CanadianSME Small Business Magazine March 2022

ISSUE NO. 40

MARCH 2022

CANADIANSME Celebrating

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2022 Banking partner

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Hello readers!

Our March issue is officially here and we are very excited about all the great content we have included in this month’s issue! We strive to be Canada’s top magazine in providing exclusive insights, strategies, and advice to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to include the best of the inclusive interviews and top business insights from reputable industry experts. Our team works very hard in delivering the most valuable content to our readers to ensure that you stay up to date on all the latest business trends. Empowering small and medium-sized businesses is our prime goal.

This month, CanadianSME is focused on International Women’s Day (IWD), Women Entrepreneurship, Top Canadian Women Entrepreneurs, Businesswoman of the month, Advice from Inspiring women business leaders and much more. Learn “How to Run a Small Business Being a Mother”, get inspired by “Manjit Minhas - An Upbeat Woman Entrepreneur in Its Truest Sense”; read “ Never Give Up - The Struggle Is Part Of The Story” by Adrianne Fekete and to celebrate women, see what these successful women entrepreneurs have to say through their special message to empower women all across the world.

Resilience, Recovery and Reinvention! The CanadianSME Small Business Expo is coming on June 29-30 and we can’t wait to see you! Join us at the Biggest Gathering of Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises on Wed, June 29th, 2022, 10:30 AM – Thurs, June 30th, 2022, 4:30 PM EDT. This virtual trade show has been primarily organized for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises.

As we commemorate International Women's Day 31 years later and celebrate this throughout March, we are moving into an uncertain future. It is time the people of Canada unite and stand up for livable and fair wages, break traditional stereotypes, for liberty from nonviolence, opportunities to thrive, dignity and human rights, and gender justice. These articles provide insights into the tools and resources available for women entrepreneurs and 2022 trends to keep top of mind this year. We hope that this month’s issue will help give you the knowledge and information you need to stay ahead in the market.

Don't forget to subscribe to our magazine to get the latest trends and stay up to date on all of our events

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Editor & Publisher Shaik Khaleeluddin (SK) Consulting Editor Shiraz Siddique Creative Design Cmarketing Inc Client Manager Maheen Bari Social Media Cmarketing Inc Sales Abdul Sultan Shaik Photography Deposit Photos Web Cmarketing Inc

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Until next month, happy reading!

Published by Cmarketing Inc 2800 Skymark Avenue, Suite 203 Mississauga, ON. Canada. L4W 5A6.

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022 All Images, trademarks, service marks and logos referred to or appearing in this magazine are the property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2022 CMarketing Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

The contents in CanadianSME Magazine are for informational purposes only. Neither Cmarketing Inc, the publishers nor any of its partners, employees or affiliates accept any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of its contents.

30 Never Give Up The Struggle Is Part Of The Story

Adrianne Fekete Founder, Star Quality Private Investigations

Regulars

24

A Passion for Community Drives Home Hardware Dealer-Owners to Success Pioneer Home Hardware

26

Everything you need to know about e-signatures www.ricoh.ca

21

12

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022

64

Accessing Government Funding for Your Company’s Profitability.

Your Business Has Been Hacked. Now What?

Can Ayming help fund your

This article was originally published on RBC’s Discover

credits?

innovation with SR&ED tax

& Learn blog

70

Ransomware attacks are successfully targeting small to medium-sized businesses – how do you protect your data?

59

Is SR&ED the right choice for your Business?

Can Ayming help fund your innovation with SR&ED tax credits?

www.ayming.ca

77 Shannae Ingleton Smith Building an Inclusive Community for the Black Creatives Head of Influencer Talent,

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Minister Mary Ng Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

Kensington Grey Agency

We are breaking down barriers for underrepresented women through Canada’s first Black Entrepreneurship Program and the $100-million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund. These investments aren’t just the right things to do; they’re the smart thing to do. Fully including women could add up to $150 billion to our economy. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating all women have achieved on so many fronts and looking forward to supporting their future success.

73

67

Jenny Bird - The ‘Queen of the Hoop’

Kim Knight and Shanelle McKenzie - Empowering WOC

by Taking an Organic Approach

CEO and Creative Director from the JENNY BIRD

Co-founders of The Villij

38

18

Johanne Leduc

34

A Resilient Business Owner to Watch

The Perfect Print and Digital Work Solution for Small Businesses www.ricoh.ca

75 Lauren Winans - Paying Attention to Employee Experience Chief Executive Officer and Principal HR Consultant for Next Level Benefits

61

Why Small Businesses Need Enterprise-Grade Network Infrastructure Purchasing retail might be cheaper, but it will not meet one's business needs.

cdw.ca

79

16

Maria Morales - Taking Online Reselling to the Next Level with Marketing

Manjit Minhas - An Upbeat Woman Entrepreneur in Its Truest Sense

General Manager of Poshmark

Co-Owner and Co-Founder

Canada

of Minhas Breweries

News Labour shortages are stalling small business recovery: A temporary boost to the Temporary Foreign Worker program can offer relief LABOUR

Canadian business leaders look for innovation and progrowth measures in upcoming Federal Budget

Small businesses were already reporting labour shortages before the pandemic. The lockdowns and shifts in the labour market brought on by COVID have only exacerbated the situation and made it more difficult for businesses to find staff,” said CFIB president Dan Kelly.

RBC publishes 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance Report, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report, and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)Report

INNOVATION

“The vast majority of business leaders told us that they’re looking for support to help them invest in digital innovations that open up new business opportunities and revenue streams and build their resiliency to better weather economic storms,” says Mary Jo Fedy, National Leader, Enterprise, KPMG in Canada. “They also believe that targeted government relief programs that help the hardest hit businesses and individuals should be maintained in the near-term.

FINANCIAL

RBC has consistently played a leadership role in tackling some of society’s greatest challenges and opportunities in the communities where we live and work. Underpinning these key reports and disclosures is the significant engagement of our employees who leverage RBC’s resources, capabilities and influence to create a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous tomorrow,” said Dave McKay, President and Chief Executive Officer, RBC.

New Canada Digital Adoption Program to help small businesses thrive in the digital economy SMALL BUSINESSES

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the launch of the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), to help Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses grow their online presence and upgrade or adopt digital technologies. This investment, which will provide $4 billion over four years, will support up to 160,000 small businesses and create good middle-class jobs across the country, including thousands of jobs for young Canadians.

10 - CanadianSME - March 2022

News DoorDash Canada invites local Canadian women business owners & entrepreneurs from across Canada to join the Entrepreneurship & Access Programs ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DoorDash, a leading last-mile logistics platform, today reiterated its commitment

to supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners by inviting them to sign up for its Entrepreneurship & Access programs in Canada that offer support to businesses owned by women, immigrants, and people of colour.

Sage adds new AI capability to further augment digital transformation for CFOs DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Sage Intacct customers are highly digitally determined, with

over 70 percent of their financial workflows already automated. More than ever before, Sage is committed to building platforms and systems that empower customers to run smarter, more digital organizations,” said Dan Miller, EVP of Sage Intacct.

UPS releases 4Q 2021 earnings SMALL BUSINESS

I want to thank all UPSers for their outstanding efforts

throughout the holiday season and for once again delivering industry-leading service to our customers.”

said Carol Tomé, UPS chief executive officer. “The execution of our strategy is delivering positive financial results and driving strong momentum as we move into 2022.

Canada must support inclusive and accessible environments to reduce barriers to STEM education for the next generation of leaders STEM EDUCATION

Sahtout joined a group of fellow Canadian STEM experts comprised of scientists, scholars, researchers, students and disability rights and accessibility advocates for the third 3M STEMtalk workshop, for a discussion on the topic of ‘Changing the way STEM is taught and accessed in Canada’ for people with disabilities.

11 - CanadianSME - March 2022

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022

International Women's Day was officially

It is time the people of Canada unite and stand up

than a million people who called for an end to

stereotypes, for liberty from non-violence,

declared in March 1911 with the backing of more discrimination and for women to work, vote,

hold public office, etc. Today it is celebrated by millions worldwide as a time to reflect on

advancement and honour women, advancing the movement for gender equality.

As we commemorate International Women's

Day 31 years later and celebrate this throughout

for livable and fair wages, break traditional

opportunities to thrive, dignity and human rights, and gender justice.

Women across Canada deserve and want a future

that's free from stereotypes, violence, and stigma, a sustainable and peaceful future with equal opportunities and rights for everyone.

March, we are moving into an uncertain future.

To reach such a goal, Canada needs women to

The coronavirus pandemic has completely

Canadian Government has named the theme

shaken the foundations of advancements and aggravated the cracks of inequality: rising

gender-based violence, the devaluation of

women's labour, the demands of unpaid care,

and a broad poverty gap, to name a few. And

support and inspire one another. This is why the "Women Inspiring Women" for this year's International Women's Day to dismantle harmful and typical

gender stereotypes so that they can unleash their power and accomplish their full potential.

these gaps are bigger for those who face more

To make the world a better place where there exists

heterosexism and several other forms of

International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias.

barriers based on racism, transphobia, ableism, discrimination.

12 - CanadianSME - March 2022

no discrimination, stereotypes or bias, the theme for

Small Business What’s #BreakTheBias?

About IWD Mission

International Women's Day releases a

The prime mission of IWD 2022 is to forge women's

women around the world. This year it's

value and power of more diverse experiences and

theme every year to celebrate the day and #BreakTheBias, and it couldn't have come

at a better time. There's a notable amount of unrest and anger caused by factions and an unwillingness to listen to other

people's opinions. In several countries, women are still kept out of decision-

making, and only recently has the world

equality by being together. If women demonstrate the opinions, it'll lead them to more robust decision-

making. Fortunately, progress is being made, but there's still work to be done on many fronts.

Therefore, IWD envisions a number of essential and exciting missions aimed at:

witnessed the oppression of women's lives

raising awareness of issues affecting women's

gender.

adopting a stance to address inequality while

in Afghanistan. This is an open bias against

Women, especially indigenous or Blackminority women, are hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore,

International Women's Day 2022 has never been more important to promote equal representation in boardrooms, gender

balance in decision-making bodies and

equality

working on affirmative action

to highlight and applaud where notable advances are being made

to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of women

Women in Technology Mission: This mission

enhanced life chances for every woman.

proudly partnered with HCL, celebrates the

Acknowledging and combating bias,

champions the women who are forging innovation

whether conscious or unconscious, plays a crucial role in advancing the equity,

diversity and inclusion agenda that is so

important to a country's overall growth and development.

International Women's Day is an

opportunity to expand and amplify the

advancement in the field of technology and leveraging technology.

Women in Work Mission: This mission proudly

partnered with LinkedIn, forges inclusive work cultures where women's careers blossom and achievements are celebrated.

Women Forging Change Mission: This mission is

work already being done in purpose-driven

proudly partnered with John Deere, empowering

schools to label and respond to such

technology in communities, in the workplace and

organizations, universities, colleges, and prejudice.

Women need to break the bias in their

respective communities, workplaces, and

educational institutions. By being together and inspiring one another, women can

break the bias efficiently on this year's

International Women's Day and beyond to make the world a better place to sustain.

13 - CanadianSME - March 2022

women to drive change through sustainability and beyond.

Women's Health Mission: This mission is to help

women be in a position of power to make informed and detailed decisions about their health.

Women's Creative Mission: This mission is

designed to celebrate and honour the work of creative women and increase the visibility of commercial projects and commissions.

Small Business Women's Empowerment Mission: This

mission is created to spotlight activities that uplift and inspire women to pursue goals without prejudice or barriers.

Women in Sports Mission: This mission is

exclusively designed to celebrate and applaud women athletes when equality is

accomplished in sponsorship, pay, and visibility.

Who Can Support International Women's Day?

In support of global activities, the International Women's Day (IWD) website offers: Free guidance and resources

A searchable database of IWD events

A robust platform for collaborative purpose-driven missions

A hub exhibiting the work of creative women

A speaker's register for IWD event managers An IWD supplier directory of women-led businesses

A fundraising channel for female-focused charities

International Women's Day is not a group, organization or country-specific.

institutions, corporations, media hubs or

Central Beliefs of the International Women’s Day Website

International Women's Day. March 8 belongs

Three key beliefs guide and underpin the provisions

Governments, charities, NGOs, academic women's networks are exclusive to

to every group collectively everywhere.

World-renowned feminist, activist, and

and purpose of the International Women's Day (IWD) website:

journalist Gloria Steinem, once stated that the

Recognizing, celebrating and raising the visibility

the combined efforts of every individual who

equality

story of women's fight for equality belongs to

cares about human rights and is not restricted to any one organization or single feminist.

So, people should make the most of this

beautiful day and strive to create a positive difference for women.

What Does the International Women’s Day (IWD) Website Strive to Achieve?

The prime goal of the International Women's Day website is to assist the supporters while providing a platform for positive change in women.

Whether an individual is hosting an event,

starting an initiative, running a campaign,

reporting on successes, donating to a womenfocused charity, etc. There are numerous ways individuals and groups can celebrate International Women's Day. 14 - CanadianSME - March 2022

of women's accomplishments can help forge

Strategic partnerships based on shared goals,

appreciation, and trust can bring positive change for women

Through meaningful resources, activities, and

narratives, global awareness-raising can help

fight discrimination and gender bias to fast-track gender parity.

Small Business IWD Events for 2022 in Canada

Is International Women’s Day Needed?

International Women's Day, since 1911, has celebrated

Of course, it is needed since there is no place

the globe, and Canada is no exception. Women-

the perfect day that gives people a good

the strengths and achievements of women around

focused events are a fantastic way to bring people

together to honour and appreciate the women of the past, present, and future women and learn more about the problems women face today.

for complacency. International Women's Day is reason to highlight the works of women in their lives and the women who are fighting every day to bring a difference to the world and make it a better place.

Since the theme of International Women's Day 2022

This week, people should champion all

events in Canada to eliminate gender bias, helping

This day is still as crucial as ever.

is "Break the Bias" (#BreakTheBias), IWD has held Canadian women tear such gender bias to move ahead in the world.

March 1, 2022: Workout for Women's Day, Vancouver, Canada March 3, 2022: OFFA International Women's Day Screening Series, Oakville, Canada March 5, 2022: International Women's Day with The STAR Women's Network Inc, Toronto, Canada March 5, 2022: IWD: Soroptimist Cambridge, Canada (Virtual event) March 6, 2022: The Power of Women's Legacy, Toronto, Canada March 6, 2022: Avanti Women: Break The Bias, Toronto, Canada March 7, 2022: All Women L.E.A.D., London, Canada March 7, 2022: IWD with the British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Toronto, Canada March 8, 2022: Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture, Toronto, Canada March 8, 2022: Smashing Barriers: Breaking & Building for Everyone, London, Canada March 8, 2022: Crones of Consciousness: Nurturing Spiritual Health, Canada (Virtual event) For more information regarding the International Women’s Day events list, you can scroll through this link and explore more.

women's good work, both invisible and visible.

