CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how strategic planning, clarity of vision, and organizational alignment help leaders turn ambitious goals into real progress.Our guest is Chris Ward, MBA, CMC, President of Strategic Directions. With experience across retail, manufacturing, consulting, and over 250 corporate retreats facilitated, Chris shares practical insights on building accountability, improving execution, and developing strategic thinkers at every level.Key HighlightsWhy Strategic Planning Matters: Chris explains how strategy brings clarity, focus, and long term direction for small and mid sized businesses. Why Plans Fail: Insights on the common barriers and how alignment across teams keeps strategy alive beyond the retreat. Accountability in Action: How leaders can make planning engaging and build a culture where commitments turn into measurable outcomes. Strategic Thinkers Everywhere: Why developing strategic thinking across the organization strengthens adaptability and long term performance. Mastering Strategy: Chris shares the purpose behind his Mastering Strategy program and key advice for thinking and acting strategically.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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!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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can fuel innovation and extend their runway through smart R&D tax strategies and non-dilutive funding.We’re joined by Keith Bailey, CFO at Boast.AI, a leader in helping organizations navigate SR&ED, CDAE, and U.S. R&D programs through AI-driven automation and in-house technical expertise. Keith shares how businesses can reduce complexity, minimize audit risk, and unlock innovation capital more efficiently.Key Highlights:Non-Dilutive Capital: How SR&ED extends innovation runway and strengthens investor readiness. Real-Time Documentation: How structuring teams and capturing technical work early supports audit-proof claims. SR&ED Enhancements: What’s changing and why DIY filing increases risk and missed eligibility. Economic Advantage: How SR&ED and CDAE incentives help companies stay innovative during uncertainty. Why Boast AI: What sets Boast apart and why enterprises choose them as a long-term strategic partner.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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!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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how experiential retail ecosystems are reshaping community engagement and creating new growth opportunities for Canadian small businesses.Our guest is Matt Rubinoff, Founder of STACKT and STACKTx, the award-winning Toronto marketplace built from shipping containers and the community driven platform helping small businesses access space, education, and opportunity at no cost.Key HighlightsSTACKT’s Origin Story: How Matt blended community and commerce to create an interactive public space that attracts major brands. STACKTx and Small Business Growth: The free perks, education, and pop-up storefronts are helping entrepreneurs scale with community support. Social Conference Impact: Why experiential, in-person engagement drives stronger relationships and growth than virtual alternatives. Future Expansion Vision: How STACKT and STACKTx plan to grow across Canada with more mentorship, retail access, and community programming. Leadership and Innovation: The key lessons behind building STACKT and how grants and mentorship strengthen Canada’s small business ecosystem.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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!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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. This episode is part of Tech Forward, where we explore the technologies and global forces shaping innovation, efficiency, and growth for Canadian businesses.Today, we’re diving into the fast-evolving world of geopolitics and satellite communications with Abishur Prakash, founder of The Geopolitical Business, Inc. Known as “Mr. Geopolitics,” Abishur advises global executives and policymakers and is the author of five influential books, including The World Is Vertical.Key Highlights:Business Disruption: Abishur explains how geopolitics is reshaping global markets and what Canadian SMEs must analyze to stay resilient. US-China Dynamics: He shares how power shifts, America First policies, and supply chain changes impact Canadian competitiveness. Strategic Resilience: Abishur outlines three practical strategies for SMEs to diversify markets, secure tech, and strengthen long-term stability. AI in Geoeconomics: He breaks down how AI is influencing global power and the risks and opportunities for Canadian tech companies. Future Foresight: Abishur discusses why geopolitical forecasting is essential and how The Geopolitical Business supports SME planning.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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!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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how digital marketing and physical design intersect to create powerful brand experiences through interactive display technology.Joining us is Shixiu Gao, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Specialist at Armodilo Display Solutions, a Canadian leader known for its high-quality tablet terminals and custom interactive display stands. Shixiu shares how Armodilo connects digital strategy with physical touchpoints to elevate customer engagement and business growth.Key Highlights:Innovative Display Solutions: How Armodilo’s Canadian-made tablet enclosures and kiosks enhance brand presence and user experience. Customer Experience Impact: Why interactive displays improve check-ins, product discovery, and engagement across industries. Data-Driven Marketing for SMBs: How small businesses can use kiosks, QR codes, and low-cost analytics tools to boost sales. Product Innovation with REVI: How the new wall-mounted tablet housing elevates smart automation and modern environments. Creativity Meets Technology: How combining design, hardware, and analytics drives Armodilo’s growth strategy.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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!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.