CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

SK Uddin

Welcome to the CanadianSME podcast, a podcast for Canadian Small Businesses. In our podcasts, we interview Canadian experts and entrepreneurs to give small business owners access to expert knowledge that helps them grow their enterprises. Our mission is to empower Canadian small and medium enterprises and help them reach a bigger audience through our platform. Calling upon some of the most successful subject matter experts in the industry, the small business podcasts aim at identifying issues and finding solutions, all this while helping the business owners.

  1. Legacy Systems Are a Liability. Here's What to Do About It.

    1d ago

    Legacy Systems Are a Liability. Here's What to Do About It.

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how outdated systems are holding businesses back and why modernizing your tech stack is key to unlocking AI driven growth. Joining us is Chinkal Patel, Partner at Mantrax Software Solutions. With over two decades of experience, Chinkal shares how businesses can bridge the gap between strategy and execution through smarter digital transformation. Key Highlights SMB Tech Challenges: Chinkal explains the biggest infrastructure issues slowing down growing businesses. Legacy System Risks: Chinkal highlights why delaying modernization can limit future growth. Risk Free Transformation: Chinkal shares how to evolve systems without disrupting operations. Secure AI Adoption: Chinkal discusses how businesses can safely integrate AI into workflows. Private LLM Advantage: Chinkal explains how data secure AI models protect business intelligence. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

    17 min
  2. Beyond the Hype: Where Should SMBs Actually Start With AI?

    2d ago

    Beyond the Hype: Where Should SMBs Actually Start With AI?

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how resilience, leadership, and practical AI adoption are helping entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty, improve profitability, and build businesses that are ready for long-term success. Joining us is Ema Dantas, Summit Strategist, author, and one of fewer than 130 Canadians to complete the Seven Summits. Ema shares how the mindset required to conquer the world's highest peaks can help founders overcome business challenges and embrace transformation with confidence. Key Highlights AI Without the Complexity: Ema explains how SMBs can use AI to increase revenue and efficiency. Protecting Margins in a Changing Market: Ema shares strategies for maintaining profitability in the AI era. Leadership Lessons from Everest: Ema highlights how summit experiences shaped decision-making under pressure. Building an Exit-Ready Business: Ema explains what founders should prioritize to create long-term value. The Human + AI Advantage: Ema shares how small teams can combine technology with human expertise for growth. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

    22 min
  3. Funding Traps: The Tax Secrets Every Founder Must Know

    2d ago

    Funding Traps: The Tax Secrets Every Founder Must Know

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how financial strategy, tax planning, and smart governance help founders turn funding into sustainable long-term growth. Joining us is Aman Tagore, Founder of REACH Professional. Aman shares how entrepreneurs can avoid costly financial mistakes while building stronger systems for scaling and investor readiness. Key Highlights Taxable vs Non-Taxable Funding: Aman explains the hidden tax risks founders often overlook. Funding and Financial Governance: Aman shares why accurate reporting becomes critical after raising capital. Avoiding CRA Surprises: Aman highlights the most common tax and compliance mistakes founders make. Structuring for Long-Term Success: Aman explains why early financial systems shape future growth. The Role of a Fractional CFO: Aman shares how strategic financial leadership reduces scaling risks. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

    20 min
  4. Data-Driven Growth: Scaling a Regulated Business by 64%

    2d ago

    Data-Driven Growth: Scaling a Regulated Business by 64%

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how legal services are evolving through digital innovation, making access faster, simpler, and more reliable. Joining us is David Barder, CMO at NotaryPro. David shares how technology, data, and experimentation are transforming a traditionally rigid industry. Key Highlights Legal Access Gap: David explains how technology is fixing inefficiencies in traditional legal services. Data Driven Growth: David shares how businesses can use data to drive smarter revenue decisions. Experimentation Culture: David highlights how testing fuels growth even in regulated industries. Dragon’s Den Impact: David discusses how the experience accelerated visibility and momentum. Future of Legal Tech: David outlines how customer expectations will reshape legal services. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation

    18 min
  5. From 2 to 30 Employees: The 6-Year Scaling Playbook for Trade Entrepreneurs