So strike the International Women's Day

#BreakTheBias pose by crossing the arms to show your dedication to calling out bias,

breaking inequality, rejecting discrimination, and smashing stereotypes. Irrespective of

gender, anyone can submit the photograph.

The image has to be in landscape mode (16:9 ratio).

You can scroll through this link for more

information related to International Women's Day 2022 and learn more.

Manjit Minhas An Upbeat

Woman Entrepreneur in Its Truest Sense Being a prosperous businesswoman often means juggling personal life, breaking stereotypes, and navigating male-dominated channels of power. But adding a South Asian mix to it makes another ball. The celebrity judge of Dragon's Den, Manjit Minhas was able to accomplish something that others thought was almost impossible - jumping into the maledominated and notoriously competitive spirits and beer industry. Her deep understanding and clear sharp strategy of the market allowed Manjit to completely break down traditional obstacles and grow her small business into a kingdom. Co-founded by Minhas along with her brother, Ravinder, Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Winery is currently the world's ninth-largest brewery, producing more than 120 beer brands, liquor, spirits, and wine. Manjit Minhas is now the sole owner, CEO, and President of the company that has sold more than 7 billion beer pints to date.

A Brief about Manjit Minhas Manjit Minhas is the co-owner and co-founder of Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Wineries. Although trained as a petroleum engineer, Manjit became an expert in marketing, brand development, retail negotiations and sale management.

Manjit's parents were Indian immigrants. Her mother came to Canada at the tender age of nine and her father at the age of 21. She and her brother, Ravinder, were born and raised in Calgary with no extended family around them. When Manjit was aged 19, Ravinder and she raised 10,000 dollars by selling their car and releasing their first beer in the city of Alberta.

They bought the second-oldest brewery in the US and re-labelled it "Minhas Craft Brewery". This acquisition officially made them the world's youngest brewery owners.

Manjit Minhas has won numerous industry awards like Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs in Canada, PROFIT Magazine's "Top Growth Entrepreneur", Canada's Top 40 Under 40, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of The Year Prairie Region, Chatelaine Magazine's "Top Entrepreneur Woman of The Year 2011", and The Sikh Centennial Foundation Award 2015.

Manjit Minhas donates her money and time to several charities including Ronald McDonald House, and The United Way (where Manjit was the co-chair of the United Way Campaign 2017). The Minhas sister-brother duo also funds a free engineering school for girls in India.

Manjit still resides in Calgary with her husband and two young daughters.

Small Business About Manjit Minhas' Humble Beginnings in the Liquor Business

Challenges Faced by Manjit Minhas in the Beer Industry

Manjit always wanted to be a petroleum engineer, but she and her brother planned to go into the world of liquor business largely because their parents owned several stores in Calgary. The brothersister duo started making branded liquors for their family business. And soon buyers knocked on their doors for the popular mixture. At that time, there were nearly 1000 stores in Alberta and they got calls from other stores asking about availability.

At first, they refused since it is a private label for their parents' stores. Then they started to think and expanded it for general market availability. And that is when everything began to take off for them.

As an East Indian woman, Manjit had a lot of trouble entering a male-dominated industry that didn't welcome her. She didn't fit into many stereotypes of the beer industry. Her colleagues kept on talking when she gave her presentations. Manjit had to persevere to survive and prosper in such an unwelcoming industry.

Manjit and her brother, Ravinder entered the beer market in 2003, thinking that there was not enough competition at the time and there was a real shortage of great Canadian brands at the time.

Mountain Crest Classic Lager was their first beer that had a 5.5% ABV and was one of the strongest beers on the market at that very time. They sold the beers for a "buck-a-bottle" that was unheard of at that time. This success led the siblings to conduct experiments with diverse flavours, and in 2004 when their parents finally retired, the siblings were already successful enough.

Manjit and her brother's partnership has benefitted from being out-and-out siblings. They were very close as a brother and sister, and they also have different strengths. Her brother used to see some parts of the business and Manjit used to see the other parts. They were able to grow rapidly but at a comfortable pace while remaining private. Minhas Brewery, Distillery and Winery is still a private company with no outside investors. http://manjitminhas.com/

The way Manjit overcame all such obstacles was literally persistence and perseverance. Thanks to these things, she realized she can make a mark no matter what she does. So she has always been the best when it comes to research, not only for her brand but also for the entire beer industry.

Manjit's reputation for being more well-informed than anyone else has allowed her to build strong relationships within the industry. Two decades later, Manjit Minhas is perhaps one of the most influential and famous names in the Canadian brewery sector.

Manjit’s Take on Sustainability and the Planet As with every other business in the world, sustainable practices are turning out to be increasingly important.

Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Winery, take their responsibilities seriously. Manjit is well aware that she's not only a regular Canadian citizen but also a part of this planet. As long as Minhas Breweries have manufacturing plants, distilleries, breweries, and wineries, they are always careful about their water consumption, and they have a very closed system.

Whatever they heat or cool, they make sure that they are not wasting water.

About ten years ago, they began tackling the packaging issue since they had started seeing it themselves. It is a win-win situation for them because not only they are helping the plant when it comes to curbing waste but also helping them to stop wasting money.

For more information regarding Manjit Minhas and her robust Minhas Brewery, Distillery and Winery, one can easily check the links provided below and explore more. http://minhasbrewery.com/

For more such features on women entrepreneurs in Canada, do not forget to subscribe to our monthly CanadianSME Small Business magazine.

Johanne Leduc A Resilient Business Owner to Watch The Cookstown Foodland isn't new, but the owner is. With years of experience as an Orangeville grocery store owner, Johanne Leduc was quite comfortable taking on ownership of the 24-hour Foodland. She purchased the store so she could provide customers with matchless offers and irresistible deals.

Small Business Johanne Leduc's Business Journey Johanne Leduc began her career as a 13-year-old

How Johanne Leduc Achieved Success with Tottenham Foodland?

cashier working with her father at the IGA store in

As a newcomer to the Tottenham community,

growing together in the store. They met with other

community. She quickly became engaged by

Montreal. Leduc remembers the whole family families, greeted neighbours and celebrated milestones with their beloved customers.

Johanne's dream of owning her own store began in those early years when she worked alongside

her father. Her father taught her the importance of listening to customers and to remember that

every day brings new rewards and challenges. Her father showed her how to embrace change and

improve her shop because of it. After earning her

degree, she joined a program in Mississauga that taught her how to efficiently run and manage a store.

Johanne’s father has always been her mentor and inspiration. When she entered the Tottenham

Foodland store in 2012, she used the lessons she learned from her father to embark on a new

journey. One towards building a grocery store that not only reflected her community but increased

its overall value by becoming a shopping hub to encourage people to shop locally.

Even after 25 years, Johanne is just as dedicated

Johanne set out to learn more about the backing many local community events

organized by local residents. From there,

Johanne began building relationships with her customers by simply asking them what they

wanted to see at their local grocery store. It’s just one example of how she’s constantly

striving to add value for her customers. When new families choose the Tottenham Foodland

store as their home, she knows she has to offer them more variety in products without

sacrificing on quality in order to satisfy every palette.

Johanne doesn’t want to take all of the credit, however. She is always praising her team members for efficiently managing the

Tottenham Foodland store and attributes a lot of the store's success to her store manager,

Colleen Hunt, as well as the rest of the in-store teammates. They have wholeheartedly

supported Johanne through thick and thin and appreciated her ideas and initiatives from the very beginning.

to the Sobeys company. She currently owns two

Johanne, along with her in-store teammates,

Cookstown that she recently purchased. While

offering a wide variety of foods and services

stores, the one in Tottenham and the Foodland in operating two stores has come with a lot of

challenges, it’s also been very rewarding for

never fails to consider customer feedback,

that appeal to people of diverse nationalities.

Johanne.

According to Johanne, there are specific

In addition to being a franchise owner of these

for customers and compete with nearby

two store locations, Johanne is also involved in

the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce.

She was also excited to become a member of the Tottenham-Beeton and the District Chamber of Commerce.

strategies to create a nice shopping experience shopping centres. She believes that making

sure the store is packed with products is very

important in this competitive market, as well as offering great customer service and a clean store.

As a member of the Chamber, Johanne assists

Johanne believes that shopping should be an

She believes it’s a great help for any business

She wants to move away from some customers

with advertising and promoting numerous events. that's looking to grow within the community they are serving.

exciting and unique experience for customers.

seeing shopping as a chore by creating a more positive, interactive environment.

Small Business Sobeys’ All-important Role in Building Johanne Leduc's Successful Career Owning a retail store is all about pushing forward, keeping up with trends, calculating strategies, setting new standards and driving innovation.

Besides Johanne's father, who taught her the ins

Johanne thinks today’s retail industry has

become far more diverse than when she first

entered it. There are more women represented

in the sector and many of them are succeeding without having to become “one of the boys” so to speak. Instead, they’re distinguishing

themselves by offering new perspectives and new ideas in their respective roles.

and outs of retail management, there are a few

other people she’s grateful to for her successful career.

Johanne is incredibly lucky to have worked with

teammates and managers at Sobeys who share her values and foster a supportive environment.

She believes Sobeys Inc. (under Empire

Company) has helped her hone her talents and

given her opportunities to advance in her career.

The company has also imparted skills and

knowledge, which helped her advance in her

profession as a retail store owner. She is thankful

to Sobeys for their unwavering support throughout her career.

Johanne Leduc on Overcoming Stigma in a Male-Dominated Industry The age-old notion of "male-domination" in the

retail sector has taken a back seat since Johanne arrived on the scene. She has refused to let this barrier prevent her from pursuing the career of her dreams.

Johanne believes that anyone can achieve

anything and that nothing's off-limits, saying goodbye to cultural and social stigma. As a

leader in the retail sector, she empowers her

female team members because she understands that women have to work together and support each other in order to break down barriers and succeed in their careers.

Johanne Leduc's Special Message to Women on International Women's Day (IWD) 2022 It’s wonderful to see a woman successfully

establish herself in the retail sector, which has

been dominated by men for so long. It takes a certain amount of strength, fearlessness,

intelligence, and confidence to achieve this as Johanne has beautifully demonstrated. Taking

one step at a time, she has become an inspiring role model for other women hoping to build a career in the retail industry.

That is why both Tottenham Foodland and

On this International Women's Day, Johanne

encourage women to believe in themselves.

true to their values. If they know how strong and

Cookstown Foodland are free of gender bias and Johanne has made it a priority to promote women from within so they can feel supported as they grow in their careers.

wants women to be confident in themselves and capable they are, Johanne believes that women everywhere will be able to tackle any obstacle that comes their way.

Your Business Has Been Hacked Now What?

By Diane Amato

A cyber attack on your business isn't so much a question of “if" but “when" these days. Given the shift to virtual work, rapid digitization and an uneasy economic climate, small businesses have become a prime target for hackers. Here's how to steer your business through a breach.

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Many small business owners tend to think of cyber attacks as something that happens mostly to big companies. That’s because reports of multi-national enterprises being hit by hackers dominate the headlines. Unfortunately, the many heartbreaking stories of small business incidents receive far less attention. The reality is, smaller targets can be an easy game, due to (typically) lower levels of IT sophistication, funding and dedicated cyber security staff. Sadly, a cyber attack can be devastating for many small businesses, leading to huge financial costs, significant data loss, operational downtime and/or reputational damage that can be almost impossible to recover from.

Watch for the signs So how do you know your business might have been hacked?

Sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s not. Signs might include something being “off” with your financials, your hardware or software isn’t working right, your passwords don’t work, or you get complaints about your emails (e.g. contacts say they’re getting spam emails you didn’t send.) Cybercriminals are on average in business environments for 200 days before owners realize they have been attacked. However, some incidents are more obvious.

Small Business The key is to respond quickly and efficiently once you detect a breach. The first thing to do when (not if) a cyber-attack happens to you: don’t panic. Take a breath, take stock and walk through the three key stages of crisis management – readiness, response and recovery. This can help your business come out the other side.

Readiness, Response and Recovery: Three Stages of Crisis Management.

While there are many steps you can take to prevent getting hacked, no business is impenetrable. Preparation is actually your best bet to effectively manage and survive a cyber incident. That’s why a good cyber crisis plan can help your team respond quickly and effectively, and minimize harm. While you and your business may be stretched for time and resources now more than ever this year, it’s never been more important.

“Once you’re prepared, you also need to practice,” advises RBC Chief Information Security Officer Adam Evens. “It’s flexing a muscle – you need to do it regularly to make sure that you understand how to operate everything you’re putting into place.”

Stage 1: Readiness So, if you have a plan in place already – and you think you’ve been hacked – now is the time to put it into action. If you don’t, you’ll need to think quickly, so borrow this Cyber Security Crisis Management Template.

At a minimum, your plan should cover these elements: A list of cyber risks, grouped by impact. Know what types of events might affect your organization. For example a lost employee laptop or mobile device, system disruption or data breach. Phishing, ransomware and business e-mail compromise (using a company’s own e-mail accounts to defraud clients or employees) continue to be the biggest threats. Next, categorize their potential level of harm (e.g. critical, high, medium, low). Think about risks from all lenses – including technology, operations, payments, reputation and people.

Remember, risks might not always come from an attack on your business; you could be impacted by attacks on a key supplier, employees or even clients.

Key stakeholders. These are people or companies that could be affected by a cyber event in your business – they may either be impacted by a hack or be in a position to help you through it. It’s a good idea to formally document their names, contact information and role.

How events will be communicated.

How will you reach out to those affected? How much will you tell them, and when?

Communications templates. Time is of the essence in a crisis. It’s wise to prepare communications in advance, taking into consideration various messages, channels and levels of priority.

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Small Business Stage 2: Response Next up, you’ll want to think about how you want to respond and take action – then act.

In this stage, you will need to assess: What happened What is the impact(s) What your plan is in the short-term (minutes and hours), the medium-term (days and weeks) and the long-term (months and years). If you are sufficiently prepared in the first stage, this is a matter of executing the plan you have already developed and practiced.

How and when you’re communicating It’s also at this point that you need to “own the breach,” as Evans says. “Owning the breach is very critical, because you control the messaging, and you act in the interests of your customer and your employee in protecting your business. If you do those things well, you maintain a level of integrity and a level of trust with the community that you service.”

“The odds of businesses getting hit with a cyberattack keep rising. And if you’re hit once, chances are that lightning might strike again. With those odds, incidents are a virtual certainty for most businesses. Business owners have a lot on their minds and juggling many mission-critical priorities this year, but cyber security is just too important to let slide,” Evans added.

