but also frees up valuable time for small businesses to focus on strategic financial planning and overall business growth. Automation features like receipt scanning, payment reminders for overdue

invoices, and scheduled report sharing with team members can significantly contribute to streamlined business finance processes enabling small business to grow at scale.

Conclusion: Navigating challenges, paving the way for financial success The challenges faced by small businesses in accounting are

Tax compliance Small and medium-sized businesses

(SMBs) in Canada often grapple with the challenge of staying tax-compliant, especially in accounting. The Canadian tax system is quite complex, with numerous rules at both the federal and provincial levels. This complexity becomes a significant obstacle for small businesses with limited resources. Maintaining accurate financial records is crucial, but it's easier said than done, especially with ever-changing tax laws. Many SMBs can't afford specialized tax experts, adding an extra layer of complexity. In such cases, using taxcompliant accounting software will allow businesses to configure tax rates, automatically associate them while creating sales and purchase transactions, and generate federal and provincial tax summary reports.

multifaceted, but the right platforms and strategies can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. Cloud-based accounting solutions, with their emphasis on accessibility, automation, collaboration and financial insights, prove to be indispensable in helping small businesses overcome these hurdles and pave the way for financial success.

Zoho Books is a comprehensive accounting solution that addresses the unique needs of small businesses. With Zoho Books, businesses can create professional-looking invoices, generate comprehensive business reports, collaborate with customers and vendors, manage federal and provincial tax returns, perform bank reconciliation, integrate payments seamlessly, manage stock, track expenses, automate tax processes, and access mobile accounting. Zoho Books is not just software; it is a strategic partner in navigating the financial maze and achieving sustainable success. In the evolving landscape of small business accounting, the journey is not just about overcoming challenges; it's about leveraging the right tools to thrive in the complexities of financial management. Elevate the way you handle your business finance and operations with Zoho Books. Sign up today and harness the power of streamlined accounting for your small business.

Revolutionizing Small Business Sales:

Chatsimple's 24/7 AI Sales Agent

In an ever-evolving digital marketplace, small businesses face a unique challenge: providing consistent, engaging sales support around the clock. This is where Chatsimple, an innovative AI-driven sales agent, is changing the game for small businesses worldwide.

Chatsimple: A Sales Agent Like No Other At its core, Chatsimple is more than just an AI chatbot. It's a sophisticated, proactive sales agent powered by the advanced capabilities of ChatGPT. Designed to engage website visitors, understand their needs, and guide them through the purchase process, Chatsimple represents a paradigm shift

Understanding the Challenge

in how small businesses approach online sales.

A staggering 95% of online shoppers leave websites without making a purchase, a sharp contrast to the physical retail environment where skilled salespeople

The Technology Behind the Innovation

significantly reduce walk-out rates. The

Chatsimple leverages the power of ChatGPT,

key difference? Personal interaction. This is

enabling it to rapidly comprehend any business's

what Chatsimple aims to replicate for

offerings. With a simple upload of a website URL

online businesses, bridging the gap

and relevant documents, the chatbot transforms

between virtual browsing and the personal

into a knowledgeable sales agent in seconds.

touch of a physical store.

Unlike human salespeople, Chatsimple never forgets, leaves for another job, or requires extensive training. It's a persistent, infinitely scalable sales force, ensuring no visitor leaves

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without interaction.

Human-like Interaction, AI Efficiency Challenging the notion that chatbots lack the nuance of human interaction, Chatsimple offers customizable personalities, from professional to humorous, adapting to your business's tone and ethos. This level of personalization is not just

Vinay Raj, spearheading marketing and customer success, boasts a decade of experience in marketing, growth, product, and brand management, with a specialization in customer lifecycle management. Together, they form a formidable team driving Chatsimple's vision forward.

about mimicking human interaction; it's about enhancing the customer experience with the efficiency and scalability of AI.

The Team Behind Chatsimple

Key Features of Chatsimple Multilingual Support: With the ability to understand over 175 languages, Chatsimple breaks down language barriers in customer engagement. - User-Friendly: No coding required and easy setup in under five minutes. - Goal-Oriented: Businesses can set specific goals, and Chatsimple tirelessly works towards achieving them, from scheduling meetings to driving sales. Customisation: The chatbot can be easily customized to reflect your brand personality Lead Capture and Personalization:

Hao Sheng, the founder and lead engineer of

Chatsimple not only captures leads but

Chatsimple, brings over five years of

also understands customer

experience in conversational AI. Having co-

preferences, enabling businesses to

founded an AI insurtech startup and developed

follow up with highly personalized

scalable AI solutions at Google and Cresta, his

emails.

expertise is at the heart of Chatsimple's innovation.

Chatsimple is not just a tool; it's a revolution in how small businesses interact with their online customers. By combining the empathetic, personalized touch of a human sales agent with the efficiency and scalability of AI, Chatsimple is poised to redefine the digital sales landscape. For small businesses looking to elevate their online presence and sales, Chatsimple offers a 24/7 solution that promises to transform visitor interactions into lasting customer relationships.

How to accelerate your SME’s digital transformation By Catherine Fortin Lefaivre

Vice President, Strategic Policy & Global Partnerships, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

The digital age is upon us and the pace of

technological advancement is so rapid that keeping up can be a challenge for any small business. For small businesses that are still operating legacy computerized or analog systems (think paper records and filing cabinets), the idea of going entirely digital can be quite daunting.

But with the right knowledge and resources, it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the basics of digital transformation, SMEs can leverage technology and data to accelerate their success. Let's look at how SMEs can use digital transformation to their advantage.

Establish a Digital Strategy The first step in any digital transformation is establishing a clear strategy and roadmap. This will help you determine the best course of action for your business and identify areas that need improvement. When creating your strategy, make sure to consider each step of the transformation process, from setting goals and expectations to developing key metrics and tracking progress. Also, ensure that you create a plan with realistic timelines; this will help prevent delays due to unforeseen events or problems. Lastly, make sure to review your strategy regularly and adjust accordingly as needed.

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Digital Transformation You don’t have to develop your strategy alone. Consider leveraging the Canadian Digital Adoption Program’s Boost Your Business Technology grant. This funding provides qualifying SMEs with up to $15,000 to develop a digital adoption plan with the help of a digital advisor. The program also provides up to $100,000 in the form of a 0% interest loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to implement the plan.

Embrace Technology Digital solutions have become an integral part of business operations and customer engagement in the modern world. For SMEs to be successful, they must embrace new technologies and understand how to leverage them. This includes adopting powerful tools such as customer relationship management software (CRM), automated marketing solutions, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Consult Experts It can be difficult for many SMEs to successfully transition their businesses into digital ones without professional assistance because they may lack the resources or expertise on certain topics or technologies being used within their industry or sector. That’s why SMEs

should consult experts who specialize in areas such as software development or data analytics. That way they can get advice on what strategies are best suited for their situation and receive assistance with implementation if needed.

