AGP Executive Report

Government Funding for Women Entrepreneurs: Ottawa is putting $173.7M over five years into its Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, including $59M to keep the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund going (microloans up to $50,000) plus $100M for training and mentorship and $7M for a national knowledge hub. Local Business Costs in B.C.: A CFIB survey says 62% of B.C. small businesses are worried about municipal costs as property-tax pressure mounts, with Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George among the biggest concerns. B.C. Shipbuilding Contract: Ocean Pacific Marine in Campbell River won a $74.7M RCMP contract to build three 27-metre coastal patrol vessels, aiming to grow its workforce by 20–30 jobs over the contract. Canada–Nigeria Trade Push: Canada and Nigeria are stepping up cooperation in areas like agriculture, renewable energy, mining, healthcare and innovation, with talks also focused on moving from codeshare flights toward possible direct commercial routes. Student Startups in Renfrew County: Seven students are launching small businesses through Enterprise Renfrew County’s Summer Company program, with training, mentorship and up to $1,500 in startup funding.

Small Business Funding & Growth: Ontario is adding $6M to Futurpreneur to help nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs (18–39) access collateral-free loans up to $75,000 plus mentorship, and it’s also boosting Small Business Enterprise Centres and a Digital Competence Centre to help SMEs adopt tech. Rural Economic Development: FedNor is sending $4.1M to Timmins-area projects, including immigration pilots and a BOOST program that can fund up to $10,000 for local business innovation and commercialization. Local Business Spotlight: A Saskatchewan family-backed grocery, Potts Family Grocery & More, opened with about $140,000 in savings and a loan from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Enterprise Foundation, serving nearby reserves and small towns with a mix of groceries, pet supplies and local clothing. Public Safety for Shops: B.C. is launching a $16M, two-year Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative with 12 hubs to increase pressure on repeat offenders and reduce street disorder and crimes targeting small businesses. Capital Markets Moves: Northern Discovery Metals closed a non-brokered private placement; GuideAI Health hired a market maker on Cboe Canada; and Diversified Royalty declared a monthly dividend—signals of ongoing financing and shareholder-return activity in Canada’s SME-adjacent ecosystem. Trade & Talent Pressure: A report says Ottawa’s immigration target cuts are already hitting municipal labour markets, housing and local economic development, with knock-on effects for businesses.

AI for SMBs: A new QuickBooks report says small businesses using AI are far more likely to report revenue gains, with Canada adoption rising from 52% to 69% since mid-2024—good news for owners looking for practical growth tools. Tax relief for owners: Ontario’s small-business tax cut kicks in on Canada Day, a direct cost-pressure relief point for local operators. Energy costs watch: Alberta’s regulated natural gas rate for July drops to $1.595 per GJ (from $2.076 in June), which could ease bills for customers who haven’t switched suppliers. Local funding for incubation: Timmins and northern Ontario get major federal infrastructure support via FedNor, aimed at strengthening community capacity and business growth. Business expansion signals: Loblaw set its Q2 2026 earnings release for July 30, while Brookfield Infrastructure and Brookfield Renewable also scheduled upcoming results calls—useful timing for investors tracking Canadian corporate momentum. Disaster response tech: Telesat is donating high-power satellite capacity to help Venezuela restore communications after earthquakes.

Northern Ontario Funding: FedNor minister Patty Hajdu says $39M is headed to northern Ontario infrastructure improvements, with Timmins highlighted as a key beneficiary under the Build Communities Strong Fund. Energy Costs: Direct Energy Regulated Services set July 2026 regulated natural gas rates in Alberta at $1.595 per GJ (down from June’s $2.076), with typical bills estimated around $65 (North) and $51 (South). Trade Pressure on SMBs: The U.S., Canada and Mexico kick off USMCA renewal talks, with the U.S. signaling it won’t “rubber-stamp” an extension and flagging disputes over auto rules, shipping/manufacturing methods, and tariff retaliation. Local Business Disruption: Canada Day events in Ottawa were suspended due to heavy rain and weather advisories, pausing activities at major downtown sites. Entrepreneurship & Growth: A Canadian entrepreneur behind Helaina’s lactoferrin ingredient says Nestlé has partnered to buy the product and advance infant nutrition—another sign of Canadian innovation moving into big consumer supply chains. Tech for Operators: Abaxx says its exchange hit 100,000+ contracts traded in a single day, pointing to growing liquidity for its markets.