Don’t Go It Alone Keep in mind that through every stage of crisis management, you’ll be better positioned for success if you secure help from experts. Consider having a legal team on retainer to provide timely advice, IT experts to set up robust security systems and cyber education specialists to educate your employees.

Stage 3: Recovery In the recovery phase, speed is essential to limit damage and minimize disruption. Once you’ve “secured the scene,” so to speak, you’ll need to assess damage to your technical systems, your finances, your brand, your operations and your stakeholders. You’ll also need to address any regulatory, compliance and legal fallout.

This is also a good time to look closely at how this happened, and take stock of lessons learned. Ask yourself: Has the problem(s) been fixed?

What steps can we take to prevent this from happening again?

Are my employees and suppliers fully educated on the risks and vulnerabilities that exist? Remember, as much of 95% of incidents are caused by human error, such as employees clicking on links, using weak passwords or being tricked into sharing information.

Have any opportunities emerged out of the crisis?

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This article was originally published on RBC’s Discover & Learn blog

A Passion for

Community Drives Home

Hardware Dealer-Owners to Success Since opening its doors in 1937, Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre has been a foundational business in the community of Campbell River, BC. Eighty-four years later, the business remains family-owned and is led by a team of three dynamic women. The combined strengths of Allison Kilby, Theresa Handel and Amber Spring allow them to serve their community under an iconic Canadian brand that supports local entrepreneurs.

When Allison Kilby joined her father as a Dealer-Owner at Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre in 2010, she brought a strong understanding of the business operations from years of being an employee. In 2018, her sister, Theresa Handel, became a Dealer-Owner, bringing her passion for communicating with store staff and the customers they serve. That same year, longtime employee, Amber Spring, completed the trio with her strong office management skills.

“Our individual strengths bring balance and create a stronger leadership team driven by the same objective of supporting the local community that supports us,” said Allison Kilby, Dealer-Owner, Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre.

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Building Together The trio is passionate about providing exceptional service to the people of Campbell River and Home Hardware Stores Limited has the right tools and programs in place to make sure the team can respond to the unique needs of their local community.

“The support Home Hardware provides allows us to operate in a community-minded way,” explains Handel. “Having lived and raised families in Campbell River, our relationship with our customers goes beyond the store.

We are friends, family and neighbours.”

The team at Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre is always stepping up to support Campbell River when help is needed most. Many businesses and organizations, such as the school district, have relied on them for their commercial and janitorial section through the pandemic.

Small Business “Owning a business like ours means you have to be ready to serve at all times. Whether it’s a generator or a part to fix a water pipe, customers don’t just need help between 9:00 and 5:00,” describes Kilby. “We are often the first line of support and take great pride in being there for our customers and employees when they need us, because we know they would do the same for us.”

Locally Owned. Genuinely Canadian.

Those in Campbell River recognize the Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre team as members of their community and appreciate that they are locally owned.

“Our customers tell us that they choose us because we’re local,” says Amber Spring. “And I know many other Home Hardware Dealer-Owners hear that it matters to Canadians that they are supporting home-grown businesses.”

“Home Hardware Stores Limited invests in their DealerOwners’ future, which means they provide great support to us so we can be successful in our marketplace,” details Theresa Handel. “We are one of close to 1,100 locally-owned stores across the country, and each one is tailored to meet the needs of the Canadian community it serves.”

Although the business has been in the family for years, Kilby and Handel worked hard and showed their passion to drive things forward before becoming DealerOwners. This meant working all parts of the business, from cashier to forklift operator and identifying the right fit in Spring to complete their ownership team.

“I have worked in this store since high schools, like Theresa and Alison, and we’ve worked all areas of the business,” states Spring. “We know that if you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes and have the understanding of what your business can do for employees and community, you will go a long way,” said Handel.

“Dad always told us not to ask someone else to do something that we’re not willing to do ourselves,” said Handel. “This mindset has been one of the reasons our employees and customers have historically trusted us.”

Home Hardware’s Dealer-owned model allows each store to customize and localize their product and service offerings. This has fostered a national network of Dealers including Kilby, Handel and Spring, who are excited about growing their business and passionate about the Home culture.

“We have always felt supported by Home Hardware,” said Spring. “They keep us well-informed and provide us with the resources, training and programs that allow us to build our business for our community.”

Historic Change and Future Thinking A lot has changed since the store opened in 1937, but the fundamentals of Pioneer’s success haven’t.

“We are focused on providing our customers with the materials, tools and services they need for all of their home improvement projects,” said Kilby. “The team we work alongside every day makes this possible. As Dealer-Owners, we all agree the three ingredients for our leadership success are patience, empathy and knowledge.”

Representing Home Home Hardware has built a national reputation for putting customers first. Kilby, Handel and Spring are exceptional examples of how independent DealerOwners provide the level of service and knowledge that their community can rely on.

They celebrate their employees and customers in Campbell River and exude the strength and passion for their community that makes them stand out.

The team at Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre represents their Home well.

Everything you need to know about e-signatures From the shop on the corner to Fortune 500 companies

How do electronic signatures work?

digital workplace and putting e-signatures and workflow

This varies depending on the option you're

and everything in between, we’ve been enabling the

together for our customers for years. We’ve seen the

demand for e-signature firsthand, but we wanted to find out more about what’s stopping even wider adoption,

especially in Canada’s small and mid-sized businesses.

We’ve learned that many business owners simply haven’t had exposure to the technology yet, so we’ve put

together an e-signature primer to get you on your way to keeping your business flowing in the office!

using. If you're simply signing a digital

document with a stylus – as you would at

the cash register in most stores today – the image of the signature is captured and appended to the document.

However, more advanced e-signatures use verification technology to ensure that

signatures are authentic and secure. These signatures provide audit trails, encryption

What exactly are electronic signatures?

There are a variety of options that fall under the electronic signature umbrella including:

Signing a document by typing in your name and

and other backend tools to ensure authenticity.

Here is a quick look at how the process works:

some other identifying data, such as your ID number

A document is sent to a person and

via a stylus, or by using your finger on a touchscreen

The user confirms their identity via

Signing a digital document with your actual signature Signing with credentials, which might require

biometrics, password entry or encryption and

coordination with a verified Trust Service Provider (TSP).

The last option is the most secure and recommended for businesses, especially when dealing with contracts or other items that involve compliance.

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requires a signature

solutions like Ricoh e-signature;

biometrics that uses finger or face scans; or signature verification

technology that measures how a person signs their name, including the shape and length of pen strokes and the pressure, used

Is it safe to use digital signatures?

The actual signing process takes place in

hardware security modules (HSMs), which are operated in a secure cloud server

infrastructure. Hardware security modules are special crypto processors that ensure the protection of signatures and software keys. In the case of Ricoh’s e-signature The data about the electronic signature is added to the digital document

The document and the verifiable, trackable signature

continue through the automated workflow for processing as required by the company

How many types of digital signatures are there?

Digital signatures are classified into three categories:

solution, we also use strong data

encryption technologies to provide

reliable data protection for transmission and secure storage of documents while

providing a comprehensive audit trail with date and time stamp; legally valid

signatures and encrypted documents; and customizable authentication methods as per user and transaction security requirements.

Simple: A simple signature is not encrypted and is the least secure

Take the next step

make on a delivery person’s mobile device when you

Trust forms the basis for any exchange of

online to agree that you’ve read a company’s security

A signature is a symbol of that trust when

signature type. Common examples are a signature you

receive a package or something as easy as checking a box policy.

goods, services or propriety information. contracts or other agreements are executed.

Advanced: This signature type is encrypted with a key created by a

TSP that is only accessible to the signer. Data is coded so it's not readable or usable for anyone unless they provide the key. Two-factor authentication of the identity of the signer – such as a code sent in an email or a text – is

sufficient for an advanced signature. Biometric signatures are also in this category. If there is a dispute where you

need to prove the signer’s identity, you’ll need an advanced electronic signature.

Qualified: A qualified signature is the most secure option and is

legally binding in most cases. This kind of e-signature

ensures that the document has not been manipulated because a TSP issued a digital certificate and

authenticated the identity of the signer. Because these

Electronic signatures go even further than traditional pen-and-paper signatures by verifying that a signature is authentic while saving your business time and

reducing costs by expediting business processes.

With digital signatures, your growing business can run more smoothly, get cash in the bank quicker and give you a break from all the paper management – all while meeting any municipal, provincial, federal, industry-specific and international compliance requirements both in terms of information security and data protection.

types of digital signatures are verified and secure, they

often carry as much weight as pen-and-ink signatures.

Ready to kickstart your business?

Let’s talk about e-signatures!

For over 85 years, Ricoh has been singularly

focused on innovation that transforms the way

people work, making them the technology leader they are today. Their products have helped

revolutionize the modern office, enabling people

to work smarter, faster and better than they ever have before.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Ricoh Canada employs approximately 1,500 people

across the country. Though perhaps best known for their printers and other office equipment,

Ricoh has evolved into a total digital solutions

provider for customers of all sizes with solutions

and services addressing everything in the digital workplace from document management and esignatures, to process automation and

communications services, to cybersecurity, cloud and IT infrastructure, as well as office and

A legacy of innovation

industrial print.

With their legacy of innovation, Ricoh continues

Ricoh is always looking to innovate for today’s

focus on empowering digital workplaces.

on, and with expectations that relevant

experience, Ricoh continues to open the door

available. They truly understand the way that

through improvements in workflow and

have driven our interconnectedness —

workplaces, Ricoh creates new possibilities for

caused more workplaces to be digital than at

streamline your labour-intensive processes so

to help individuals work smarter with a laser

world — a world that is interconnected, always-

Combining new ideas and technologies with

information must always be accessible and

to new ways to connect workers to information

people work is changing. The same trends that

communication. By empowering digital

smartphones, tablets, cloud computing — have

Canadian businesses of every size by helping

any other period in history.

you can focus on what’s important: your

This is revolutionizing the business world, giving

customers, and yourself.

a changing workforce more opportunities to

succeed and helping businesses of every size to innovate and grow. Today, computers, laptops,

tablets and phones are all tools of your trade. As a result, you don’t just go to work. You need work to come to you – wherever that may be. This is

the environment that motivates Ricoh to be more than just a technology company and to focus on people — how they truly operate, share and collaborate.

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business goals, your employees, your

Putting people first

Change. For better.

This is where Ricoh truly excels. On a

On a company level, Ricoh Canada works with numerous

certainly a huge organization with vast

Canadian Blood Services to Women of Influence and the

global stage, Ricoh Company is

research and development resources.

However, Canada’s success has been in building personal relationships in local markets where Ricoh employees live,

work and play. This, in great part, is the secret to Ricoh Canada’s success – putting people first. With solutions

specifically designed for small and mid-

organizations nationally from the United Way and

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. Ricoh Canada

employees across the country also actively seek out fun ways to give back all year round. This emphasis on getting involved in their local communities is an

important part of The Ricoh Way, their corporate

philosophy centred around the Ricoh Three Loves: Love your work. Love your neighbour. Love your country.

sized businesses, the technology and

From an environmental perspective, in their ongoing

commitment to local businesses and the

runs a recycling program for all Ricoh equipment sold in

services are a no-brainer. But it’s their

understanding of the unique challenges

faced by Canadian small and mid-sized business owners that enables a well-

resourced company like Ricoh Canada

to relate with and service customers of every size in so many industries.

efforts to redirect waste from landfills, Ricoh Canada

Canada. Through this program, your Ricoh printer will have the non-recyclable parts removed, and the

remaining recyclable elements reduced to pieces

approximately the size of nickel before being separated into various metals and plastics to be used in creating

the material for new products. For every Ricoh machine that is recycled by Ricoh, 98.4% of the machine is recovered in the recycling process.

Imagine. Change.

When asked about their tagline, Ricoh says it’s so much more than just a tagline – it’s an ideology that drives

their relationships in the present and what they use as a guide for the future. Ricoh believes that each word challenges the Ricoh team to unlock the creative

potential inside all of us to dig deeper and dream bigger.

In 2022, Ricoh’s priority is helping you improve employee

productivity, better serve your customers, and grow your business – whatever that looks like for your business. As for tomorrow, that vision is already taking shape in Ricoh’s minds and labs. And as digital workplaces continue to change the way we all work, Ricoh’s

imagination will continue to help you work smarter.

If you’re looking to learn more about how you can

imagine the change in your own business, Ricoh is ready to help. Drop them a line at enquiries@ricoh.ca or visit ricoh.ca today.

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Small Business When someone is as driven, passionate, and

Over the last two decades, Adrianne has been a pioneer

fiercely independent as Adrianne, owning a

within the private investigation industry, tackling the under-

business is a natural career choice. Adrianne is

serviced and emotionally charged sector of clients facing

one of the first women to venture into running

child custody, divorce, infidelity and all other family law

fully licensed, private investigations and security

matters. She established successful investigation programs,

businesses in Canada; and certainly, the lady

surveillance protocols and case management procedures,

with the longest tenure in the role to date. She

ensuring business success and growth year over year since

has led her agency to success repeatedly as a

she launched her business. Her compassionate, relatable

straight-talking, transparent, and

nature is evident through supporting all her clients with life

compassionate leader committed to ensuring

coaching services. Optimizing the expertise and skills found

safety and uncovering compelling evidence that

within the law enforcement industry, Adrianne chose to

reflects the truth. And, supporting individuals as

focus on hiring former and retired detectives and executives

they were forced to face it and the impact it

from police departments across Canada for her investigative

brought into their life. In 2020, Star Quality

team. Not only did this ensure business success right out of

Private Investigations was the proud receipt of

the gate, but she was also able to expand her business

the RBC Small Business of the Year Award. She

quickly to include corporate fraud investigations, risk

credits this recognition to her dedication to

management and security sectors over the years.

helping others, her intense work ethic and her entire team.

Adrianne began her career as a Public Relations Specialist in the Music and Film Industry. She worked for the industry’s most creative professionals who quickly identified her broader scope of capabilities and guided her experience and success beyond public relations to executive protection. Rising quickly to the challenge resulted in her working alongside some of the most legendary celebrities; individuals like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bono, Samuel L. Jackson, and Colin Farrell to share a few. Adrianne’s potential as a savvy businesswoman and multitalented force within the industry made her the ultimate choice to manage executive protection for two World Tours with The Rolling Stones, The 360 Tour with U2, Suicide Squad, Canadian Idol, The Molson Indy, WWE, the G8 and G20.

Her ever-present passion for helping others in their personal growth and achievement led to her certification by Anthony Robbins as a Life Coach. It is the combination of her background in public relations, executive protection and life coaching with her fearless mindset and business insight that culminated in Adrianne stepping into a male-dominated industry; and launching Star Quality Private Investigations.