Having access to knowledgeable professionals who understand the

complexities involved in digital transformations can significantly reduce

the amount of time required for the successful completion of projects. Along

Cloud-based services are another new area of growth and enable businesses to access data more quickly and efficiently than ever before. And while many

with their expertise, professionals will likely also be experienced in dealing with

similar situations previously encountered by other clients or customers within their respective industries or sectors.

businesses may be hesitant to adopt AI, integrating it into the daily workflow can help reduce the administrative load, freeing up time and personnel to focus on other essential tasks. By taking advantage of these powerful technologies, SMEs can remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Understand Data Insights Data insights are invaluable for decisionmaking in any business environment — and this is especially true for SMEs looking to accelerate their digital transformation. By leveraging data insights, SMEs can gain valuable insight into customer preferences, trends, and potential growth opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible without a comprehensive analysis approach. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab provides businesses of all sizes in all regions access to a constant flow of local, future-focused, and timely insights on everything from business sentiment and outlook to inflation rates to labour market indicators through the Business Conditions Terminal. Understanding consumer behavior through data helps businesses make informed decisions while staying ahead of the competition — allowing them to better serve their customers and be up to date on industry trends.

Use Automation Tools

Focus on Customer Experience

Businesses are always looking for ways to reduce costs while

To prioritize customer experience when undergoing digital transformation, focus on these three key elements: user

boost for any SME. Automation tools allow businesses to streamline

find yourself struggling in this area, consider investing in UX design services or using customer feedback surveys to get a

increasing efficiency — and automation tools can be a big

processes such as customer service inquiries or marketing campaigns without requiring

additional resources — saving both time and money in the long run. Additionally, automating mundane tasks frees up employees to focus

on their core competencies like innovation or product development.

experience (UX), customer service, and data security. Make sure your website is easy for customers to navigate and use; if you

better understanding of what customers want from your site.

Focus on providing stellar customer service by responding quickly and efficiently to customer inquiries or complaints; this will help build trust between you and your customers.

Finally, ensure that all your data is secure by utilizing appropriate data security measures such as encryption technology or firewalls; this will go a long way towards ensuring customer confidence in your business and its products or services.

Undergoing digital transformation can be an intimidating task for any business — especially SMEs who have less resources at their disposal than their larger corporate counterparts. But by embracing a digital strategy, leveraging technology, understanding data insights, and using automation tools effectively, SMEs can accelerate their digital transformation journey while staying competitive in an increasingly connected world.

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The Flexibility of

Sola Salons'

Franchise Model with

Lori Merrall In an insightful interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Lori Merrall, Vice President of Franchise Sales at Sola Salon Studios, discussed the unique aspects of the Sola Salon franchise model. She explained how their turnkey salon studio concept offers a hassle-free and costeffective solution for salon professionals looking to start and run their businesses. Highlighting the model's flexibility, she detailed how franchisees can customize their studios to align with local market tastes and demands. Lori also shed light on the growing demand for Sola Salons in Canada, underscoring the significant opportunities this creates for both current and prospective franchisees. Emphasizing the benefits of the established Sola Salon brand, she pointed out the significant control it offers Canadian beauty professionals over their business operations, from pricing to service offerings. Furthermore, Lori highlighted the importance of community within Sola Salons and the role of the Sola Pro educational platform in enhancing the professional development of beauty entrepreneurs through various resources. Lori Merrall is the Vice President of Franchise Sales for Sola Salon Studios. Previously she was with BrightStar Care, and prior to that worked in similar capacities with Massage Envy Franchising, and Kahala Brands. Before the franchise industry, Lori worked in advertising and sponsorship sales for the Arizona Coyotes and has spent the bulk of her early career in the TV and film industry in sales, distribution, and marketing.

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Vice President of Franchise Sales for Sola Salons Lori, please explain how the turnkey salon studio model of Sola Salons provides a hassle-free and cost-effective way for salon professionals to start and run their businesses. Sola’s salon studio model empowers independent beauty professionals with a hassle-free, simplified avenue to run their businesses. Our turnkey model allows beauty pros to maximize their income by retaining all service revenue and retail sales after paying weekly studio rent. It also provides freedom and control, letting professionals dictate their environment, including décor, music, hours, rates, and retail products. Additionally, pros receive a move-in-ready workspace, eliminating the capital risk associated with opening a traditional salon. In summary, our salon studio model offers a streamlined and efficient pathway for salon professionals to establish and operate their businesses, fostering financial autonomy, creative control, and a simplified entrepreneurial experience.

Franchise Can you elaborate on the flexibility of the Sola Salons franchise model and how it enables franchisees to customize their salon studios to meet the unique demands and tastes of their local markets? The Sola Salons franchise model allows franchise owners to tailor their salon studios to specific demands within their local markets. One key aspect of this flexibility lies in the

ability of franchise owners to lease to salon professionals practicing

different modalities. Beyond catering exclusively to hair stylists, Sola Salons embraces a diverse range of independent businesses, including estheticians, massage therapists,

nail techs, and more. This diversity in professionals not only broadens the scope of services offered within a Sola location but also provides

franchise owners with increased opportunities for location occupancy.

How would you describe the growing demand for Sola Salons' services in the Canadian market? And what are the opportunities it presents for both existing and prospective Canadian franchisees? The growing demand in the Canadian market can be attributed to the increase of beauty professionals wanting freedom and control, as well as a rise in the popularity of the independent studio concept. Professionals in the beauty industry are seeking

alternatives to crowded salons, and Sola provides an appealing solution. The simplicity of the franchise model, characterized by the absence of employees, products, and inventory, adds to its

attractiveness for prospective franchisees. This presents a unique opportunity for both existing and potential Canadian entrepreneurs to tap into the rising trend of independent studios while benefiting from a straightforward business model that aligns with the preferences of beauty professionals in the market.

What are the benefits of operating under the Sola Salon brand, particularly its established reputation for excellence in the beauty industry and its strong presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets? As the leader in the salon studios sector with over 700 locations across the U.S. and Canada, operating under the Sola brand offers several key benefits. We provide our owners with a comprehensive support system, including advanced operating systems, technology advancements, and extensive marketing initiatives. Additionally, Sola Salons offers valuable educational content for both beauty professionals and franchisees, fostering an environment conducive to success. This holistic approach underscores Sola's commitment to empowering its stakeholders and ensuring a thriving ecosystem within the beauty industry.

Franchise What role does the sense of community play at Sola Salons, and how does the Sola Pro educational platform enhance the professional development of beauty entrepreneurs through resources like webinars, blog posts, and live educational events? The sense of community at Sola Salons is a cornerstone of its success, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for over 20,000 beauty professionals. This community serves as a valuable network for independent entrepreneurs, allowing them to share experiences, gain insights, and build meaningful connections within the beauty industry. Sola Salons offers a unique platform where Canadian beauty professionals have significant control over their business operations, from pricing to service offerings. How is this anatomy effective in benefitting them and their clients? Sola’s platform empowers Canadian beauty professionals to customize their businesses, fostering a more client-centric and flexible service model.