Provincial alcohol rules: CFIB says most provinces are still missing the mark on expanding direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across borders, despite federal changes—another headache for small retailers and local hospitality. Trade pressure on SMEs: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico are starting bumpy talks to renew USMCA, with businesses bracing for rule changes that could disrupt supply chains. Housing momentum in Calgary: Calgary Housing broke ground on the Southview development, a 1,000+ home affordable project backed by city, provincial and federal funding—good news for builders and local suppliers. Critical minerals push: First Atlantic Nickel & Cobalt named Gary Stanley as senior strategic advisor, while Quebec graphite project results point to long-term battery-supply potential. Tech and AI friction: A Canadian fintech and other AI-related moves show growth, but stories also highlight how AI access and policy can quickly change for users. Capital and financing: Santander teamed with Taiga for EV leisure financing, and multiple Canadian firms reported funding/financing updates. Jasper recovery funding: Ottawa announced $520M more for wildfire rebuilding, including interim housing and infrastructure—an immediate boost for regional contractors.

SME Financing Boost: Santander Consumer Bank is partnering with Taiga Motors to roll out promotional retail financing through Taiga’s dealer network starting July 1, aiming to help Canadian buyers access secured installment loans with flexible terms. Local Business Support Push: CFIB’s #SmallBusinessEveryDay “Big Thank You” contest runs June 29 to July 13, with weekly draws awarding $1,500 to supporters and $4,000 plus a free CFIB membership to the businesses they nominate. Fintech for Credit Unions: Vancouver fintech JUDI.AI closed a growth round led by Conexus Venture Capital, building a cash-flow underwriting platform designed to speed lending decisions for small businesses at credit unions. Tax Relief for Ontario SMEs: Ontario’s small-business tax cut begins on Canada Day, with potential savings for eligible firms (and possible offsets via tax credit changes in 2027). Food Prices Strategy: Canada launched a National Food Security Strategy backed by $3B over 10 years, targeting productivity and competition in the food system and support for independent grocers. Construction Tech for Margin Control: CMiC and Nucleus Research released findings arguing that construction firms can improve real-time cost control and visibility by moving to a unified construction ERP. Community & Skills: Red Deer Polytechnic received a $93,075 gift to create an emergency bursary fund for students and support its hockey programs through 2029.

Access to Capital: FACE expands its Micro-Loan Program nationally with BDC, building on Ontario and B.C. pilots to boost micro-financing access for Black entrepreneurs across Canada. Internal Trade Watch: Canada’s internal trade ministers recommitted to easing direct-to-consumer alcohol sales after missing the May deadline, aiming for a framework this summer and a new August meeting. Local Business Boost: Kelowna’s Touchdown Kelowna festival drew a sold-out crowd and is already lifting nearby spending, with local venues reporting big demand from visiting fans. Entrepreneurship & Growth: Fredericton entrepreneur highlights untapped potential in Atlantic seaweed, pointing to new opportunities for regional small businesses. Regulatory/Policy: Saskatchewan’s government moves to strengthen impaired-driving laws with faster administrative penalties, a change that could reduce enforcement and justice-system strain. Tech & Operations: iKrusher says it’s investing in Canadian vape supply chain and fulfillment infrastructure to help brands keep inventory and production running smoothly. Mining & Capital Markets: Li-FT Power reports drill results from its Yellowknife Lithium Project; meanwhile, multiple public-company updates and listings continue to move through Canadian and U.S. markets.

Deal Watch (Canada): Hammond Power Solutions says it has completed its ~$365M acquisition of AEG Power Solutions, adding a new “Integrated Electrical Solutions” unit to expand power quality and aftermarket services. Cannabis Growth: Tilray moves to acquire HelloMD to strengthen direct-to-patient medical cannabis access in Canada, pending court approval. Energy & Jobs: Methanex will begin indefinitely idling its Titan methanol plant in Trinidad and Tobago after failing to agree a new gas contract, while Waste Connections of Canada is set to open a renewable natural gas facility in Chatham-Kent. Local Business & Real Estate: Moosomin’s South Prairie Properties is building Black Box Commercial Condos, pitching turnkey space for entrepreneurs and professionals. Small Business Finance: Premium Income Corporation launches an overnight preferred share offering at $16.30. Community & Skills: FedNor announces $4.1M for Timmins-area projects, including business innovation support and immigration pilots to help local employers fill skilled roles. Road Safety Policy: MADD Canada praises Saskatchewan’s move to strengthen impaired-driving administrative penalties. Startup Spotlight: A Fredericton entrepreneur is betting on Atlantic seaweed to make biochar that could reduce fertilizer needs and improve soil.