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Although often characterized as resilient, compassionate, and forthright, I find myself better reflected by two unwavering, ever-present partners in my life; lipstick and obstacles.

My first taste of business came at 10 years of age;

running my own weekly neighbourhood events. This

experience proved to be the first internal signal of my

passion for the leadership role. My choice to follow this

signal, regardless of what I heard from peers, guidance counsellors and general messaging about what my

true place in the world should be, brought significant obstacles. Trusting myself served to guide me over

pushbacks, put-downs and any other form of the many obstacles you will find littering the path through each

stage of one’s business life. “I was one of the first girls to take auto mechanics in high school. But it was only when I put forth the question of why was it more

important for me to know how to sew versus changing

a tire. There was no answer other than “because that’s what girls should do”. I did understand why my gender “should” prevent me from doing anything I was passionate about.”

Small Business Every morning, my first action is selfcare. I lead with self-talk that is kind and full of grace, move through my morning routine to get ready; and then don my superhero trademark, lipstick, before unleashing myself on the work in front of me. But how did I build a ‘wake up and slay the day’ attitude?

My mother is my touchstone of success. She survived the Hungarian revolution and

immigrated to Canada with the contents of a backpack. She didn’t speak English, had no money and had zero work experience.

But what she did have was an outstanding work ethic and a “failure is not an option” motto which would later drive her to

succeed. She role-modelled internal focus

and solution building my entire life. Over the years, I have witnessed and learned from watching her suffer so much loss and

manage so many hardships. Always with

tremendous grace and a rockstar attitude.

Like my mother, there is a legacy of women throughout history whose success in

The dream for my future unfolded into my current role as one of the first, and definitely longest female owner of a thriving private investigations and executive protection company, in Canada. The dream of my heart came true with each birth of my children. For me, being a mother and entrepreneur was always the life purpose that fueled me to succeed in all my endeavours.

Every morning, my first action is self-care. I lead

with self-talk that is kind and full of grace, move

through my morning routine to get ready; and then don my superhero trademark, lipstick, before

unleashing myself on the work in front of me. But how did I build a ‘wake up and slay the day’ attitude?

business is directly tied to their personal

resilience and commitment to themselves.

Not in that ego-centric and cold-hearted

manner. There is magic in how they handled the disruptions along their journey; through inner guidance while keeping their eye on their goals.

They remained committed to what they felt, or knew, in their gut. Call it women’s

intuition, gut feeling or spidey-sense…they remain faithful to their soul. Society often lures us away from this simple source of

self-guidance to external guidance filled

with labels, and teachings from numerous messages; none that serve the power innately within a person to elevate

themselves into a thriving individual.

Small Business Also, while learning the stories of women who

This classic statement from Marilyn Monroe

materialized. They saw the obstacle, not the gender

entrepreneurial positions experience throughout

blazed trails before me, a common approach

of the perpetrator who put the obstacle in front of

them. This shift of perception in defining their next steps removes the societal aspects, reduces, or

even removes, emotional response and permits a

clear-minded, best practice approach to get to the set goals.

The work involved in living your business life by this

literally describes the obstacles people in

their journey. Monroe’s “the glass is half full”

outlook puts a positive narrative of accepting

change as a way of the universe redirecting us.

Many people attribute their success to this motto and share with others that change always

happens for a reason even if you don’t see it right away.

playbook is challenging and motivating. Solution

There is a simple protocol I follow when I am in a

challenging moments, BREATHE through any initial

in any one situation for longer than five minutes.

building is at the core of surpassing obstacles. In reaction. Business neutral is the emotional power position to decision making and then use the

adrenaline to fuel your focus. Take 5 percent of

your time to identify and release the actual bulls**t in the situation, then focus 95 percent on defining the details for required solutions.

“chaos co-ordinator” mindset. I do not get stuck I hold myself accountable to the 95/5 rule. Five percent on the obstacle, 95 percent on various

solutions. Part of your success is innately being committed to the journey, regardless of the

external impacts. Drawing on independence and internal confidence. While the amazing women

before my time shattered glass ceilings, I strive to be one of the outstanding women that help

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” ~Marilyn Monroe

rebuild these ceilings with a rainbow of coloured glass for all to walk on together, regardless of

gender. I hope these efforts leave an updated

playbook for others to navigate. There might also be the occasional curse word along the way, but that happens to all of

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The Perfect Print and Digital Work Solution for Small Businesses Print technology is now a hub of productivity that can

accelerate business-critical processes and take mundane or repetitive tasks out of the hands of employees. With all

the features that come with today’s print devices, and the growing need for SMEs to adopt more digital-first

practices, the time has never been better to leverage the power of a printer and the services of a legacy print provider.

As the Canadian economy eases and offices reopen, it’s time for small businesses to think about how they’ll

continue to grow in the most digital market yet. Naturally,

we can agree that tech adoption can help – but it doesn’t have to involve complicated or out-of-reach solutions (think: AI, machine learning, or even robotics).

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In fact, digital maturity can start with simple, everyday technology almost everyone is familiar with: printers.

Small Business Print technology has come a long way

from what it once was, and today’s office

printers do more than just print and scan.

They’re now a hub of productivity that can accelerate business-critical processes and take mundane or

repetitive tasks out of the hands of

THE SOLUTION Ricoh’s OneSolution is a subscription-based print, scan

and document workflow plan that simplifies print-related operations for small businesses. Every bundle comes with:

employees. If that wasn’t enough, they

also self-update when it’s time for new

features, applications and upgrades. But

empowering your small business isn’t just about the cutting-edge technology that comes with these devices. Your print

A Ricoh multifunction print device Installation and connectivity set-up Automatic toner ordering and delivery

partner can help reduce running costs,

Remote services monitoring

administrative/operational headaches,

Automatic updates for new features, applications,

prevent security threats, minimize

and ultimately contribute to greater employee productivity.

That’s why Ricoh created OneSolution: a

hardware+software+service subscription plan designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses.

and upgrades Remote monitoring and onsite support service Cloud-based document workflow services (available on most plans)

Small Business HOW IT WORKS

HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS?

Based on business needs or office set-up, you

As an all-inclusive and subscription-based

packages: Home Starter, Standard Office, and

predictability of one easy and affordable

can choose from the three available bundle Advanced Office.

The Home Starter plan is ideal for small

businesses with 1 to 3 people looking for simple printing and scanning without the headache of printer maintenance or management.

For small and mid-sized businesses that have

more users and need more advanced features

such as document workflow services, there are the Standard Office (4-15 users) & Advanced

print solution, small business owners get the monthly invoice that doesn’t involve

complicated meter-reads or print-related expense reconciliation.

Flexible plans and contract terms mean you

pay only for what you need when you need it

without having to worry about the unexpected

costs. And as your business grows, so too can your plan with service upgrades available anytime you need them.

Office (15+ users) bundles.

With so much else on your mind as you grow

With Ricoh’s cloud-based, document workflow

remember is to order toner. Ricoh’s OneSolution

services, employees can easily digitize paper

documents like invoices, forms, and even mail into editable and searchable digital formats.

Both onsite and remote employees can access digitized information whenever they need it,

your business, the last thing you’ll need to

has automatic toner replenishment built right

into each bundle so that whether you’re printing shipping labels, new menus, or financial

reports, you’re never stuck with a blank page.

safely and securely with mobile printing,

Finally, no matter which bundle is right for your

Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive for Business.

latest print technology that is secure, reliable

scanning into popular cloud apps, such as

Routing to multiple destinations and people

becomes simpler, less time-consuming for your team freeing them up to focus on more important responsibilities.

business, you’ll always have access to the and efficient. And we’ll even take care of

delivery, installation and device set-up so you can get started right away.

If you’re looking to make doing business easier consider upgrading or replacing your current print device. Now is a great time to save money and work smarter.

Learn more about OneSolution print bundles here.

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Marked annually in the month of March, International Women's Day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements and raise awareness about women's equality. It celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

CanadianSME is proud to celebrate all women and their achievements this Women's Day, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.

To make the world a better place where there exists no discrimination, stereotypes or bias, the theme for International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias.Acknowledging and combating bias, whether conscious or unconscious, plays a crucial role in advancing the equity, diversity and inclusion agenda that is so important to a country's overall growth and development.

International Women's Day is an opportunity to expand and amplify the work already being done in purpose-driven organizations, universities, colleges, and schools to label and respond to such prejudice.

There is a message for you! In this March issue, we celebrate women entrepreneurs and leaders from across Canada. These amazing ladies share their thoughts on what it takes to be an entrepreneur in today's world--and how YOU can get started with your own business right now! Check out 50+ inspiring messages inside these pages Let us recognize, honour and celebrate the important and impressive achievements of women globally. We hope to make a positive difference for women!

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

Minister Mary Ng Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

While the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women, they faced systematic barriers long before it. For the past six years, our government has taken action to move the dial on gender

equality with historic investments including $10-a-day childcare, paid parental leave, legislating pay equity and combating gender-based violence. Our $6 billion Women Entrepreneurship

Strategy is removing systemic barriers and supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners with access to financing and resources.

We are breaking down barriers for underrepresented women through Canada’s first Black

Entrepreneurship Program and the $100-million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund. These

investments aren’t just the right things to do; they’re the smart thing to do. Fully including women

could add up to $150 billion to our economy. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating all women have achieved on so many fronts and looking forward to supporting their future success.

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

This International Women’s Day is a great time to recognize the

value that women entrepreneurs present to Canadian cultural and economy. The determination, resolve, and boldness of women entrepreneurs continue to overcome the barriers that women

face, but there is still much to be done. In the 47 years of UPS

Canada history, I am the first female President and I know far too well what it means to break the bias and break barriers in a traditionally male dominated industry. The ever-changing

landscape happening around women in non-traditional roles is reaching new heights and reinforcing the notion that we really can do anything we put our minds to. As women, we are

shattering glass ceilings every day and it’s important we continue to support one another and recognize that when one of us

succeeds we all succeed. Take the limits off what you think you can do and remain unstoppable!

Stephanie Dexter President UPS Canada

As a woman in the technology sector, I know the importance of setting our future women entrepreneurs up for success. While I

have seen great strides over the years, I recognize the continued

struggles women face in business. Women, in particular, have often shouldered the burden of working from home challenges over the last two years, but as we step into a new year and celebrate

International Women's Day, I want to acknowledge and celebrate

the accomplishments of women business owners and employees. I also want to encourage companies to continue to support and

empower women to achieve success at work, at home and in their

communities. This IWD, I want women to feel empowered to achieve their business goals and succeed at whatever they put their minds to.

Mary Peterson

Vice President, IT & Enterprise Solutions Samsung Electronics Canada

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

As women, we have been conditioned to expect that those across from us are going to judge us unfairly and be biased toward us because of our gender. We live life with our guard up and hide our authentic selves because we fear we aren’t good enough.

While bias is a systemic issue with multiple layers to unravel, that should not be an excuse to live with the status quo. Women need

to ditch the expectation of bias, and instead lead with confidence in what we know we are capable of. Only once we start to break the power that bias has over us can we begin meaningful dialogue on the path forward.

Arlene Dickinson CEO at Venturepark

Since joining the Federal Economic Development Agency for

Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), I have been inspired by stories

of women entrepreneurs who lead companies across all sectors of our economy.

Having worked at Women and Gender Equality Canada, I know the

importance of advancing gender equality as it relates to economic participation and prosperity. To that end, FedDev Ontario is proud

to support women-led businesses and not-for-profit organizations across southern Ontario so that they have access to the tools they need to succeed.

For example, nearly 17,000 women (from all backgrounds) in southern Ontario have been supported through the Women

Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund. We will continue to

build on these efforts to help achieve an equitable and diverse economic future for all Canadians.

Watch our social media channels and our website as we highlight women entrepreneurs through the month of March.

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Nancy Gardiner President, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Adrianne Fekete Owner, Star Quality Enterprises Inc.

History is full of incredible, working women.

Shattering glass-ceilings in male-dominated industries before the term existed, most were not recognized at the time of their success, nor to this day.

Pull a handful of their stories together and discover consistent elements behind their success. Firstly, they loved what they were doing. Secondly, they were devoted to always doing what they loved. They were focused on getting it done and done well.

They believed they should be doing it, regardless of obstacles. They approached obstacles as invited challenges to their talent, skills, and ingenuity; so that they may improve their craft. Lastly, they worked as though they were surrounded by people, not genders, paying little heed to the deterring efforts of others. These women wrote the playbook for today's women in business, demonstrating their efforts to remain true to their vision and themselves. Embrace their playbook, fearlessly and passionately. #BreakTheBias

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

My message to women entrepreneurs this International Women's Day is simple: “If a door won’t open, kick it down.”

We are seeing signs of this already. Over the last decade, the growth

of women-owned enterprises in Canada has been stronger than men’s in terms of business counts and employment.

We also know that diverse entrepreneurs – racialized women,

Indigenous women, women with disabilities, and those who are nonbinary or have different gender identities – face unique barriers.

Canada needs you. We know that Canada’s economic recovery will largely be driven by entrepreneurs launching and scaling new

enterprises. Closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship could add up to $81 billion to Canada’s GDP.

We will continue kicking doors down with you to #BreakTheBias. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to creating more

Michelle Eaton

Vice President of Public Affairs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and to building more inclusive workplaces and labour market participation.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, #BreaktheBias shines a light on what WBE Canada has been working towards

since 2009 - creating equitable opportunities for women's business enterprises. During the pandemic, businesswomen showed us that they are resilient, innovative, resourceful and determined in their road to success. While WBE Canada celebrates the growing

number of large corporations and governments focusing on

diversity and inclusion in their supply chains, with the same breath I must say that more organizations need to commit to ending the long-standing culture that has shut women, entrepreneurs, out.

There is still a lot of work to be done to level the playing field for

women-owned businesses, and WBE Canada will continue to push for more diverse spending in corporate and government supply chains, especially now as we look at the economic recovery in Canada.

Silvia Pencak

President & CEO, WBE Canada

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

The first official International Women’s Day (IWD) was in 1911 over

a century ago. A report from the World Economic Forum indicates

we have another century to go until we have global gender equity.

While we celebrate IWD, we all have a role to play in breaking the bias.

Focus on self-growth and support those around you in their

efforts to become better versions of themselves. In leadership, emulate respect, look for balance and equity, and empower women to amplify their voices. Celebrate successes.

I often reflect on my role as an Indigenous woman leading a

national organization. I was raised to believe I could do and be

anything I wanted based on hard work alone. Unfortunately, my

experience contradicts that belief. However, my experience is also what drives me to advocate for change. I choose to challenge myself more often, to use my platform to speak up against

Tabatha Bull

stereotypes, to provoke thought and push for change where I am able. I encourage you to do the same.