The autonomy to control their pricing, services, and scheduling enables our pros to offer diverse, personalized services with flexible hours, promoting an overall healthier work-life balance. Clients benefit from convenient access to tailored beauty services, fostering satisfaction and loyalty. The platform's flexibility enhances the overall salon experience, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between our professionals and their clients.

Our educational support further amplifies this sense of community by providing resources that directly contribute to the professional development of our

beauty professionals. Through webinars, blog posts, and social media content, Sola Salons addresses crucial topics such as maximizing revenue, financial planning for retirement, ways to battle burnout, etc.

— subjects that are vital for entrepreneurs navigating the beauty industry independently. The collaborative spirit within our community is evident not only in the digital realm but also through live events, where our beauty pros can come

together to learn and grow. Each year our team hosts Sola Sessions, a 3-day educational event held exclusively for Sola beauty professionals. The event offers VIP workshops, presentations and panels,

technical breakouts, and a vendor expo, with content specifically tailored to empower our amazing network of beauty entrepreneurs.

The Rise of Canadian Food Exports: Trends and Developments Explained by

Martin Lavoie

Active for more than 25 years in the agri-food sector, Martin Lavoie possesses a deep understanding of the necessities related to food product exports. Possessing a degree in business administration and industrial relations, Martin specialized in international trade, regulations, and marketing, notably holding the position of Chief Executive Officer of Canada Pork in Ottawa. He also has practical experience in international business development while being part of the leadership teams of two prominent Canadian trading houses. Currently, as the CEO of the Agri-Food Export Group Quebec-Canada, he dedicates his experience and expertise every day to support Quebec's agri-food exporters and assist in their international development strategies. He and his team base their interventions on values of

President & CEO - Groupe Export Agroalimentaire Québec-Canada

collaboration, commitment, and innovation, aiming to prosper and promote Quebec companies internationally. Canada's agri-food sector is known for its

In a recent interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Martin Lavoie, CEO of the AgriFood Export Group Quebec-Canada, offering indepth insights into the Canadian agri-food sector. He focused on how innovation and creativity within Canadian agri-food companies are pivotal to the industry’s growth and enhancing its global reputation. Martin discussed current trends and developments in Canada’s food export sector, highlighting what sets Canadian food products apart in the international market. He emphasized the significance of the Alizés Awards' inclusivity, detailing how opening them to all Canadian companies benefits the agri-food sector. Martin shed light on the key factors that make a company a potential Alizés Awards winner, noting the specific qualities the jury looks for in contestants. He also encouraged companies to participate in the Alizés Awards, outlining the advantages and opportunities that come with being a finalist or winner, and how these accolades can impact a business’s growth and recognition in the agri-food industry. 54 - CanadianSME - December 2023

dynamic and innovative approach. From your perspective, how do you see the innovation and creativity within Canadian agri-food companies contributing to the industry's growth and global reputation? Canada's agri-food industry is well positioned worldwide as it is experiencing consistent growth. Indeed, Canadian agri-food exports reached a record value of approximately $92.8 billion. This amount is far exceeding the $75 billion by 2027 set by the Barton report. The favorable scenario was made possible by combining sustained increases in commodities prices and Canada establishing Canada itself as a reliable supplier for importers on a global scale. I have the chance to observe this enthusiasm on a day-today basis, Canadian companies are putting in a lot of effort to achieve such numbers. The country has a strong reputation for both highquality commodities and innovative processed food products.

Export What are the current trends and developments in Canada’s food export sector? And what makes Canadian food products stand out in the global market? There is a strong demand for commodity products driven by the growing population in several key international markets and our offer is fully compatible with the plant-based trends. Our meat, fish, and seafood sectors are still strong and we are seeing continuous growth in several other healthy products. Maple products, cranberries, and wild blueberries are among the items where Canada has a unique offer and a short list of competitors. The reputation of Canada as a supplier of safe and healthy food also

carries over to the processing of food. We witness firsthand so many young entrepreneurs who making strides in the US and other international markets with their innovative products.

The decision to open the Alizés Awards to all Canadian companies is a significant one. What is the reason behind this inclusivity and how it benefits the Canadian agri-food sector? Our goal is to showcase the excellence and the passion of Canadian food entrepreneurs. Indeed, many Canadians may not be fully aware of the extent to which our food industry's creativity is recognized worldwide.

The Alizés Awards seek to highlight the global enthusiasm and significant impact that the Canadian food industry has on the international stage.

In the context of the Alizés Awards, what are the key factors that position a company as a potential winner? What specific aspects or qualities does the jury typically looks for in the contestants? Primarily, the Alizés Awards features three award categories: "SME Fonds de solidarité FTQ" (companies with revenues of $50 million or less), "Large Company FCC" (companies with revenues of over $50 million), and "Innovative Export Strategy

Inno-centre." The key focus across these

categories is on companies' exports outside of Canada. Our panel of judges is comprised of distinguished professionals in the food industry. In previous assessments, they have shown keen interest in companies that stand out as distinct and compelling. They delve into where these companies are exporting, examining the strategies employed to effectively introduce their products to diverse markets. The evaluation also includes the company's growth trajectory in recent years and its success in penetrating various markets. In summary, the jury assesses the innovativeness of the companies' export strategies and their adeptness in market analysis.

Export Unlike many other competitions, our emphasis is not on evaluating the product itself, but rather on scrutinizing the export strategies and outcomes achieved by a food company. By the way, we urge food-export

companies across Canada to submit their applications for the Alizés Awards before the February 28, 2024 deadline!

Why would you encourage companies to submit their applications to the Alizés Awards? What advantages or opportunities can a business expect to gain by being named a finalist or a winner of one of these awards? The Alizés Awards offer excellent visibility both nationally and internationally,

extending beyond the event and providing great media coverage and public relations

Could you provide an overview of the Alizés Awards, including its schedule and objectives? Additionally, how does the event's alignment with SIAL Canada enhance the experience and opportunities for participants? Companies interested in submitting their applications to the Alizés Awards have until February 28, 2024, to complete and

send the application form. I strongly advise promptly seeking the form, accessible on our website, to ensure ample time for

thoughtful consideration of their answers. The announcement of the finalists will be made through a widely viewed video on social media, scheduled for publication on April 3 . The event itself, the Alizés Awards Evening, is taking place in

conjunction with SIAL Canada, on May 15, 2024. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in networking activities with both the Canadian food industry and international food buyers. Furthermore, SIAL Canada, occurring from May 15 to 17, holds a cherished position in the global food industry. The cocktail event not only adds to, but also extends the enjoyment for everyone in Montreal and within the industry.

opportunities.