Trade Watch: Businesses and unions are bracing for the July 1 CUSMA review “checkpoint” as Premier Doug Ford heads to meet U.S. lawmakers, with groups urging calm while hoping tariff pressure eases. Immigration & Hiring: Ontario overhauled its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, cutting eight streams to four and launching an Ontario Workforce Priority stream to better match in-demand jobs—lowering revenue thresholds so more small businesses, especially in northern and rural areas, can access nominations. Cybersecurity for SMBs: CISA added a Cisco Unified Communications Manager flaw (CVE-2026-20230) to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, warning federal systems to remediate by June 28 after active exploitation. SME Growth & Capital: Manitoba ag-tech firm Bushel Plus rebranded to BranValt as it pushes international expansion, aiming for broader global reach. Business Planning Insight: Pilot’s “Inside the Itinerary” report says travel planning shifts into booking mode at “The 56 Day Peak,” offering a data-backed read on how consumers lock in trips.

Federal Tax Watch: The CRA ombudsman is investigating long delays on complex T1 adjustments, saying the backlog may be breaching taxpayers’ rights and missing service standards. SME Support in Alberta: Canada is putting $5.6 million into the Black Entrepreneurship Program in Alberta, backing training, mentorship, advisory services and market access for Black-owned businesses. AI for Small Firms: Radiant diGiLog says it’s rolling out an AI workforce and productivity platform in Canada and other markets to replace paper logs, spreadsheets and messy messaging for SMEs. Local Jobs Pressure: A Toronto-area report highlights that summer student jobs are still hard to land, with employers and applicants competing in a tight market. Startup Map Shift: A new global report argues AI is reshuffling Canada’s startup geography, with Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton emerging as specialized hubs. Franchise Resale Strategy: A franchising piece says proactive resale programs can prevent disruptions when franchisees exit, helping protect systems and customers.

CRA Watch: Canada Revenue Agency’s ombudsman is investigating delays in processing complex T1 adjustments, saying some cases are taking up to 47 weeks versus a 20-week service standard—an issue that can hit taxpayers’ ability to get redress. Tourism & Local Spend: Visit Penticton’s new executive director says the destination marketing group will push harder to grow visitor numbers, funded by the 3% MRDT on local accommodations. Provincial Hiring Pathways: Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program issued 743 invitations for provincial nomination, targeting healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture workers across multiple June draws. SME Financing Support: NSCC and Union Bank are hosting a free business financing workshop focused on helping underserved founders understand funding readiness and financing options. Canada-Africa Business Links: Zenith Bank is backing the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos, spotlighting trade and investment opportunities for Canadian firms looking at Africa. Small Business Community Spotlight: A Moosomin Chamber parade and museum event is drawing snowplane enthusiasts for July 11, a reminder of how local heritage events can bring visitors and business attention.

Energy Costs: Gas prices in southern Minnesota are easing after recent spikes, but many stations are still near $4 a gallon—keeping pressure on small business budgets and summer consumer spending. Tourism & Local Economy: Visit Penticton’s new executive director says the city’s destination marketing push—funded by a hotel tax—should drive more visitors and dollars into the community. Entrepreneurship & Funding: Ontario adds $6M to Futurpreneur to help nearly 1,000 young entrepreneurs access collateral-free loans up to $75,000 plus mentorship. Immigration & Hiring Pathways: Alberta’s immigration program issued 743 invitations tied to healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture and rural renewal streams. SME Support Programs: NSCC and Union Bank are hosting a free business financing workshop aimed at helping underserved founders understand funding options. Canada-Africa Trade: Zenith Bank backs the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos, spotlighting deals and partnerships for Canadian firms looking at Africa. Tech for Business: Digital Heroes promotes custom software and SaaS delivery across Canada and beyond, targeting faster product launches for growing companies.