President and CEO Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

I’d love to say bias and discrimination don’t exist and that we’ve

come to a point where it doesn’t need to be challenged, but sadly that is not yet the case. In business and in life, many

underrepresented people and groups are still in search of

inclusivity. And for as long as it continues to remain out of reach, then we must all stand up, challenge the status quo, remove artificial barriers, and #breakthebias.

Sheri Somerville CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

This International Women’s Day, I am continually inspired by the

contributions and achievements of the women around me – and

by their limitless strength, perseverance, and resilience, especially amidst the continued barriers that impact women in our society

and economy. Together, we solve big problems, create jobs, and make our communities immeasurably stronger.

Yet as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, there is still much work to do to ensure equality for all women. The theme for this

year’s IWD calls for us to work together to #BreaktheBias, and to

pave the path to gender parity. Each of us has the capability, and the imperative, to be agents of change – to speak up for

inclusion, serve as an ally, and ensure the representation of women in our organizations and communities.

The time to build an equal future is now. This is a job for everyone – and for the benefit of everyone.

Lisa Lansdowne-Higgins Senior Vice President, Business Transformation and Deposits RBC Royal Bank of Canada

As the daughter of small business owners, I saw firsthand the

incredible amount of work that goes into running a business. In the face of many obstacles, preconceived notions, and a global

pandemic, the women entrepreneurs of Canada have persevered and paved the way for future generations of women-owned

businesses. Today and every day, I celebrate the great strides

these women have made in helping break long-held biases while

solemnly recognizing that there is still lots of work left for us to do.

Recognizing and amplifying the achievements of Canada’s womenowned small businesses is an essential part of that effort.

Faye Pang

Canada Country Manager for Xero

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

It may seem a transient moment on our calendars, but

International Women's Day represents more than an annual

spotlighting of women's achievements and contributions. It's a call to action; a reminder that we are on a journey to create a world where women can reach their full potential in any arena

without having to create a different version of themselves. I recall learning to drink scotch and memorializing sports happenings to enter the proverbial male circle.

Organizations of every stripe benefit when women have the

support to bring their talents, experiences, perspectives, and

identities to bear at every opportunity. I believe this because I live this. I've seen the impact that my KPMG colleagues make when they're genuinely seen, heard, and valued. I see my daughter

thrive when she has the space to be her authentic self. While

we've come a long way in making those spaces, there’s still work to be done. If I had to make one statement to the women of

Katie Bolla

Canada it would be ‘You are enough’.

Partner, Customer and Digital Experiences, Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Consumer and Retail Industry Lead at KPMG

International Women’s Day is an important moment to honour women and celebrate our social, economic, and cultural

achievements. I’ve worked in human resources for more than two decades. My career affords me an intimate and encouraging

perspective on how women have become better represented at all

levels of the workforce. On March 8th let’s acknowledge and reflect

on this progress, but let’s also understand how much further we still have to go. We want our communities to celebrate and increase diversity, not dismiss it. We want our workplaces to accelerate

progress, not impede it. Therefore, we must continue to demand gender equity from all areas of our society. It’s on all of us to #BreakTheBias.

Stace Archer

North America HR Director, Lenovo

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has been devastating for Canadian women’s careers, with the effects particularly stark for those juggling family life, women from racialized communities,

newcomers to Canada and aspiring female entrepreneurs.

According to a study commissioned by HP, in the past year, 52

percent of men in Canada were more likely to be successful in

getting a promotion compared to 29 percent of women who were equally qualified. This must change.

Studies make clear, female business leaders outperform,

particularly during times of crisis. Gender-balanced leadership teams are better for a company’s bottom line and women are

rated by their colleagues as more competent on almost every dimension of leadership. Female leaders are everyday

superheroes, and we should do everything we can to support them as they inspire future generations and create positive change.

Mary Ann Yule

HP Canada, President and CEO

Women entrepreneurs remain underrepresented in the startup

ecosystem because they often lack access to the resources they need. The pandemic has amplified these structural barriers and have made it even harder for women-led businesses to access capital and scale. But that doesn’t stop us! Women have a

remarkable ability to persevere and innovate through challenging times.

At Google, we created the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders program to help address gender disparity in the tech startup ecosystem. We’ve made a conscious effort to connect these founders with other women in leadership positions and

venture capital, in order to help build and scale our community of women leaders in Canada.

My advice to women entrepreneurs - build your network, lean on

your network and support your network. Seek mentorship and tap into the relationships you’ve built as you continue to overcome obstacles and unlock new opportunities. Don’t go it alone!

Ashley Francisco Head of Startup Developer Ecosystems, Google Canada

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Too much of our world was designed without women in mind –

and without women involved. Even today, inequality and exclusion still hold women back. As women, it’s up to us to #BreakTheBias.

Whether you’re an established business owner or an entrepreneur just starting out, remember that there’s value in your unique perspectives and that your voice matters.

It’s critical that we don’t lose sight of the importance of being a collective and not only supporting but amplifying other women.

Raising each other up and channelling the power of collaboration is truly how we’ll effect change. When we support women

entrepreneurs, we’re not only supporting the economy – we’re

making a difference in people’s lives and driving change within our communities, society, and the world. Let’s all feel energized about how our diverse backgrounds can unlock powerful ideas and how we can reshape the way our world is constructed.

Shawna Miller

Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Mastercard in Canada

On International Women's Day, we honour the accomplishments and efforts of self-identified women and gender-diverse role

models who have shaped our history and are building the future.

As someone who is passionate about female empowerment, I’ve

seen first-hand how it leads to personal, professional and cultural advancement. Today is also a chance to stand together and advocate for a world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Advancing gender equality and breaking biases. That’s change. For better.

Laura McGowan

Marketing Director, Ricoh Canada

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Our strength as women lies in our diversity, our complexity and the medley of our lived experience. Yet still, too often, we’re viewed as

a monolith with a single set of ideas and a common worldview. On

this global day of recognition, my hope is for a time when women’s individualities and intrinsic differences are celebrated as the cornerstones of a more equitable future.

Priya Chopra

Founder & President, 1Milk2Sugars

Being a female founder brings a unique set of challenges to the table. It requires us to be resilient, hustle and creative in all

aspects of our business. Irrespective of those challenges, it has

meant being the hardest working person in the room, and always

being over-prepared for every opportunity, as preparation equates to confidence. My advice for female founders would be to

advocate for themselves because no one else is going to. Often, women may feel afraid of being too self-promotional or

opinionated. We are the CEOs of our own brand, so raise your hand, take the plunge, and take credit for your ideas. Nobody else has any more or less of a right to be doing exactly what you are.

Instead of trying to fit into the glass slipper, we should try to

shatter the glass ceiling by becoming the CEO that our mothers always dreamed we would marry.

Fatima Zaidi

CEO and Founder of Quill Inc.

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

The leader of the future leads with vulnerability, leans on her team, and works to raise and celebrate those around her. She surrounds herself by those who respect her enough to do the same; cheer

her on when she’s winning and give her the honest truth, no matter how hard it is to hear, when she needs it. Leaders who act human and show they are human are the ones who build the strongest cultures, the most trusting teams, and as a result, the most

resilient organizations. Be unapologetically honest, courageous,

and most importantly, be you. Let’s embrace the future and each other. This is the time for women to shine!

Gillian Stein CEO of Henry’s

As a female entrepreneur, I love watching other women step into

what is traditionally known as male-dominated industries. I never thought I would own a marina, yet here I am. My Without Losing Your Cool brand; writing books, creating merch, journals and

affirmation love notes for kids was what one might say is a “more

fitting” business. But I have to tell you the joy, and excitement I feel

like a leader in my lake community by operating a marina is deeply rewarding. I encourage all women to grab a hold of their

aspirations, the things that excite them and ignite a fire within

them even if all that resides in what some might consider a “male

business”. Live true to your life’s purpose and your soul’s desires no matter what the outside world might think of it. You only get one

kick at this thing called life. Embrace it fully, take chances, and live it without regret!

Shantelle Bisson

Author, Producer, Parenting Expert, Founder of Shantilly’s Place

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

The steps you take on the entrepreneurial journey are not linear and will likely not be as you planned for, or even imagined. You need to wake up every day in a mental state prepared for

creation, deep listening to your intuition and compassion. Being able to relax and attract and nurture the development and

expression of what some may consider softer skills is incredibly important to being a successful entrepreneur. My best advice

would be to seek out and consistently apply daily practices to unlock and unblock these natural strengths of femininity that complement leadership and the entrepreneurial path.

The entrepreneurial path is not an easy one, but rewarding when it's something you're passionate about.

Kristin Grad

Founder of La Bonne Fille

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is empowering people to challenge bias. Women have made important gains, but to transform businesses, we need more women in leadership

positions for their unique and creative skills and values. I’ve been

fortunate to have women role models that pushed boundaries and built brands with a purpose. In my experience, it has been

important to work with companies that value women and our

contributions, especially as they leave the world a better place for future generations. I find that when there is synergy between interests, it empowers us to make bold choices and create

meaningful opportunities. I look forward to continuing to push these boundaries with Flow Beverages, as we continue to disrupt the

beverage category while serving as a role model for future women leaders.

Krissie Millan

Chief Marketing Officer at Flow Water

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

I have grown up in the world of real estate, and being a South

Asian female, I have been faced with biases over factors that I

can’t control – factors that I was born with and factors that also

make me proud of who I am. I have always been underestimated, judged with a framework that is not equitable to others in the same room, and treated differently. Choose to look at these

aspects as a challenge, an opportunity to make yourself stronger, better, faster. Choose to make it an advantage! And I choose to ensure all women around me feel empowered – whether that means giving them an extra boost of confidence in times of

doubt, or holding their hand through a challenge, I want women to feel unstoppable and strong in their convictions.

Reetu Gupta

Ambassadress & Principal at The Gupta Group

It's important to challenge the bias this International Women's Day and every day. Having owned and operated my own business for 20 years, there have been many times that I've both seen and

experienced biases in the industry. Breaking down those barriers

was both challenging and rewarding. Know that growing a business takes time and patience. Be yourself, YOU are your own

superpower. Embrace what makes you unique, always trust your

gut instinct, and strive to break the glass ceiling - better yet, live

life like there is no ceiling. And live it without paying any attention to any bias.

Natasha Koifman President of NKPR

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

As a surgeon, I have experienced firsthand gender inequality, unjust workplaces and non-inclusive environments. Always

remember, a life well-lived is one that is about something bigger than yourself. So pay it forward, do something for others. Build a life that weaves the fabric of care. There is so much value in

supporting and investing in women. Not only can we have a huge impact on someone’s life but also, by encouraging more women

to achieve leadership roles we can create a gender-equal world that’s healthier, wealthier and more harmonious. It is not just

important but our obligation to reduce inequity, and to pass the torch to new generations to continue to create active change.

Most importantly, we have to help each other be resilient.

Dr. Tina Meisami

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Founder of Dr. Borna Meisami Commemorative Foundation

Too often, women are placed in professional silos based on

stereotypical gender roles. To #BreakTheBias, society needs to come together and lift women up for their accomplishments

without an underlying tone of surprise. For over a decade, I've

worked in the interior design industry and also mastered skills in building and renovation. I’ve always been passionate about the

business of home, yet it often surprises people that I can lead an

entire re-build. Across industries, there is an opportunity to mend distorted notions of what women are capable of… we can do anything we put our mind to!

Ali Budd

President and Creative Director, Ali Budd Interiors

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Sometimes #breakingthebias also means forging equality, even

within your own gender. In one of my corporate jobs, I was part of a female-centric ‘boys club’ environment, which proved

debilitating for my career. It hindered my growth as an employee who worked hard and devoted long hours to prove myself to my female boss and the wider executive team.

It took great courage and strength for me to #breakthebias,

resign from my position and become an entrepreneur seven years ago. Since then, I’ve aimed to empower other women and share my voice to uplift female entrepreneurs in my industry.

Real estate is a very competitive business and I believe that we,

as women, should not only value and celebrate our success and accomplishments, but also genuinely support one another.

Amy Youngren

Founder and Sales Representative, North Group

International women’s day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in the business sector and in realizing equality of opportunity. This is especially important for black

women entrepreneurs who, because of their gender and skin colour, face additional obstacles.

If I had one message to give women entrepreneurs, it would be the following: If a good society includes all women entrepreneurs, an equal society is one where women entrepreneurs lead in the

struggle to break biases, stereotypes, and discrimination. Women

entrepreneurs can advance the cause of women’s rights, and they should not hesitate to seize that opportunity.

They should not wait for society or institutions to break those

barriers for them, but they should seize every possibility to break these barriers themselves. After all, this is what women have

always done to ensure that we live in a more just and equal world.

Tiffany Callender

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

CEO, FACE (The Federation of African Canadian Economics)

If you're in a situation where you find yourself discouraged with

self-limiting beliefs - downplaying your expertise, your experience and your value, I want you to counteract those fears by asking yourself by asking "Why not?"

Asking yourself "Why not?" will help you to free yourself from those self-defeating tendencies and help you turn that fear into your friend.

Vivian Kaye

Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki

On International Women’s Day, we must recognize the barriers that women around the world continue to struggle against. Particularly, the lack of women in leadership limits the presence of female voices in important decisions and contributes to related

inequalities, such as the gender pay gap. Leadership inequality is therefore a key area of focus when it comes to changing the narrative for women’s representation more generally.

I believe that leadership is about paving the way for other leaders.

As an entrepreneur, my goal has always been to build a business

that is a platform for change, and at BBTV we’ve proudly had a 0% pay gap over the past 5 years, and have 40% female-identifying

employees and managers across the business. We hope to inspire

future leaders of all kinds, and while we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go.

Shahrzad Rafati

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Chairperson and CEO of BBTV

Now more than ever, women are empowered and inspired to take up space and to be celebrated for their accomplishment and impact in our society. Our world thrives and expands on the

inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences. Furthermore, recent studies have examined how companies that have more

women in leadership positions, led to more profitable and socially responsible organizations. As a woman who was the former

President of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, the

current VP of Operations at FACE and the Founder and President

of the consulting firm, Untold & Co Agency, I want all women to be reminded that who you are is enough and to never forget the inner power that being a woman brings you.

Christelle Francois

The current VP of Operations at FACE and the Founder and President of the consulting firm, Untold & Co Agency

International Women's Day is owned collectively by anyone and everyone who believes in establishing a gender-equal world.