Indeed, Group Export Agri-Food, with the support of its media partners, ensures extensive coverage across various

platforms for the award recipients. Winners are prominently featured on the social media channels of Group Export Agri-Food, as well as through a digital marketing campaign and a vast public relations campaign across the country. Furthermore, the event hosts over 100 buyers from around the globe, eager to explore new additions to their portfolios.

Being recognized as a finalist or winner at the Alizés Awards provides a valuable opportunity for substantial visibility and acknowledgment from both buyers and the broader industry. In my opinion, these are some of the reasons why winners typically convey deep pride in their win within this industry competition, showcasing their Alizés Award accomplishment across various social media platforms, diverse communication channels, and during trade shows.

INFORMATION ABOUT ALIZÉS AWARDS Launch of applications: November 16, 2023 Application deadline: February 28, 2024 Start of ticket sales: April 3, 2024 Announcement of finalists: April 25, 2024 rd Event: May 15, 2024 Website: https://lesprixalizesawards.ca/en/ Event location: Palais des Congrès, Montreal For any questions and to submit an application: info@lesprixalizesawards.ca Criteria to apply: be a Canadian agricultural or food processing company have its main head office in Canada market products that are mainly manufactured in Canada have been in business for at least three years be an active exporter outside Canada for at least two years have annual sales of at least $1 million.

Advancing Collaboration in the Digital Era:

Cisco's Vision with

Shannon Leininger President, Cisco Canada

As President of Cisco Canada, Shannon proudly leads a In an insightful interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Shannon Leininger, President of Cisco Canada, shared Cisco's latest innovative strides in reshaping the future of work. She highlighted the company's focus on solutions integrating devices, AI, and customer experience, emphasizing its alignment with Cisco's vision of transforming work and collaboration dynamics in the modern world. Shannon discussed the introduction of the Webex App for Apple Watch and Apple TV, underscoring how these technologies enhance remote and hybrid work experiences. Additionally, she touched upon Cisco's partnership with Bang & Olufsen for the Cisco 950 earbuds, tailored for the needs of hybrid workers. Shannon also elaborated on Webex's new AI strategy, aimed at improving communication and collaboration in remote settings, and the Room Kit EQX collaboration solution in partnership with NVIDIA, designed to create seamless meeting experiences for both in-person and remote participants. Her insights provided a comprehensive overview of Cisco's commitment to advancing technology in support of evolving work environments.

diverse and innovative organization that consistently ranks among Cisco’s top markets globally and acts as a proving ground for some of the company’s most advanced and leading-edge technologies. She is an innovative, entrepreneurially-minded leader with a long-term view on vision and strategy who believes that great results come from careful planning. Shannon believes that to help Canadian organizations accelerate their digital journey, there must be a commitment to solution innovation, worldclass technology architectures, and a relentless dedication to mission success.

Cisco has unveiled a range of innovative solutions spanning devices, AI, and customer experience (CX) to support organizations in reimagining the future of work. Could you share the motivation and vision behind these innovations and how they align with Cisco's commitment to transforming the way we work and collaborate in the modern world? The modern workplace is hybrid by nature. With this as our guiding principle, we created solutions focused on meeting the increased demands of employees who expect more from their workplace experience. Today, 81% of Canadian employees say flexible work policies directly impact whether they stay at or leave a job so it’s important that we actively listen to the needs of our people if we want to retain our top talent. That means creating seamless meeting experiences for all participants, secure and intuitive technology, and thoughtful use cases that address what’s important to employees and employers. We want workers to have the flexibility to choose how and when they collaborate. It’s part of our commitment to making work easier and more inclusive for everyone.

Digital Transformation Can you tell us more about the Webex App for Apple Watch and how it enhances the remote meeting experience? How does it fit into the broader strategy of making remote work more accessible and efficient? Cisco’s Webex App for Apple Watch is a game-changer

The Webex App for Apple TV with tvOS17 seems like a game-changer for meetings. Could you explain the key features and benefits for businesses and remote workers, especially those who have embraced a hybrid work model?

for remote work. This new integration gives users the ability to check their upcoming meetings and join them

This new integration brings meetings to the big screen. Whether workers are joining from the

accessibility to participate in their workday no matter where they are, including while they’re on the move.

allowing workers to scan a QR code to join, and even use their iPhone or iPad cameras and

with a single tap. They can also listen and participate in Webex meetings with their Apple Watch and AirPods – hands-free. This means Webex users have the

Ultimately, we want to empower workers to remain engaged regardless of where they choose to work and the devices they prefer to use.

56 - CanadianSME - December 2023

office or their living room, it makes meetings more accommodating and accessible for everyone. It also simplifies the joining process –

microphones to participate. Simply put, it supports workers and businesses as they engage on their terms.

Digital Transformation Cisco recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen to create the Cisco 950 earbuds. How do these earbuds cater to the needs of hybrid workers, and what sets them apart from other audio solutions in the market? Right now, there’s a clear need for tech products to meet consumer’s unique needs. To better support hybrid workers, our new earbuds with Bang & Olufsen are customized specifically with remote work in mind – an approach that sets them apart from other earbuds on the market. This includes a headset that’s equipped with Cisco’s cutting-edge security protocols that can isolate the user's voice while canceling out background noise – without compromising on comfort, design, and battery.

Webex's new AI strategy seems promising in addressing the challenges of hybrid work. Can you elaborate on how the RealTime Media Model and AI Audio Codec in Webex improve communication and collaboration for remote teams? Effective communication is about more than just text. With our

Real-Time Media Model, we can process multiple media streams, including people and object recognition, action analytics like

The Room Kit EQX collaboration solution in partnership with NVIDIA aims to create seamless meeting experiences. How does it leverage AI and advanced technology to bridge the gap between in-person and remote participants in meetings? Cisco’s Room Kit EQX redefines meeting rooms by making it feel like everyone is there, even if they’re joining from home. It delivers the industry’s most capable AI and

machine learning platform, enabling 20x the AI capabilities of previous

generations. The integration of video devices supporting AI and machine learning is critical to ensuring the longevity of investments made to deliver hybrid work experiences.

movement and gestures, and audio and video to bring deeper

context and richness to meetings, while offering real-time insights. In addition, our AI Codec in Webex will solve the challenge of audio

Contact center updates with AI-

quality. It’s a technical innovation that allows for massive

transmission redundancy to recover from network packet loss

powered capabilities sound interesting. Could you explain how

which means even if you’re in a car, a remote area, or a hotel room with spotty internet, you get crystal clear sound.

these features contribute to improving both agent wellbeing and customer experiences? How do they help businesses in providing better support in a hybrid work environment? Stress and burnout are common within contact centre employees. That’s why we’re excited about our AI-powered contact centre updates and the insights they can provide to contact centre staff. They can detect signs of burnout, prompting breaks and even offering real-time coaching for contact centre agents after tough customer interactions. As more and more businesses embrace hybrid work, tech tools like this are a lifeline for companies looking to keep their workers healthy and engaged.