Trade Talks & Local Business Input: Conservative MPs held a roundtable in Brandon-Souris to gather business concerns ahead of CUSMA talks, aiming to speed negotiations by bringing stakeholder priorities to Ottawa. Labour & Food Industry Stability: Rogers Sugar says the UFCW union at its Taber sugar beet refinery has ratified an extension of the collective agreement to March 2032, securing about 120 jobs and supporting long-term supply plans in Alberta. AI Strategy for Healthcare: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “AI for All” national strategy is pushing AI adoption in Canadian healthcare, with missions underway to improve diagnostics and patient care. Small Business Growth Funding: Brampton announced $5.2M in FedDev Ontario support for two city-led programs to help local firms diversify markets, strengthen supply chains, and adopt AI. Export Support for SMEs: Montana’s Commerce Department opened $800,000 in STEP grant funding to help small businesses pursue international sales through trade missions and marketing reimbursements. Retail Demand Surge: Vancouver soccer shops report Canada jersey sales spiked during the World Cup, with some stores selling out and warning customers about fakes. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: A Fort St. James artisan boutique won a $10,000 national grant, highlighting how small Canadian towns can access growth capital.

AI for All in Healthcare: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new national AI strategy “AI for All” is pushing faster adoption in diagnostics and patient care, with missions underway to build health data infrastructure and deploy bedside tools. Food Security Strategy: Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree highlighted Canada’s National Food Security Strategy, backed by $3B over 10 years, aiming to boost productivity, support independent grocers, and increase competition to help lower prices. Entrepreneur Support: Stratford’s investStratford Summer Company program handed out $3,000 grants plus mentorship to 11 youth entrepreneurs. Local Business Confidence: Quinte West businesses reported steadier optimism than the Ontario average in the OCC Business Confidence Survey, with confidence in their own operations holding up. Franchise Growth: Blo Blow Dry Bar signed a Phoenix franchise deal as it keeps expanding across North America. Labour & Community Impact: Rogers Sugar extended its Taber refinery collective agreement to March 2032, while USW members at Salit Steel in Niagara Falls voted to reject a contract and begin a strike. Small Business Tech: Recruitable launched an AI-powered all-in-one ATS/CRM and candidate sourcing platform for recruitment agencies.

AI for SMEs: A new Intuit QuickBooks report says 77% of small and midsize businesses use AI regularly, but privacy worries, fear of mistakes, and not knowing what AI can do still hold many back. Federal support for growth: Ottawa announced $557,500 for Toronto’s Tulong Technologies to help businesses use AI to better reach diverse audiences. Local business pressure from policy: B.C. is funding 12 chronic property-offending hubs, with the stated goal of protecting small businesses from repeat theft and street disorder. Financing for cash flow: Kingsmen Capital expanded flexible financing options for Canadian SMEs, including asset-based and revenue-based lines of credit plus equipment financing. Vancouver street-vendor fight: A food truck operator says FIFA World Cup barricades pushed him off the Granville Strip, hurting sales, while the city cites safety and emergency-access limits. Entrepreneur spotlight: EY named Assiduus Global founder Somdutta Singh an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Southeast winner. Mining court win: Bunker Hill Mining says a U.S. court dismissed the core of Crescent Mine’s case while keeping Bunker Hill’s water-cost claim alive.

Women Entrepreneurship Strategy: Ottawa is putting $173.7M over five years behind the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, including $59M for microloans (up to $50,000) and $100M for advisory, training and mentorship through ecosystem hubs. Small Business Lending Fight (B.C.): A Vancouver chocolatier and flower shop, La Fraise Rose, has launched a class action alleging CanaCap used “instant funding agreements” to charge interest rates up to 25 times the legal limit. Startup Testing for SMBs (Ottawa): CENGN and Ericsson showcased a 5G Advanced Living Lab add-on—Indoor Advanced Positioning—aimed at helping Canadian startups validate indoor location apps at Bayview Yards. Local Growth Grants (Ontario): Huron County opened applications for its Starter Company Plus program (July 1 start), offering training/coaching and grants up to $5,000 for business plans and pitches. Clean Energy Jobs (Hamilton): HOPA Ports and the Mississaugas of the Credit partnered to restart a biodiesel facility via Biidaaban Renewable Energy, with Indigenous-led ownership. Capital Markets Watch: CNH Industrial Capital Canada priced Cdn$450M notes, while Aecon agreed to buy Oaktree’s stake in Aecon Utilities for $320M.