Interrupted by global strife and the pandemic, gender equality has already been set back by a generation. Today, women lead

governments in only 22 of 195 countries. Only 7% of Fortune 500 companies are boardrooms led by women. For a better, more

sustainable future we must build workplaces and communities that empower women and girls. We must give all a voice and welcome

all as equal players in decision-making. When women comprise or

influence 85% of consumer purchases, why do women see only 30% of brands' advocacy as a means to drive sales? Why are only 30% of the world’s STEM researchers women? Why are women globally

still paid 23% less globally? Let’s collectively create positive change to close the gender gap and empower women to have a voice

today for a sustainable future tomorrow. It is important that we are all aware of biases that can exist unknowingly, recognize and acknowledge them. Together, we can all break the bias – on

International Women's Day and beyond. Let's inspire greatness together.

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Shannon Lewis President, Canadian Media Directors' Council

Another thing that I have learned since I opened the company is the

power of creating a strong network of advisors, peers and providers of services that are focused on supporting small and medium-sized

businesses and their growth. Knowing that you are not alone and that you have people willing to partner with your business and help in this, oftentimes, the solitary journey is key to building a strong and sustainable business.

Stay strong, stay the course. You can do it!" Happy International Women’s Day!

Jamile Cruz

Founder and CEO of I&D 101

Every stride we make, every door we open, creates an opportunity that

might not have been there before for another woman. Believe that you can, and hold onto that so tightly, as your belief in yourself has to be

so much stronger than anything else including others’ opinions. And do it for you, not to prove anyone else wrong, but to prove yourself right.

Chau Lui

Co-owner Paris Jewellers

One woman in the trades is an Army, simple. There were very

courageous and audacious women before me, who, if I use a house as

an analogy… bust through the front door, creating a path for myself and for future generations to walk through that door, lift the windows to let that old stink out, all in order to set a new standard and status-quo filled with acceptance, love, inclusivity, and resiliency.

Mandy Rennehan The Blue Collar CEO | CEO & Founder of Freshco

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Know Yourself - Believe in yourself and your vision, even if no

one else does. It’s ok to try and retry and iterate and reiterate.

Take time to rest. A rested mind and body sometimes is the fuel you need to take your business further. A healthy body leads to a healthy business. Make sure you include exercise, stay

hydrated, include healthy fats and sleep. A healthy body leads to a healthy business.

Know your customer - Make sure you’re creating your products

and services with your ideal customer in mind, not what you like or think they’ll like. Make sure to look at your product or service from the perspective of your clients from as many angles as

possible and check in with them for feedback from time to time to make sure your product or service is satisfying their needs.

Andria Barrett

Prediabetes Nutritionist & Founder of The Diversity Agency

International Women’s Day is an interesting time to reflect,

especially in light of this year’s theme #breakthebias. I am an

immigrant, one who was brought to this country at a young age by amazing parents. Parents who toiled so that their children could

have the life they couldn’t. Parents who taught me that education, hard work and curiosity would carry me far. This is what I think

about when asked to deliver a message to women on this day of celebration. I give you the advice that my parents gave me: in

Canada your intelligence, curiosity, and drive are what will carry

you to great heights. When given an opportunity, grab it and find

your passion within it. Passion will bring you satisfaction and joy in both your career and life. Happy International Women’s Day!

Shenela Tavarayan Senior Manager in charge of the Small Business portfolio at Interac

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

To the businesswomen, entrepreneurs and MOMTREPRENEURS. I’ve been inspired by various women and I’d love to thank them for

helping me move beyond the stereotypes and follow my dreams! On this international women’s day, choose yourselves! #Breakthebias

@MartineTurcotte @KarineMoses @VéroniqueCloutier, @OdyGiroux, @MartineSaulnier, @ChloéBoissonnault @IsabelleHudon

@MarlèneSimard @IsabelleFoisy @JocelyneMorrissette and my friend @AnnieAnglehart

To me, becoming an entrepreneur is choosing freedom. I made the

choice to have a career and to move to a new city so I could follow my dreams in order to launch a business as a mother of two. We

have the freedom to achieve our dreams, respect ourselves and in

turn help, influence and inspire others. For international women’s day, I invite you to join me in sharing your story to break the bias.

Catherine Lavoie

Certified Business Coach and owner of ActionCoach Performance

As a businesswoman in a male-dominated industry, I’ve juggled with a variety of stereotypes; be it my physical appearance or my

emotional nature, my self-esteem was shaken repeatedly but I’ve never played the victim. I rose above it. ‘I am the master of my

destiny’, as we say at ActionCOACH. Thanks to mentors, coaches and authentic women, I’ve been inspired and uplifted. I have zeroed in on my strength, emotional intelligence, and made it work for me.

Let’s be proud of our differences, of who we are and of our

backgrounds and values. Those are the things that make us stand

out from the crowd. My sensitivity made me who I am and it’s thanks to that little voice deep inside, my intuition, that I have the courage, the confidence, and the determination to take action and achieve the freedom I was dreaming of.

Join me and #breakthebias

Don’t waste your time waiting for all the answers. The truth is, you

will never get them nor do you need them. Trust your instinct, take a few risks, and move forward with purpose.

Jamie Savage

Founder of The Leadership Agency

Celebrating International Womens Day 2022

Is SR&ED the right choice for your Business?

Can Ayming help fund your innovation with SR&ED tax credits?

The Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credit Program offers Canadian Businesses some of the most lucrative tax credits in the world. This program provides more than $3 billion to over 20,000 claimants annually, making it the single largest federal program to support innovation in Canada. Are you sure you’re claiming every eligible dollar you may be entitled to?

Overseen by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this tax incentive provides funding for companies performing Research & Development (R&D) work in Canada. These tax incentives come in three forms: an income tax deduction, an investment tax credit (ITC), and, in many cases, a refund.

Contrary to popular belief, almost any company of any size can qualify to receive SR&ED because R&D work can easily be integrated into everyday business activities. Your business may already be doing work that qualifies for SR&ED tax credits, such as:

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Developing a new manufacturing process or product.

Developing new software for your business or for your client.

Focusing on improving existing products or processes.

Incurring costs related to a project, prototype or process that is incomplete because of technical problems.

Improving your competitive advantage.

Developing innovative solutions.

Improving current technology.

Research & development.

Activities relating to engineering, design, modelling, data collection, testing or new development work of any kind.

Small Business Why Ayming as your SR&ED partner?

Ayming Canada’s team of SR&ED experts boasts over 200 years of combined experience. They are best positioned to ensure that you are not leaving any money on the table while submitting strong and defendable claims.

Ayming offers flexible engagement options, giving you the ability to choose the best service that meets your needs. We can tailor our agreements depending on the level of involvement you require.

Ayming secures $1.5 billion annually for its clients, and here are just a few more reasons why partnering with us can provide substantial financial benefits to your company:

1,100+ R&D experts serving our clients globally.

We provide full support in the case of an SR&ED audit or review, at no extra charge.

Ability to service companies of all sizes, including earlystage and start-ups with our proprietary SR&ED Express offer.

Ayming Canada’s highly experienced delivery teams boast over 200+ years of combined SR&ED experience and over 50+ years of combined grants experience, meaning you partner with true subject matter experts who are invested in your success.

With Ayming, clients do not have to wait for the government agencies to process their SR&ED applications in order to receive money immediately. Ayming has an exclusive fund of $150 million which provides accelerated access to your funding through our attractive financing offer.

We are able to double the funding we bring to our clients with our combined SR&ED and grant offer.

Our proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-driven database of grants provides real-time access to thousands of programs, including a custom snapshot of all federal and provincial grants currently available to your specific business.

Readily available references from all industries.

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The SR&ED program provides billions of dollars in support to Canadian businesses of all sizes and varying industries.

Are you interested in learning which SR&ED tax credits your business may be eligible for?

Call us today to see how our Canadian team of experts with over 200 years of combined SR&ED experience can assist you.

Contact Ayming at https://www.ayming.ca

Why Small Businesses Need Enterprise-Grade Network Infrastructure Purchasing retail might be cheaper, but it will not meet one's business needs.

Networking Challenges Faced by Small Businesses

Your small business might not be a Fortune 500 company, but that does not mean you can afford to settle for inferior IT equipment or processes. If you are running a small business, the temptation to save can be overwhelming. However, your margins are tight, and you need to control spending. In addition, your resources are limited, and you can only afford a few employees who may not have state-of-the-art expertise. So, like many small businesses, you may try to operate as cheaply as possible.

One of the leading IT companies in Canada, CDW Canada, when speaking with their clients, detected five significant networking challenges faced by Canadian small and medium-sized businesses today:

Whether due to a shortage of professional IT skills or not having the right channel access, most small businesses tend to purchase their networking equipment from local IT vendors or retail stores. Nevertheless, using a router rather than a wireless access point may not be the best solution for your business. That just isn't good enough in terms of security and privacy anymore.

As small businesses develop, they need more robust and sophisticated networks to support an increasing number of applications and users. One just cannot compromise with IT and security management.

This informative article will walk you through the necessity of enterprise-grade networking equipment and why choosing it will be the most sound decision of your life. Companies like CDW Canada help design a structure that fits the needs of your business and will provide you with the technology that you deserve to shine bright in the future.

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WiFi Issues If the Wi-Fi signal is not strong enough, it will affect employees and customers who may be accessing one's network. And when Wi-Fi networks do not have sufficient power running via routers, the network becomes unstable. Do your staff have the required skill set to install hardware and cabling and manage logs and firmware updates?

Small Business Internet Speed Do you, as an owner of a small business, have enough bandwidth? Retail store-purchased routers might work for individual computers, but the internet is slow for data and apps used by a group of employees. How do you plan accordingly? Did you choose the best routers and switch them to match your ISP?

Network Security: Is your network properly protected against unfortunate threats, or how are you protecting computers? Do you have your protocols in place for your network?

Finding the Accurate Device You shouldn't go for the cheapest option.

Instead, you should find the best device to expand your network speed and bandwidth and instantly fix any network issues.

Companies like CDW Canada provide small business owners with pre-sales advice and suggest the right equipment for their business.

Support Issues Whether it is installation, professional services, or managing your environment, reputable companies like CDW Canada, with their robust managed services, can help you set up and manage your entire network through solid partnerships with top-notch vendors.

How Can Enterprise-Grade Equipment Help Small Businesses to Function Efficiently? Examining 5 Potential Benefits Your business’s network should be stable and fast for your employees, regardless of where they are located. Because of this, you cannot simply depend on retail-grade equipment, especially when you need to manage multiple Access Points (APs) with finite IT staff. Here are a few of the benefits that you can get from upgrading your network equipment:

Fast and Reliable Wifi Your Wifi won't be fast if you have 20 people working from an AP or if you have 100 guests when it comes to trying to access the Internet. You will need more APs (access points) for fast and reliable Wifi.

Hassle-free Set up and Management Most small businesses have minimal IT staff and skills, so their network needs to be simple and clear to set up and manage. With numerous enterprisegrade solutions available, you can install your network in a few minutes and manage your web anytime and anywhere through a mobile application.

Always On Some small and medium-sized enterprises have employees worldwide who work at different hours.

Enterprise-level networking offers an always-on solution that gives one access any time of the day.

Small Business All-Inclusive An all-inclusive networking solution supports switching, routing, virtual machines and Wifi. You will not need more devices when everything is in a single device. This helps curb costs if you don’t buy multiple platforms and you won’t even need a lot of staff to manage them.

Guaranteed Performance Cheap equipment cannot support the current high-speed technology such as Wifi 6. You can access this disruptive technology via enterprise-class products with guaranteed performance for high bandwidth. It's helpful when it comes to Zoom calls or streaming videos.

Why Should You Choose CDW Canada? What Sets Them Apart?

You can pin your faith on CDW Canada's comprehensive networking expertise and experience to get your small business up and running with state-of-the-art enterpriselevel networking equipment from the leading network providers. In addition, their approach is consultative, which helps them understand a business owner's needs and make superior recommendations that best-fit one's business needs.

CDW Canada houses a talented team of more than 300 experts, subject matter professionals, and robust engineers who leave no stone unturned when setting up or managing your overall network structure. They also have their personal Security Operations Center and Network Operations Center that can assist customers in security operations and network operations.

CDW works with network providers that specialize in small businesses like RUCKUS. RUCKUS is known for building securely wired and wireless access networks for companies that value end-user connectivity experiences, ensuring simplicity.

If you wish to know more regarding CDW's IT solutions for small businesses, you can simply scroll through their website and explore more.

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Accessing Government Funding for Your Company’s Profitability Is government funding part of your business strategy? If not, it should be.

The Government of Canada allocates billions of dollars in grant funding every year, which can support up to 75% of any small businesses’ planned project costs. The main objective is to facilitate growth and prosperity in the economy by encouraging investments and continuous innovation. This funding could result in substantial subsidies for your business.

Ensuring that you proactively apply for all funding opportunities is imperative to profitable growth.

There are thousands of grant programs available, all with varying funding amounts, criteria, and timelines. Most grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis making it critical to align your planned projects with the most lucrative programs available.

Unlike Tax Credit incentives, grants require you to apply for funding before you incur any costs, as you must pre-qualify to receive funds. Your planned investments will be reviewed, and once approved, funding is awarded.

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When Does Your Business Qualify for Funding?

Your business may qualify for funding if you are investing in any of the following areas: Developing a new manufacturing process or product.

Developing new software for your business or for your client.

Improving existing products or processes.

Incurring costs related to a project, prototype, or process that is incomplete because of technical problems.

Planned investments focused on growing your business and market share.

Improving your competitive advantage.

Research & development.

Hiring new employees or training new skills.

Creating or purchasing innovative solutions.

Having a regional impact.

Small Business The Various Funding Categories

3. Research and Development:

When considering applying for government grants it is critical to align your planned projects and investments with the correct program(s). To help quickly identify the potential for funding, Ayming has streamlined the process by categorizing the grant programs into the five groups below:

If a company is conducting its research and development initiatives within Canada, there are plenty of highly lucrative grants (and even tax incentives) to offset some of those costs. Grants in this category can help with:

1. Business Growth: SMEs need to have proper business growth strategies in place to ensure they are remaining competitive in their market. Grants in this category help with: Improving export growth, productivity, performance, and competitiveness Infrastructure or facility modifications and process improvements Building innovation capacity Exhibiting at international trade shows

2. Capital Purchases: For any size company, purchasing and/or maintaining the equipment or machinery necessary to do business can be overwhelming. For a Small Business with little to no capital, this can be even more challenging. Grants in this category help with: Purchasing new or improved manufacturing machines and equipment Retrofitting existing technologies to become more competitive Upgrades to energy efficiency equipment or technology Purchases that improve productivity and efficiency to introduce new technology or contribute to increasing exports

Projects that grow and generate profits through adoption, adaptation, development, and commercialization of innovative, technology-driven, new or improved products, services, or processes.