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Oliu™: Transforming SME Digital Experiences - A Conversation with

Chandra Rink Head of Product at ATB Ventures Chandra, Head of Product, is particularly passionate about the safe and secure utilization of data and

creating experiences that people love. She leads a multi-disciplinary team of product, research, marketing, and design specialists, who bring their expertise into the In her enlightening discussion with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Chandra Rink, Managing Director at ATB Ventures, focused on the groundbreaking role of ATB Ventures in driving digital innovation within financial services. She highlighted Oliu™, ATB Ventures' flagship digital identity management platform, discussing its strategic role in tackling digital fraud issues prevalent among SMEs in Canada. Chandra emphasized the platform's design to specifically cater to the unique cybersecurity and digital identity management needs of small and medium-sized businesses. She also delved into the benefits beyond security and convenience that SMEs can expect from adopting Oliu™, including enhanced user experiences and stronger customer loyalty. Chandra also underscored ATB Ventures' ambitious vision for the future of digital identity and authentication technology, illustrating how Oliu™ is integral to realizing this future, with its focus on secure, usercentric digital solutions.

experimentation and commercialization of ATB Ventures’ product portfolio. Bringing her business background into emerging-tech products, Chandra and her team specialize in connecting viable business models to the creation of products that people love and trust.

Can you start by telling us more about ATB Ventures and its mission in the context of digital innovation and financial services? ATB Ventures is the research and innovation arm of ATB Financial, a leading Alberta-based financial institution. Driving growth at the edges and exploring opportunities

beyond financial services, ATB Ventures focuses on helping companies bridge the gap between consumers' increasing concerns about privacy and security, and their desire for more advanced personalized experiences. Our research and development activities translate earlystage product incubations into commercially available solutions, such as our Digital Identity portfolio: Oliu and Proof. Oliu provides businesses with the identity management solutions they need to issue, manage, and verify digital credentials. These digital credentials are owned, managed, and stored by the end-user they represent, in the form of a digital identity, on their mobile wallet: Proof. Solutions like Oliu and Proof represent our team’s philosophy of building solutions that uphold privacy and trust in every online interaction.

Digital Transformation Recent announcements highlight new features within Oliu™, ATB Ventures' digital identity management platform. Can you provide us with an overview of what Oliu™ is and how it addresses digital fraud problems for SMEs in Canada? Oliu is a market-leading digital identity verification and credential management platform. Oliu provides solutions tailored to combat digital fraud and enhance security by using digital identity credentials in the interactions between companies and their customers.

Making up the majority of the Canadian economy, SMEs require efficient, scalable verification methods that fit into their existing onboarding solutions. Oliu offers SMEs a tailored package that simplifies their KYC processes, ensuring only verified customers can gain access to their company’s products and services. Through privacy-by-design methods, SMEs can leverage Oliu to accurately and securely verify identities, onboard their customers, and issue credentials that can be used in lieu of usernames and passwords. By supporting the SMEs in Canada, Oliu enables the economic growth in organizations, while putting data control and ownership back into the hands of Canadian citizens.

SMEs often face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity and digital identity management. How does Oliu™ cater specifically to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada? Oliu provides an affordable, all-in-one solution to SMEs. Oliu eliminates the need to manage multiple security tools at once, reducing the high complexity, cost, and time typically involved with the existing methods SMEs use to digitally onboard their customers.

Oliu for Onboarding is specifically tailored to help SMEs consume these benefits. In addition to this package reducing procurement and technical integration costs, Oliu also prioritizes no code and low code interfaces, ensuring that even businesses with limited technical resources can implement robust digital identity and security measures to bolster their customer experience.

Digital Transformation

Can you walk us through the user experience with Oliu™ for both SMEs implementing the technology and the end consumers who will use it for authentication? SMEs implementing Oliu will benefit from our solutions being built with interoperable frameworks in mind (such as the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework) to easily integrate Oliu’s capabilities into existing user experiences.

Once set up, SMEs will leverage features like Document ID Verification to verify their customers. Oliu allows companies to translate that verification into their own, company-issued verifiable credential. This verifiable credential can then be used as a method of simple verification every time they digitally connect with their customers; such as, to power Passwordless Login - a method of customer authentication made possible by digital identity. For end consumers, Oliu facilitates a frictionless onboarding and account access experience. Using a mobile application like Proof, users can manage all their digital credentials from their fingertips. This includes providing consent to share specific information with the organizations they want to engage with, and quickly getting access to their existing accounts through the Passwordless Login. ATB Ventures’ digital identity wallet, Proof, works in tandem with Oliu. These products connect SMEs with their customers and protect both parties from fraud and unnecessary data privacy exposure.

Beyond security and convenience, what other benefits can SMEs expect when they adopt Oliu™ for their digital identity and authentication needs? Adopting Oliu offers SMEs a competitive edge when it comes to security and efficiency. It fosters trust with customers through experience consistency, enhancing brand loyalty and reputation. Beyond the critical improvements offered to the user experience for their customers, making it easier to onboard and log in, Oliu gives SMEs the tools to mitigate fraud. Ultimately, Oliu gives SMEs the freedom to focus their time and resources on providing their unique products and service offerings, rather than needing to become verification and technology experts.

Looking ahead, what is ATB Ventures' vision for the future of digital identity and authentication technology, and how does Oliu™ fit into that vision? Our vision is to lead and participate in the important evolution of the digital identity movement in Canada. We see a future where individuals have complete control over their

identities and data, driving more trust and security across every digital touchpoint in our day-to-day lives. Oliu plays a pivotal role in making this vision come to life by setting new standards for user-centric, secure authentication. As the Canadian

market evolves to this new standard, Oliu and Proof will continue to explore applications that enable economic inclusion and data privacy for all.

Kundan Joshi's Pioneering Work at TheAppLabb

Transforms the Mobile App Industry Founder and CEO of TheAppLabb

Kundan Joshi is a visionary force in the booming realm of app development. He is the driving force behind TheAppLabb, an innovation firm that is redefining the landscape of app strategy, design, and development. As the Founder and CEO, Kundan has embarked on a resolute mission to create exceptional human experiences through innovative products. His journey has been truly exemplary.

Pioneering Excellence in App Development In the past 15 years, TheAppLabb has established itself as a leader in app

development, having successfully created over 650 apps and continuing to do so. This

achievement is made possible by a team of over 150 skilled professionals who bring their expertise to every project. Their portfolio includes renowned companies such as Unilever, Samsung, Dell, RBC, and others. This demonstrates their ability to provide customized solutions to a wide range of industry leaders. The recognition given to TheAppLabb is a testament to their dedication to excellence. Their prestigious awards solidify their standing as industry trailblazers. They were awarded the Top Mobile App Developer Award for Canada and the US in 2019 and 2020, as well as the Top 3 AI Developer Award by Clutch in 2019.