    2d ago

    From 2 to 30 Employees: The 6-Year Scaling Playbook for Trade Entrepreneurs

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how leadership, sales systems, and operational discipline help transform a local trades business into a high-growth regional enterprise. Joining us is Ross Harold Palfrey, Owner of Harry’s Home Comfort. Ross shares the lessons learned from scaling a two-person startup into a growing team serving thousands of homeowners while embracing the future of clean energy solutions. Key Highlights The Anatomy of a Bootstrapped Launch: Ross shares what helped Harry’s Home Comfort gain momentum in a competitive market. Earning Trust as a Young Entrepreneur: Ross discusses the lessons that helped build credibility and customer confidence. Building a High-Impact Sales Structure: Ross explains why strong sales systems are essential for sustainable growth. Expanding into Clean Energy: Ross shares the vision behind investing in solar and battery solutions. Scaling While Preserving Culture: Ross discusses how the company grew from 2 to 30+ team members without losing its values. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

    12 min
  6. Small Hotel, Big Impact: The Secrets to Operating a Boutique Icon

    3d ago

    Small Hotel, Big Impact: The Secrets to Operating a Boutique Icon

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how heritage, hospitality, and community-driven experiences are redefining what it means to stand out in a competitive market. Joining us is Laura Squires, General Manager of Gladstone House. Laura shares how culture, art, and people-first leadership are helping transform one of Toronto’s most historic boutique hotels into a modern hospitality landmark. Key Highlights Preserving History: Laura explains how Gladstone House balances heritage with modernization. Standing Out in Hospitality: Laura shares what differentiates the hotel in Toronto’s market. The Power of Art and Community: Laura highlights how art shapes the guest experience. Building Hospitality Teams: Laura explains how empowered teams create stronger service culture. Future of Gladstone House: Laura shares the opportunities shaping the hotel’s next chapter. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation

    13 min
  7. AI in Construction: How Automation is Solving the $100B Estimation Problem

    3d ago

    AI in Construction: How Automation is Solving the $100B Estimation Problem

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how applied AI is transforming traditional industries by turning operational data into smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions. Joining us is Remi Dion, Co-Founder and VP of Applied AI at Explorai. Remi shares how niche AI tools are helping industries like construction and manufacturing modernize operations and improve efficiency. Key Highlights The Vision Behind Explorai: Remi explains why Explorai focuses on operational AI for SMEs. Solving Estimation Challenges: Remi shares how Estim.ai improves accuracy and profitability. Why Niche AI Wins: Remi highlights why specialized AI tools outperform generic solutions. Operational AI vs Everyday AI: Remi explains how businesses can identify high-impact AI tools. Future of Industrial AI: Remi outlines what is next for AI in construction and manufacturing. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

    26 min
  8. The AI Fraud Surge: Why Scammers are Tracking the 2026 News Cycle

    3d ago

    The AI Fraud Surge: Why Scammers are Tracking the 2026 News Cycle

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how AI-driven scams and digital fraud are reshaping trust, security, and financial safety in the modern economy. Joining us is David Chin, Leader of Fraud Strategy at Interac. David shares how fraud tactics are evolving and how businesses, institutions, and consumers can better protect themselves in a rapidly changing threat landscape. Key Highlights News-Based Scams: David explains why scammers are exploiting breaking news and urgency. AI and Fraud: David shares how AI is making scams more convincing and difficult to detect. Digital Trust: David highlights how fraud impacts confidence in the digital economy. Fighting Fraud Together: David explains how Interac collaborates with partners to improve security. Staying Protected: David outlines what people should do when faced with suspicious messages. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at smbfoundation.ca. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation

    13 min

About

Welcome to the CanadianSME podcast, a podcast for Canadian Small Businesses. In our podcasts, we interview Canadian experts and entrepreneurs to give small business owners access to expert knowledge that helps them grow their enterprises. Our mission is to empower Canadian small and medium enterprises and help them reach a bigger audience through our platform. Calling upon some of the most successful subject matter experts in the industry, the small business podcasts aim at identifying issues and finding solutions, all this while helping the business owners.

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