4. Hiring or Training: Hiring and training employees is a part of any company’s daily operations. Finding the right candidates or training existing employees requires significant effort, time, and resources. Grants in this category help with: Hiring new employees Training current and/or new employees Training to support the adoption of new technology, processes, or procedures Training to enhance skills and career development

5. Green and Clean Technology: With growing concerns of global warming and climate change, there has been a dramatic shift towards identifying and promoting businesses that offer sustainable solutions using green and clean technology. Grants in this category help with: Lighting retrofits and controls HVAC re-design Chiller replacement Variable speed drives Improvement on thermal performance Implementation of new operating procedures Low carbon emissions

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Small Business Common Industry Challenges

Why Ayming? How Can They Help?

When applying for government funding, there are many potential roadblocks that applicants can face. Below are some common industry challenges:

Ayming’s holistic methodology and thorough understanding of government grants result in $1.5 billion of funding achieved annually. They are proactively engaged for the entire life cycle of the project, including identification, application preparation and submission, reporting packages, and assistance with government correspondence.

There are thousands of grant programs, all with varying eligibility criteria, application processes, and submission time frames. Knowing which one you are eligible for and when to apply can be tricky.

The funding landscape is constantly evolving with the frequent introduction of new programs, unscheduled end of existing ones, or the depletion of funds without prior notice. This makes it imperative to proactively identify your program of choice, align your planned initiatives, then complete and submit a strong application as soon as possible.

Each grant intake is extremely competitive and usually has hundreds of companies applying for the same pool of funds. Applicants often lack the knowledge required to complete strong submissions that will gain interest and get approved over others.

Companies often struggle to clearly determine which cost(s) they can include in their applications to maximize their ROI and hence, often leave money on the table.

In addition, grants can also impact an organization’s SR&ED tax credit claim.

It is necessary to have a strategy to maximize the combination of both programs.

Some projects may encompass multiyear investments. Sometimes, future investments do not proceed as planned and special amendments need to be agreed to with the government agencies. Companies lack the proper knowledge required to pursue such amendments, while still preserving the initially approved funding amounts.

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Ayming’s proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven database has real-time access to thousands of grant programs, including a custom snapshot of all federal and provincial grants currently available, specific to each business. This database, combined with their vast experience and specialists located across the country, means you get a funding strategy customized for your specific projects and industry.

Ayming is the first Canadian company to establish a national grants practice.

Partner with a highly experienced team that boasts over 50 + years of combined grants experience and over 200+ years of combined SR&ED experience, meaning you partner with true subject matter experts who are invested in your success.

With Ayming, clients do not have to wait for the government agencies to process their grant and SR&ED applications in order to receive money immediately.

Ayming has an exclusive fund of $150 million which provides accelerated access to funding through our attractive financing offer.

No risk success-fee remuneration.

In Conclusion For small and medium-sized businesses, Government Grants are the key to funding future innovation and growth. Ayming will work directly with your team to understand your near-term needs and long-term objectives, becoming a critical part of your company’s decision-making process for planning future investments.

If a company plans to spend money on any projects that could fall into the above-mentioned areas, contact Ayming for a free analysis of the immediate funding opportunities available.

Kim Knight and Shanelle McKenzie

Empowering WOC by Taking an Organic Approach Co-founders of The Villij

Kim and Shanelle met

Born out of their personal experiences being Women of Color, founders of Vilij, Kim

at work in 2016. Through

Knight and Shanelle McKenzie were motivated to start their journey as strong entrepreneurs in the wellness sector given the apparent lack of opportunities and

realized that they were

representation in the WOC community. Creating a space in the wellness sector where women of color can feel empowered and safe was important to Knight and McKenzie.

feelings of exclusion,

Their organization, Vijil, puts forward a digital wellness membership that includes ondemand and real-time virtual fitness and yoga sessions, mental health workshops, and guided meditation, creating an accessible, culturally appropriate and cost-effective wellbeing option that focuses on the experiences of WOC.

conversation, they not alone in their

isolation and overwhelm while navigating health and wellness spaces.

They believed there was a better way to help

women like them take better care of

themselves and their communities.

Less than six months

later, The Villij was born.

Kim Knight (@bykimknight) is an educator, writer, and Co-Founder of The Villij. Using her background in user experience design, Kim cultivates mindful wellness tools and social networks that center equity and culturally affirming practices. In between achieving her goals, Kim spends time connecting with her Caribbean roots through food and travel.

She Is currently writing her first recipe book that weaves together culture, creativity, and affirmations for nourishment.

Shanelle McKenzie (@thecolorsofwe) is a Program Director, Wellness Activist and CoFounder of The Villij. Raised in the USA, she returned to Canada as a young adult and quickly realized that wellness spaces were non-representative of her community. She became passionate about breaking generational curses and providing access to wellness and mental health advocacy for women of colour. Today, Shanelle is bringing awareness to the importance of well-being through curating intentional spaces.

Small Business What are the key findings on the goals and barriers of Black business owners and workers in Canada for 2022?

The pandemic’s impact on Canadian business

owners is undeniable, but Black business owners

have especially felt the effects. According to Intuit

QuickBooks’ Black Wellness Data Report, more than one in three Black business owners and workers

say their personal finances got worse during the pandemic. What’s more, those surveyed who do

pandemic, and more than one in five (22%)

making it a “significantly higher priority”. The

study also revealed the top two priorities for

improving personal well-being are maintaining mental health and boosting income. Achieving financial and health prosperity goes hand-in-

hand, it’s impossible to realize one without the

other. By checking in with ourselves, we give our

minds a chance to reset and recharge, so we can

continue to innovate and become our best selves, both personally and professionally.

not currently have positive financial well-being,

only 55 percent report feeling positive about their mental health. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and yet we see many are deprioritizing their own self-care because they are putting other people or responsibilities first.

How do you ensure that your team members are maintaining their mental, emotional and physical health?

As entrepreneurs in the wellness sector, we strive

As small business owners, we know this pace is

to support our team members by putting their

focus not only for the survival of your business, but

facilitating access to tools in the form of fitness,

half of Black business owners (48%) are placing a

accredited professionals. As such, each member

unsustainable and it can be challenging to shift

overall health at the forefront. We begin by

for yourself. That’s why we’re thrilled to see almost

mental, and emotional health courses led by

higher priority on well-being because of the

has an invested interest in improving and maintaining their overall well-being.

Self-advocacy is also encouraged and

celebrated in our organization. Upon onboarding, we support our team with setting clear

boundaries for themselves and with others. We

urge each individual to communicate when they

feel overwhelmed, depleted or need an extension on a deadline. Each member takes regular time away from their routine tasks to recharge with activities that bring them joy. Our aim is to

reduce the instances of burnout and stress and create a firm work/life balance ethos.

Are there any particular methods or practices that have been helpful in managing stress and anxiety for you and your team?

Like any small business, we are often pulled in

various directions so we like to prioritize our to-do list to focus on the most important items. We

begin by taking a full inventory of our day-to-day

tasks and deadlines. This way, we are able to keep track of

progress and create with a clear mind. Maintaining a realistic workload and organizing to-do’s have kept the stress at bay during the busiest of seasons.

We use various organizational and customer relationship management tools to make processes easier and more efficient. Leveraging technology also takes care of the

mundane and repetitive tasks so we can spend our time

focusing on more important things to our business. Solutions

such as QuickBooks have helped our team stay on top of our finances as we continue to grow, enabling our team to carve out meaningful time to decompress and focus on their life balance between tasks.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are starting out and trying to build a healthy foundation for their business?

Show yourself some compassion.

Throughout your entrepreneurial

journey, you will fail, you will feel

lost, you will compare your success, and you will feel like throwing in the towel. You will also have great moments, and we believe it is

important to hold space for the

entire journey. Life is a practice.

And, the success of your business is

What role do you think mental, emotional and physical health plays in the success of Black businesses?

As Black business owners, nurturing our well-being is pivotal to

our success. We experience systemic barriers that have a direct impact on our decision-making. When we first started The Villij

not an indication of your self-worth.

On the not-so-good days, become your own best friend/cheerleader that will encourage you to keep

going. Make it a habit to celebrate your wins, both big and small.

in 2017, we faced challenges gaining access to capital and

finding supportive business networks. Hence, we had no choice but to figure everything out ourselves.

We know what it is like to have great ideas but no funds or

advice on how to execute them. These types of stressors affect our thoughts, our emotions and our bodies. It is a challenge to take care of yourself when stressing about your business'

success. And how many small business owners can afford

therapy? We certainly could not. We learned to tend to our

health through accessible practices such as finding community, setting boundaries, making time for daily movement, and rest.

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About The Villij We are a wellness club designed to help women of colour nurture their mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Our mission is to help women of colour nurture their well-being through affirming wellness education, experiences, and support.

Ransomware attacks are successfully targeting small to medium-sized businesses – how do you protect your data?

What is a ransomware attack?

When an attacker successfully breaches an SMB’s defences, the likelihood of an attack has increased to 715% over the last year. Cybercriminals infiltrate

your systems and use ransomware to encrypt your files so you can no longer access them. They then hold this data ransom, demanding payment for its

release. This is somewhat of a ‘sweet spot’ for criminals, as a small or midsized business owner might see it as easier to just pay, rather than involve authorities or risk customers and competitors learning of the issue.

The average days of downtime due to ransomware outbreaks in Q2 2020

alone was 16 days. This could end up costing you a lot of money. The most

damaging, disruptive and by far the costliest cyber threat that can hit you is

ransomware, and it is imperative to stop an outbreak as quickly as possible. If you don’t, the only two options are to pay the ransom or go through the expensive process of restoring and rebuilding your IT environment.

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Small Business

Why are SMB’s being targeted?

Should you just pay up?

Ransomware attackers see small and mid-

It’s a big dilemma to be faced with. Pay, and you

SMBs have, for a long time, believed their

productivity, as well as any legal difficulties if the

sized businesses as an ideal target because current endpoint and perimeter security to

be strong enough. However, today it’s more

likely they’ll have less sophisticated defences compared to larger corporations, while still having the capital to be worth the risk.

And it’s unlikely that an SMB will have a

dedicated cybersecurity policy in place, or

might avoid disruption to your services and

attacks gained access to your customer's personal

data. But this will encourage and fund future attacks which ultimately entices the attackers to keep

attacking. And even when you have paid, there is no guarantee the attackers will even return your data.

Continuing to pay only perpetuates the problem for everyone.

specialist IT or Data Protection experts on

The trend over the past few years suggests that

financial amounts at stake, institutions like

78% of German businesses refused to pay, while 75%

their staff. While due to the relatively small the police probably won’t get involved.

refusal is the way forward. Last year, 97% of US and

of Canadian and 58% of UK Companies coughed up – it’s American/German stance that’s leading to fewer ransomware attacks. Here are a few FAQs about ransomware that you may find handy.

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Small Business Look to your defences

Ricoh’s Cyber Security Practice

Where once IT managers only had to concern

Working with a collaborative partner is a fantastic

where servers, staff and hardware were all

cyber-attacks like ransomware. By taking

themselves with securing centralized locations situated under one roof, they must now

consider how to proactively protect your

people across multiple locations and devices with improved cyber resilience across the business. The dilemma can be avoided

altogether if you look for a proactive solution

and the first step is to evaluate your defences using an IT health check assessment.

way to fortify your business against the risk of

advantage of their experience and expertise you can build cyber resilience and ensure business continuity. Ricoh’s Cyber Security Practice

provides a revolutionary “Last Line of Defence” to ransomware. It delivers a 24/7 automated

containment solution focused on stopping a

ransomware outbreak as soon as encryption starts.

Most SMBs are currently protected by a

If you are motivated by this and other

combination of firewall, email scanners, web

have shifted most of their attention to cyber

traditional wall of defences: often a

filtering solutions and endpoint security agents.

But in modern business, this is no longer

enough to keep your business safe as these

attacks can penetrate traditional defences by encrypting around 6,000 – 8,000 files per

ransomware statistics presented here, IT leaders security. Watch our webinar, “Addressing the

Threat of Ransomware”, to learn about some of

the most effective tools to counter ransomware attacks.

minute. Learn about various tactics you can

Our IT Security Solutions keep your team secure,

business.

thrive – not just survive – in today’s marketplace.

use to prevent ransomware as a small

Additionally, employees often access the

business network from multiple locations on

multiple devices – all of which are outside the wall. Educate your people on what to look out for – such as suspicious phishing emails and

malware – and on what to do if a cyber-attack does take place. It is then a great idea to

follow up these sessions with regular reminders to keep your people on their guard.

connected, and productive so you’re ready to

If you’re looking to learn more about how we’re helping Canadian small and mid-sized

businesses protect their IT today, while planning for tomorrow, drop us a line at

enquiries@ricoh.ca or visit ricoh.ca.

Jenny Bird The ‘Queen of the Hoop’ What inspired and motivated you to start Jenny Bird and what are you hoping to accomplish through the work that you do?

I wanted my dream job, so I had to create it. I also wanted to be free; I wanted to be independent, to decide how I spent my days and to control my success.

CEO and Creative Director from the JENNY BIRD Jenny Bird is one of Canada’s leading fashion jewelry designers. She is a self-taught designer who is passionate about growing a female-led business. Her business has seen explosive growth since the brand’s inception in 2008. In 2017, she was named Canada’s Accessory Designer of the Year. She leads the company as the CEO and Creative Director from the JENNY BIRD office in Toronto, Canada. She believes that magical brands aren’t built overnight. She knows that people are always looking ahead for what’s next, but it’s important to pause to celebrate the small wins, for progress that has already occurred. Also, staying flexible to change is her mantra.

Once labelled, ‘Queen of The Hoop’, Jenny Bird is Canada’s leading fashion jewelry designer. Her contemporary pieces marry creativity with a bold, fearless spirit, catching the eye of many celebrities, stylists and fashion lovers around the world. Striking yet wearable, her designs are made to be worn for years to come.

Jenny is a self-taught designer who is passionate about growing a female-led business, which has seen explosive growth since the brand’s inception in 2008. Though her hoops are unforgettable, she’s also gained notoriety with her custom chains, innovative earring silhouettes and anklets. Jenny’s talent lies in her intuitive sense of trends and eye for beauty.

In 2017, she was named Canada’s Accessory Designer of the Year. Bird leads the company as CEO and Creative Director from the JENNY BIRD office in Toronto, Canada.

At JENNY BIRD (JB), we are on a mission to uplift and inspire through the work we do. I am hoping my work inspires other women to believe in themselves enough to pursue shaping their days, and to live life according to how they love to spend their time, rather than in line with other people’s expectations. We are also striving to uplift everyone we touch as a brand – from employees to suppliers to customers to our community – and I am proud of the positive impact our significant philanthropic efforts make each year.

What are your top tips for improving your business and progressing towards your entrepreneurial goals?