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Promoting Innovation and Acknowledgment Kundan Joshi has received numerous accolades in recognition of his unwavering commitment to innovation. He was awarded the prestigious 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the 2018 RBC Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the 2018 Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award for his exceptional leadership

skills. Furthermore, his dynamic contributions to the tech landscape are highlighted by prestigious accolades such as the Technology Achievement Award from the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and the Innovator of the Year award at the Transformation Awards in 2016.

Building Lasting Connections TheAppLabb goes beyond being just an app development firm; it catalyzes achieving long-term success. Their commitment to creating lasting connections is evident in their dedication

to their clients' long-term successes. Every app they create showcases their unwavering commitment to precision, creativity, and ensuring client satisfaction. Kundan Joshi's leadership at TheAppLabb exemplifies groundbreaking entrepreneurship in an era where innovation is crucial for progress. Their unwavering commitment to achieving

Joshi's influence as a prominent figure in the tech industry goes beyond his achievements as an entrepreneur. His insights regularly featured on the Tech Panel of CBC News, greatly enhance TheAppLabb's influence in the industry. This showcases a combination of expertise and thought leadership.

excellence, combined with their emphasis on technology that prioritizes the needs of individuals, highlights their significant impact in the realm of app innovation. His experience with TheAppLabb showcases the significant impact of visionary

leadership and unwavering dedication to revolutionizing app development.

Learn more about Kundan’s innovative tech initiatives and solutions at their website.

CanadianSME Magazine is an invaluable

Taking a Visionary Approach Towards Humanizing Technology At TheAppLabb, their approach goes beyond just technological innovation; it focuses on humanizing technology. Joshi and his team are passionate advocates for creating seamless, usercentric experiences that establish lasting connections with audiences. The mission of the company goes beyond simply increasing the number of users or making more money. It is focused on enhancing user experiences, promoting long-term engagement, and cultivating meaningful relationships. The company is committed to democratizing technology and making it accessible to businesses of all types. They not only serve as a technology partner but also as an ally, empowering businesses to succeed in the constantly changing digital world.

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resource for small companies in Canada, both new and established. To subscribe to our magazine, please visit here. If you want to stay ahead with the latest news, try following us on Twitter at @canadian_sme.

We encourage you to join our community of business-enthusiastic individuals.

Beyond Limits: Innovative Digital Strategies JH World Services ventures into new frontiers in the marketing realm through innovative digital strategies that grant them a presence in the online world. From social media campaigns to SEO techniques, the company not only adapts but enhances its online visibility. The strategic use of digital

platforms and social media becomes an essential resource to connect with the right audience, generate high-quality leads, and achieve a meaningful position in the competitive market.

In the ever-evolving business landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements, JH World Services is resolutely committed to staying at the forefront of change. JH World Services is a multinational company that provides all kinds of services and consultancies related to good human talent management, staffing supply services for all types of work, and domestic emergency care and cleaning.

Automating Internal Success for Operational Excellence The implementation of advanced technological systems has catalyzed a significant transformation in JH World Services' internal management. Automation plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing execution times for critical tasks. Notably, project management automation optimizes resource allocation and service delivery, contributing to an overall enhancement of the company's internal success.

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Attracting Future Talent through Technological Precision The identification of exceptional talent becomes more precise and efficient at JH World Services, thanks to state-of-the-art software analyzing technical skills, aptitudes, and values aligned with the company's unique culture. This transformative impact extends to the selection stage, allowing for more detailed and personalized evaluations. Success stories not only underscore the outstanding quality of the workforce but also highlight JH World Services' remarkable ability to attract and retain top-tier professionals in a highly competitive job market. Integrating technology into the recruitment process serves as both a strategic approach and a clear declaration of the company's unwavering commitment to nurturing future talent.

Technology Technological Evolution and Future Vision JH World Services doesn't merely reside in the present; it actively envisions and invests in the future with an innovative mindset. The company consistently leads in exploring and adopting new technologies and emerging trends within its sector. From incorporating artificial intelligence to proactive participation in digital transformation, JH World Services is steadfast in its commitment to remaining a leader in an environment that continually evolves technologically.

Journey Towards Technological Excellence The journey of JH World Services toward

technological excellence stands as a compelling testament to the transformative power of innovation. From optimizing internal processes to

focusing on the continual evolution of technology, the company not only recognizes that embracing technology is a necessity but also views it as a

strategic imperative for thriving in the digital era. In a world that is in a constant state of flux, JH World Services is poised not just to adapt but to emerge as a driving force in its sector, leading with passion, vision, and a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for sustained progress.

Impact Beyond Boundaries: Community and Digital Empowerment In the pursuit of technological excellence, JH World Services has not only transformed its operations but has also significantly impacted the community it serves. Embracing cutting-edge tools and strategies, the company's innovative approach has transcended traditional boundaries, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond its organizational structure. Through its commitment to technological evolution, JH World Services not only excels in its industry but also contributes to the advancement and digital empowerment of the wider community.

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Haletale

Elevating Rental Property management with Innovative Solutions

Imagine a software solution that streamlines property management tasks as well as creates a dynamic rental ecosystem where landlords, managers, and tenants can interact seamlessly. With cutting-edge technology and user-centric design, Haletale connects property managers with homeowners and tenants with their dream homes.

Haletale was founded in 2022 by Mohammed Roshan and Anash Parayil, Aerospace engineers turned entrepreneurs. Roshan and Anash came to Canada as international students in 2013. After graduating with their master's degrees from the University of Toronto and Concordia University, Montreal respectively, they set out to start their careers as aerospace engineers, working together in the industry for five years. During the global pandemic, Roshan and Anash tipped their toes in the property management business. They started by offering short-term accommodation for the 14-day mandatory quarantine at the time, to visitors arriving from outside Canada.

Eventually expanding their business beyond short term rentals, they

found a crucial gap in technology driven solutions in the property management industry. From their firsthand experience as owners of a property management company, they realized that existing softwares is highly limited, primarily designed for larger companies and multifamily housing setups. Haletale was born as a product of necessity. It was initially developed to cater specifically to the finance and operations needs of their own property management company. The success they experienced with the software led them to share their innovation with the broader market.

Innovation Haletale at its core, is a powerful property management software. However, it doesn't stop there. Haletale is also a dynamic rental ecosystem that unites property managers, investors, renters and third party vendors. Through Haletale's platform, property managers and homeowners can list their

What sets Haletale apart is not just its cutting-edge software but also the vision and values of its founders. Roshan and Anash bring a unique perspective to the property management landscape with a

More than just providing a software solution for property managers, Roshan and Anash are passionate about taking steps to resolve the housing crisis in Canada. Haletale actively promotes sustainable housing practices through coliving. They believe that coliving will help to maximize property utilization and make more residences accessible to individuals and families. At the same time, the company actively advocates for a balanced and legal approach to coliving, emphasizing that promoting shared living spaces does not equate to endorsing overcrowding. Haletale seeks to redefine coliving as a thoughtful housing solution that ensures the comfort and safety of its residents.