Every day, spend some time IN the business and some time ON the business as well. This is different work, which I talk about in my episode of American Express’ Build it Braver, Dream Big: Prioritizing to Build your Business. It takes discipline to turn away from the daily operations and reactionary work (getting back to people, putting out fires, etc.), but you need sacred time devoted to the things you need to do to take the business to the next level of success. Whether that be writing a job description for a new hire, meeting with a mentor or taking time outside your office for ideating on growth–for me that can be a walk in nature outside the city. This is the juicy, productive time that will move the needle more than busy work time.

Small Business How do you stay organized and productive when starting a new business? What fueled your entrepreneurial journey?

It’s all about staged manifesting for me. First, you need to identify the big end vision and then the first big milestone stage to get to that big end vision. I still close my eyes when doing this for the next stage and envision it’s happening. I’m in the room. What does the business look like at that future stage? Who’s in it? Where does it make sense and bring me joy to spend my time?

How has my role shifted? How am I supported? What types of people are beside me? What does success look like (or key metrics at that stage)? Then you figure out the steps you need to take to get there from where you are currently, like having chats with people who have done it, listening to podcasts– whatever you have to do to figure it out. Then you will know the work that needs to be done, so you simply determine what should happen first and get to work. It’s a hustle. But when you see the results of your efforts THAT is what fuels you to keep going. This process works from day 0 when your business is just an idea in your head, and I still use it today. The key is to design your time to make sure the priorities you have identified to get you there are fiercely protected, as we only have so much time. Today, I still organize my time according to what is most important to get done each day, each week. Often you can say yes to meetings or do things for people that aren’t actually in line with those priorities for your business, so you have to constantly check in with yourself and be auditing if that is really necessary or if you need to say no. Get comfortable saying no.

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What are the biggest challenges you've faced as an entrepreneur? How do you see yourself growing and improving your business in the future?

It’s a grind. There is a constant stream of roadblocks, wrong turns and costly mistakes as part of the founder experience.

You have to receive these barriers for the gifts that they are for your growth and keep moving forward. I find getting back up after being pushed down rewarding, rather than discouraging. I am very tenacious, and like proving people wrong by surprising them with my capabilities. My biggest personal challenge has always been when we’ve needed to let someone go if they are not right for the company. It is ultimately best for both parties, but it’s so tough. The business has just begun. This brand will be a global household name with many product categories. I want its success to uplift more people through increasing its charitable commitment with each new level of success.

Do you have any advice for founders who feel like they're struggling to make progress?

Keep sacred time for productive vs. busy work. It’s a long game. Magical brands aren’t built overnight. I know you’re always looking ahead for what’s next, but pause to celebrate the small wins, for progress that has already occurred. Also, stay flexible. Your original, end vision may not be what the market is telling you will succeed–I started in handbags! You may need to redesign your idea at any time, so throw away the worry that people will criticize if you pivot and your selfcriticism for needing to correct course. It’s savvy to do so.

Being a successful founder requires that you drop all judgment of yourself, let yourself make mistakes and embrace agility. That’s where the pride should lie.

absence management, and retirement at General Nutrition Centers, American Eagle Outfitters, and CONSOL Energy. While working for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Winans acquired an extensive knowledge of the health insurance industry.

Throughout her career, Winans has been focused on improving culture and enhancing the total rewards offered at the companies she has worked for and provided guidance to. She is strategically focused yet tactically proficient, and brings a holistic perspective to each client project.

Winans is a member of the Forbes Business Council, Business Journals Leadership Trust, and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She has been featured in several media outlets such as

Lauren Winans Paying Attention to Employee Experience Chief Executive Officer and Principal HR Consultant for Next Level Benefits

Throughout Winans’ career, she has been deeply focused on improving culture and enhancing the total rewards offered at the organizations she has worked for and provided guidance to. She is strategically focused yet tactically proficient, and brings a holistic perspective to each client project. She believes that organizations should pay more attention to employee experiences. She is the CEO and the Principal HR Consultant of Next Level Benefits, which is an organization that is a nationally certified woman owned HR consulting firm staffed with former corporate HR professionals in all disciplines of HR. Lauren Winans is the Chief Executive Officer and Principal HR Consultant for Next Level Benefits, an HR consulting practice offering clients access to HR professionals for both short-term and long-term projects. With 20 years of human resources and employee benefits experience, Winans possesses a deep expertise of HR best practices and what resonates with employees. She founded Next Level Benefits in 2019, offering HR teams access to former corporate HR professionals on-demand when they need them most.

Winans’ experiences at various global, multi-generational, geographically dispersed organizations have prepared her well for assisting clients of all sizes and from any industry. Prior to becoming CEO of Next Level Benefits, Winans served as a senior HR leader and responsibly managed all aspects of health, welfare,

Forbes, USA Today, and Yahoo Finance. Winans is a non-profit board member and an active volunteer for patient advocacy. She is also a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management and Robert Morris University with a Master’s in Business Administration.

Employee experience is now a focal point for many businesses. Can you describe what this encompasses? Why do you think employee experience has become so important?

Employee experience is a collection of all the various experiences an employee goes through each day while working – for example, what the experience is like when logging on to the network, scheduling meetings, collaborating with employees, or getting decisions approved. A positive employee experience results in more productive employees who genuinely want to work towards an organizations’ common goals. A negative employee experience results in less productivity, absenteeism, presenteeism, and higher turnover.

The talent shortage and intense competition within the labour market have put a spotlight on the employee experience, as many employees have reassessed both their professional and personal priorities.

Organizations looking to hire and retain the best and brightest talent are continuously evolving their employee experience in an effort to be known as the best place to work.

Small Business What are some of the biggest factors that contribute to a positive employee experience? Are there any negative aspects of a strong focus on employee experience?

Strong leadership, clear organizational goals, transparent communication, and a willingness to embrace change are the primary factors that make or break the employee experience. There are no downsides to a strong focus on the employee experience, in my opinion.

Organizational culture and employee experience will determine how successful a company will be.

Employees need to thrive and be productive in order for a company to achieve its highest potential. A positive employee experience and internal culture fuels success.

Do you have any advice for CEOs who are just starting to think about their employee experience?

I encourage leaders to be strategic about evolving the employee experience. Changing everything all at once will cause disruption. It is important to map out what changes should occur immediately, in the short-term, and in the long-term, along with a solid execution plan of how to get there and metrics on which to measure success.

What are some of the most common mistakes companies make when it comes to the employee experience?

Not having a clear understanding of the definition of employee experience. Or assuming that employee experience is only inclusive of pay and benefits. It goes well beyond that, and while focusing on pay and benefits will reap rewards, it will not fix the problems that arise when culture and employee experience are neglected.

Do you think that the employee experience is something that can be measured? If so, how do you go about doing that?

It can be measured in a variety of ways.

Developing the right metrics for your organization is critical in determining if you’re moving the needle in a positive direction. For example, looking at metrics such as turnover rate, tenure, amount of time to fill open roles, promotions, 360 scores, and employee survey results, among other metrics, will begin to show you where you are at versus where you want to be. Regular review of those metrics should be done with the HR team and provided to executive leadership on a monthly or quarterly basis.

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Next Level Benefits Next Level Benefits is a nationally certified womenowned HR consulting firm staffed with former corporate HR professionals in all disciplines of HR. Each team member has at least 20 years of corporate HR experience from such companies as American Eagle Outfitters, Ariba, Ascena, Citigroup, GNC, Hess, IBM, Levi Strauss, Netflix, TBC Corporation, and U.S. Airways. Led by Lauren Winans, Next Level Benefits is focused on helping HR teams to create the best places to work, attract and retain talent, and build a successful, sustainable people strategy.

Our deep expertise allows us to act as an extension of your team, eliminating the need for additional headcount or relying on external consultants or brokers without HR experience. Our clients are located all over the U.S., ranging in size from 20 employees to 50,000+ employees. We free up their time, fill in the gaps in expertise on their teams, and tackle their most daunting projects.

For more information, please visit https://www.nlbenefits.com/

Shannae Ingleton Smith Building an Inclusive Community for the Black Creatives Head of Influencer Talent, Kensington Grey Agency

Shannae sets a goal and does not stop until she achieves it. She is an extremely talented and goal-oriented woman in business. Her spirit, energy and the drive she brings to her work have pushed her organization to the next level.

She started Kensington Grey with her husband as she

understood how Black creatives were being treated in the

industry and hence, she wanted to be part of the solution.

She knew that Black creatives were consistently

underpaid, taken advantage of and underutilized. So, she knew that she could mitigate that harm through careful research and calculated negotiations by starting an agency of her own.

What inspired you to start Kensington Grey Inc.?

And what are you hoping to accomplish through the work that you do?

Can you share your thoughts on the lack of Black women in marketing?

What do you think are some of the systemic barriers that Black women face when trying to enter the marketing field?

A lack of representation in the industry

keeps many Black women from considering marketing as a tangible career goal. But I also believe that when Black women

become marketing professionals, they often leave the industry within a few years

because of the disheartening practices, microaggressions, and lack of career

development. They become disillusioned.

However, the social media landscape is

I started Kensington Grey with my husband because I saw

changing that. We’re seeing more digital

and wanted to be part of the solution. It wasn’t just the

because of the dissatisfaction so many of

how Black creatives were being treated in the industry

agencies run by Black women, largely

lack of representation. It was also the fact that we were

us faced in the industry.

consistently being underpaid, taken advantage of and underutilized. I knew that I could mitigate that harm

through careful research and calculated negotiations by starting an agency. It’s a lot easier to get paid what you're worth when the people advocating for you understand and honour your value.

Small Business How can we help to remove these systemic barriers and support Black women in marketing?

It’s easy for companies to say they

The most important step is recognizing that the industry

question is, do they also prioritize diversity

or a product of Black History Month. We are essential to

whose ideas they financially support?

needs us. Including Black women isn’t a favour, a trend,

prioritize diversity and inclusion regarding their hiring practices. However, the real

when it comes to whom they promote and

the industry, and companies need to recognize that. My advice to brands is to be authentic. The ads and

campaigns you’re running will have a better ROI if they

are reflective of the world we inhabit. People want to see themselves in influencers and marketing plans. If your campaign only includes women with blonde hair and

blue eyes who are a size 2, that won’t resonate with most people. However, at the same time, your audience can

tell when you are incorporating diversity for the sake of it. There’s been numerous campaigns and ads over the last few years that have tried to make a push for

inclusion but have come across as tone-deaf. Those

agencies likely hired diverse models but did not have a

team that reflected the demographic they were trying to include.

The solution is us. We know how to tell our stories best.

Companies need Black women if they want to sell

products to a Black audience. It’s as simple as that. My advice to brands is to start acknowledging our value

and contribution, and then adjust your brand culture so

we feel welcomed enough to stay and thrive in our roles.

Do you have any personal stories or experiences that illustrate the challenges faced by Black women in marketing?

often too focused on making the industry more

What advice would you give to young Black girls who are interested in a career in marketing?

That conversation is important, but there’s more to it.

Don’t allow other people to place

marketing, have often spoken up about the impacts of

as well as you know you. If you have

entry-level positions, but that rarely changes who is in

words with your actions, work at it

women is the limitations placed on our success in the

will find you. Success is inevitable

When we talk about the lack of representation faced by many Black women in marketing, the conversation is

accessible to those in school and starting their careers.

Black women in all professions, but especially in

limits on you. They don’t know you

gatekeeping. Companies will aspire to diversify their

an idea that excites you,align your

the corner office. The biggest challenge facing Black

consistently, and the right people

workplace. That can look like being passed over for

when you refuse to give up.

promotions we’ve worked for and deserve or employers not investing in our growth.

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Maria Morales Taking Online Reselling to the Next Level with Marketing General Manager of Poshmark Canada Maria took a step ahead in making online reselling the new normal. She believed that the

benefits of reselling online are way more than selling fresh pieces of clothes! According to her, it can declutter your space, help one make extra cash, lessen the environmental impact of the

fashion industry. With her social marketplace Poshmark, Maria helps to ensure that all products

are seamlessly delivered and the money goes right into the seller’s Poshmark account. There are

also Posh parties and other events, both virtual and in-person, that have built a flourishing social community of over 2.5 million Canadian users.

Small Business What do you think is the biggest misconception about online reselling and what are the benefits of online reselling?

The biggest misconception about online reselling is that it

takes a lot of effort to get started and that it requires a large time commitment. All you need are items from your home

that are in good condition, a camera (phone cameras work

great!), and a few minutes to get it posted on a platform like Poshmark.

The benefits of reselling online are three-fold, you can: a)

declutter your space, b) make extra cash, and c) lessen the environmental impact of the fashion industry. With social

marketplace Poshmark, we help to ensure all products are seamlessly delivered and the money goes right into the

seller’s Poshmark account. There are also Posh parties and other events, both virtual and in-person, that have built a

flourishing social community of over 2.5 million Canadian users.

What are some of the best practices for buying and selling secondhand clothes? Do you see a trend of people moving away from buying new clothes and towards buying second hand instead?

Transparency is paramount in online reselling. When people aren’t able to

see the items in person, it’s important to be as clear as possible with the

images and descriptions of the piece.

For example, if there’s a missing button - that’s part of what gives pre-loved items their character - it should be

noted in the description to guarantee a positive experience for all parties.

People are becoming increasingly

aware of their own purchasing power,

and being more intentional with where

How do you recommend building a successful side hustle while maintaining a full-time job?

With a side hustle like online reselling, it can range from

posting whenever you have time to be extremely active in

online communities and sourcing new items daily. The key to building a sustainable secondary revenue stream while

balancing a full-time job is to choose a side hustle that can work around your existing schedule and will still help grow your passion and your wallet.

their hard-earned cash goes. What excites people about secondhand

shopping is that they can find great deals as well as items that are no

longer in stock, plus shopping straight from other Canadians’ closets means no supply chain issues. For those

looking to start selling online, it’s a simple way to start making a side

income and lessen the environmental impact of the fashion industry by

giving an item a second, third or even

What are your thoughts on finding a side project that fits one's passions? Do you think passion can be cultivated, or is it something that comes naturally?

fourth life.

discovered Poshmark during the pandemic, with reasons

What’s the best piece of advice you can offer someone who is looking to start selling clothes and accessories online?

new source of income, and fell in love with online reselling.

It’s simple - just get started. Take a

We’ve heard so many wonderful stories of people who

stemming from looking for a new hobby to trying to find a Passion is essential to maintaining a side hustle, but what

we’ve seen from Poshmark is that their motivation can come from a love for fashion, for their community, for the

environment, and so much more. Many people have little idea

of the full range of their passions, so you never know what will stick unless you try.

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look at your closet, see what items no

longer serve you, and post them online.

It can open the doors to a bit of extra cash, a new side hustle, or a brand new online community.