Haletale is more than a software company—it's a manifestation of the founders' commitment to revolutionizing property management and addressing the housing crisis in Canada. Through their innovative approach, Roshan and Anash are making a lasting impact on the industry, one property at a time.

properties effortlessly and do everything related to managing their properties - Accounting, Renter Management, Rent Collection and Operations- in one software space. For renters, it's a gateway to finding the perfect place to call home.

deep understanding of the challenges faced in the business.

Choosing the

Right Design Service Businesses need to be able to create and deliver high-quality design assets to connect with their target audience and achieve their business goals. But with so many different types of design services available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This article will provide you with a guide on how to choose the right design service for your business. We will cover the different types of design services available, the factors to consider when making your decision, and how to compare different services.

Types of Design Services There are three main types of design services: freelancers, agencies, and Creative-as-a-Service (CaaS).

Freelancers: Individual designers who work independently. Agencies: Traditional design companies that offer a wide range of design services, generally for businesses with a large budget. CaaS: Companies that offer flexible and scalable design services on a subscription basis.

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Factors to Consider When choosing a design service, there are a number of factors to consider, including: Your budget: Design services can range in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Technology Your needs: What type of design services do you need? Do you need a logo, website, marketing materials, or something else? Your timeline: How quickly do you need your design assets? Your communication style: How do you like to work with designers?

Collaboration and communication: We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and deliver the best possible results.

Choosing the right design service is an important decision. By considering the factors above, you can find a service that meets your needs and budget. If you are looking for a design partner who can help

you take your business to the next level, then Quixly is the perfect choice for you.

How to Compare Services Once you have considered the factors above, you can start comparing different services. Here are a few things to look for: Portfolio: See examples of the designer's, agency's or CaaS' work. Testimonials: Read what other clients have to say about the service. Pricing: Compare pricing models and packages. Communication: Ask about the communication style.

As a CaaS, Quixly is a great option for your design needs because we offer: High-quality work: Our team of experienced designers is passionate about creating pieces that are both visually appealing and effective. Flexibility and scalability: We offer a variety of pricing options to fit your budget and needs.

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December 2023 is an exciting time in the world of entrepreneurial innovation, as it brings forth a wave of groundbreaking startups that have the potential to redefine industries and make a significant impact on

society. These startups are not solely focused on making profits. Instead, they are actively driving positive change by combining cutting-edge technology with a

strong commitment to social responsibility. This piece of writing will focus on five different startups that are making waves in their respective industries.

The Carbon Neutral Club is at the forefront of the fight against climate change, setting an example for others to follow. With their commitment to sustainability and groundbreaking solutions, they are transforming how businesses approach environmental responsibility. Korbit Technologies Inc. is prominent in the tech

industry, providing innovative solutions that go beyond

traditional limits. Their innovative approach and cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing industries and unlocking unprecedented opportunities. HelpSeeker Technologies is a company that prioritizes empathy in its approach to innovation. They are at the forefront of using technology for the betterment of society, developing platforms that bring people together with essential resources, and creating stronger communities and support systems. Friendlier exemplifies the profound impact of human connection in the era of digital technology. Their platform facilitates the development of meaningful relationships and authentic interactions, revolutionizing how people connect and communicate in a technology-driven society. PurposeMed Inc. is a company that operates at the intersection of healthcare and compassion. Their innovative solutions aim to prioritize patient well-being and accessibility, with a focus on humanizing healthcare delivery.

Startups

So, let's dive into each one of these startups and learn how turned successful:

Carbon Neutral Club: Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Jeff Packer, Roee Eidan, and Jack Bruner, this company leads a transformational green movement. Their groundbreaking method makes low-carbon living achievable and rewarding for people and businesses. Their purpose is to empower members to be environmental stewards. The club's unique concept

measures personal carbon footprints and offsets them via carbon removal programs. In exchange, members can access a network of sustainable brand partners giving exceptional discounts on eco-friendly items across consumer industries.

Carbon Neutral Club also helps firms integrate climate action into their culture. The club helps companies achieve and exceed climate objectives via specialized climate education, sustainability challenges, and

individualized carbon reduction initiatives, promoting a collaborative commitment to a more sustainable future. Learn more at their website.

Korbit Technologies Inc.: Korbit Technologies Inc. is transforming PR code review procedures with technological innovation. Korbit, founded by experienced entrepreneurs Ansona Ching and Ekaterina Kochmar, aims to improve software development using an AI-driven code review solution. Their main product, the Korbit AI Mentor, revolutionizes programming. This innovative tool accelerates PR code reviews by seamlessly integrating into processes to identify and explain code submission concerns. Korbit helps teams improve productivity and code quality by expediting this essential development step. Korbit Technologies Inc. founders Ansona Ching and Ekaterina Kochmar are reinventing software development. Their dedication to innovation will change code review standards globally. To learn more about their AI solutions, visit their website.

HelpSeeker Technologies: Founded in 2018, HelpSeeker Technologies is a shining example of how technology progress has positive social effects. Travis Turner serves as the company's vice president of business development, and Dr. Alina Turner is the company's chief executive officer. This Canadian nonprofit is fully vested in its mission to provide frontline leaders with the tools they need to tackle the world's most complex social crises. Their ground-

breaking ideas bridge the gap between technological progress and social transformation.

In an effort to make the world a better place for everyone, HelpSeeker Technologies develops cutting-edge

goods and services that alter the face of social infrastructure. Their relentless pursuit of innovation is indicative of a larger mission to improve people's lives everywhere. This dynamic organization sets out on a mission to reinvent the way society tackles

problems by equipping its leaders with the resources they need to bring about real, long-lasting change. Check out their website.

Startups

Friendlier:

PurposeMed Inc.:

In the field of food storage, Friendlier stands out as a leader in sustainability and innovation thanks to its co-founders, Jacquie Hutchings (COO) and Kayli Dale (CEO), who were both included in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2023. Reusable food

PurposeMed Inc., a company co-founded by Dr. Husein Moloo (CEO), Pete MacLeod (COO), and Amaan Banwait (CCO), is dedicated to improving access to high-quality healthcare for underserved communities. The company is committed to upholding exceptional standards of excellence in its endeavours. This innovative company is revolutionizing the healthcare landscape by offering

containers and an innovative central reuse system are at the heart of the revolutionary solution introduced by this forward-thinking firm. Every facet of their company approach is infused with their

dedication to environmental responsibility. Friendlier promotes a circular economy by increasing the longevity of used materials and decreasing landfill trash. Their

simplified strategy gives consumers and companies the tools they need

to abandon wasteful spending habits and create a more sustainable business model. Friendlier's modest but significant project becomes a catalyst for change by focusing on

the elimination of waste throughout economic chains. Their commitment

to change ushers in a more sustainable, more convenient age of consumerism that will leave future generations with a better world. For more details on their services, visit their website.

affirming, high-quality care that is free from judgment and the limitations of traditional waiting rooms.

PurposeMed Inc. is fueled by a strong mission to address the disparity in healthcare accessibility. With a team of more than 90 dedicated professionals, including clinicians, care coordinators, engineers, and designers,

PurposeMed Inc. is committed to making a difference. The team's shared passion and extensive expertise come together to make the vision of providing healthcare directly to those in greatest need a reality. PurposeMed Inc. is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and driving innovation in the field of healthcare delivery. Their innovative approach not only revolutionizes the patient

experience but also reinforces the belief that highquality care should be available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

To learn more about their medical services, log onto their website.

These startups promise to present a rosy picture of the future with the current turmoil in the Canadian economy. The aforementioned startups make up an ecosystem that not only guarantees sustainability and financial gains. Such startups grant hope for a robust economic throttle, making Canada emerge as the small business leader in the world market.

In today's era, sustainability has become a necessity rather than an option. Novisto stands out as a shining example of innovation, as it combines technology with purpose-driven strategies. Novisto is a software solution that is leading the way in the pursuit of sustainable corporate management. It aims to revolutionize how

Innovation at the Helm Novisto embarked on its journey with a team

that was driven by a deep passion and extensive expertise in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Novisto

organizations navigate their sustainability

is driven by the belief that companies that adopt strong sustainability strategies will not only survive but also thrive in the long run.

knowledgeable in technology and sustainability.

This dedication is not just a philosophical

journeys. Novisto was founded in 2019 by a group of visionary individuals who are highly The company has a grand vision to lead the way in integrated corporate sustainability management on a global scale.

Promoting Purposeful Sustainability Through Driving Novisto's core purpose goes beyond simple business objectives; it is a dedication to creating a society that is more inclusive and resilient. Novisto champions the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business models by empowering organizations to generate value through sustainability practices. The company strongly believes that technology plays a crucial role in encouraging widespread corporate adoption of ESG best practices. Novisto's approach focuses on establishing a seamless connection between the creation of economic value and the implementation of sustainable business practices. This approach cultivates a mutually beneficial relationship between profitability and responsible operations.

notion; it is supported by concrete efforts. Novisto has gained support from industryleading investors such as Diagram Ventures, Portag3 Ventures, and White Star Capital. In addition, Novisto benefits from a team of advisors and global experts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This diverse group of individuals strengthens Novisto's efforts to transform sustainability management.

Sustainability

Revolutionizing Sustainability Management Novisto offers organizations a flexible ESG data schema and a data-centric approach, providing them with a roadmap to ensure the long-term success of their sustainability initiatives. The suite of solutions provided serves as a catalyst at every stage of the sustainability journey.

Improving the Data Collection Process: Novisto is a platform that enhances the collection of ESG data by simplifying and streamlining the process. This results in improved efficiency and a more userfriendly experience.

Accelerated Optimized Disclosures: Novisto enables organizations to streamline reporting and disclosures, ensuring compliance and optimizing time and resources.

Better Data Quality and Enhanced Insights: Companies can enhance the quality of their data and gain deeper insights that drive informed decisionmaking by utilizing Novisto's technology.

Levelling Up with Peer Benchmarking: Novisto provides a platform that allows companies to compare their sustainability performance with industry peers, helping them assess how they measure up against relevant benchmarks.

Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement: Novisto's platform enables meaningful engagement with stakeholders by promoting transparency and trust through its comprehensive sustainability reporting.

Novisto goes beyond just offering a software solution. It serves as a catalyst for a significant change in how businesses view and incorporate sustainability. Novisto empowers organizations to integrate sustainability into their operations by offering tools that streamline processes, enhance data accuracy, and promote engagement.

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Ultimately, Novisto exemplifies the powerful combination of technology, vision, and

purpose. In today's world, where sustainable practices are not just desirable but absolutely necessary, Novisto stands out as a leading force. It provides organizations with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently and effectively navigate the complexities of sustainability. For more information and updates regarding their ongoing projects, log onto their website.

In the bustling landscape of technology, Canadianbased UUUSoftware stands tall as a beacon of

innovation and excellence. Helmed by a cadre of Ph.D. engineers, this dynamic company orchestrates teams

comprising seasoned software developers, cloud DevOps engineers, and UX/UI mavens—both locally and internationally. UUUSoftware takes excellent satisfaction in its ability to bring forward-thinking concepts to fruition, thanks to its dedication to using

cutting-edge technology and a portfolio of more than 150 completed projects. This article sheds light on how this company has risen against all odds and become a leader in the domain of web development.

Tailored Solutions Across Diverse Domains UUUSoftware provides a wide range of services that are designed to meet the specific needs of various industries. Their comprehensive suite of solutions ensures that each client receives a tailored approach to address their unique requirements. Their expertise covers a wide range of domains:

Web Development: Developing cutting-edge, user-friendly websites that stand out aesthetically and perform admirably. UUUSoftware's expertise in modern web technologies allows them to build platforms focusing on ease of use and customer satisfaction.

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Mobile Development: The company excels in building revolutionary mobile applications across diverse platforms, from concept to deployment. Their ability to combine creativity with functionality guarantees a captivating experience for the end-user.

Cloud Migration and DevOps: In today's digital transformation era, UUUSoftware is a leading company that helps businesses smoothly transition to the cloud and improve their processes using advanced DevOps techniques. Their high level of proficiency ensures a seamless transition and improved operational efficiency.

Software

Catering to Varied Industries UUUSoftware has shown its mettle in a wide variety of sectors, including the automotive, financial, health, government, media and entertainment, logistics and transport, retail and e-commerce, telecommunications, and travel industries. Their extensive background allows them to understand the specific problems and possibilities each sector faces, allowing them to develop specialized solutions that provide measurable outcomes.

Finally, UUUSoftware exemplifies the value of knowledge, creativity, and a focus on the customer. Their capacity to bring ideas into reality, along with their constant dedication to perfection, positions them as a forerunner in the area of software solutions. UUUSoftware is a crucial ally for companies on their path to success since it provides them with not just answers but also cutting-edge technological innovations.

Unparalleled Client-Centric Approach UUUSoftware attributes its success to its focus on the needs of its customers. They value learning about their customers' objectives and time constraints since they know that each project is

different. With this information in hand, they assemble focused teams that are tailor-made for each project, resulting in seamless integration of client needs and project outcomes.

Its proactive problem-solving and incessant drive show the company's dedication to innovation for improvement. UUUSoftware's dedication to fostering an atmosphere conducive to ideation and creative thinking allows its customers to not only keep up with but anticipate technological developments.

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Learn more about UUUSoftware’s SaaS and staff augmentation services at their website.

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