AGP Executive Report

Restaurant squeeze: Restaurants Canada says more than 40% of Canadian restaurants are losing money or barely breaking even, with affordability pushing diners to cut back—especially higher-income households—raising the risk of slow closures tied to commercial leases. Procurement for local jobs: The USW is applauding BC’s push for “Built in B.C. and Canada” procurement rules on public infrastructure, including Canadian steel requirements for the North Coast Transmission Line and calls for union and prevailing-wage preferences. SMB fintech pressure: Payments fintechs warn higher interest rates will delay tech spending for small businesses, adding to inflation, trade uncertainty, and borrowing stress. Career skills push: SAIT and TD renewed funding for My Career Pathways, a free digital tool helping learners map skills to in-demand training and career goals. Local business support tools: Lethbridge County partnered with The Groundbreakers to test Ecosystem Navigator, using AI-assisted local input to spot gaps and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Municipal election watch: Maple Ridge mayoral candidates debated a major recreation expansion and borrowing plan, with business attraction and local priorities front and centre.

Franchise & Retail: Perkins Restaurant and Bakery was named No. 10 in Entrepreneur’s inaugural “Top 10 Franchise Brands” for full-service restaurants, highlighting its consumer trust and upcoming “Griddle and Go” fast-casual rollout. Health Tech for SMBs: Inagene launched a GLP-1 Insights Program pairing genetic insights with registered dietitian support to help Canadians understand different responses to weight-management and diabetes meds. Small Business Climate: CFIB says small business confidence dropped in September, with tariff uncertainty and higher energy prices weighing on optimism. Payments & Local Visibility: Square added an Apple Business integration so sellers can manage and sync key location details on Apple Maps and related Apple services from the Square Dashboard. Housing & Community Development: Compass Nova Scotia opened eight affordable, barrier-free co-op homes in Digby by converting the former Barton School. AI & Operations: New research finds many website chat requests arrive after hours, pushing SMBs to rethink how they capture leads outside business times. Trade & Compliance Market: A new forecast projects the global trade management market growing to $3.04B by 2032, driven by cross-border rules and digitized compliance.

AI & Privacy: Meta unveiled camera-free AI glasses plus an audio-only model, shipping Oct. 13, as privacy concerns keep rising. Small Business Strategy: A new push argues Canada needs an investment strategy for small business, while Brampton rolled out a 10-point U.S. tariff and economic resilience plan aimed at protecting local jobs and procurement. Local Growth & Skills: Airdrie’s Cashflow Canvas won a national business retention award for boosting entrepreneurs’ financial literacy; Verizon also announced a $70M AI skills initiative (including free training access) aimed at job seekers and small businesses. Entrepreneur Spotlight: Edmonton founder Regan Gamble’s SheDrives is building safer pathways through a transportation service rooted in Indigenous lived experience. Community & Events: Ottawa’s Collabüro Live brings together entrepreneurs, creatives and mental health leaders for “changemakers” conversations. Retail/Branding: Kraft Heinz Canada launched a limited-edition Kraft Dinner-flavoured cream soda with Toronto’s Solly’s Craft Soda. Education/Workforce: Alberta released draft grades 7–9 science and CALM 10 curricula, with CALM 10 adding money management and career planning.

Pre-budget politics: Conservatives are pushing back on a pre-budget report, arguing it should set priorities and trade-offs instead of treating every new fund, tax credit, or permanent program as unlimited money. Small-business tech tools: SumUp launched “POS Plus” in the U.S., adding floor-plan management, order handling across devices, barcode scanning, cost tracking, and QuickBooks/Xero integrations aimed at busy restaurants and cafes. AI and accessibility: Exclaimer rolled out Accessibility Controls to help email signatures meet WCAG 2.1 AA rules, targeting common issues like missing link context and image-based contact details. Local growth & community: Rover and Redfin released a guide ranking Vancouver as Canada’s top city for dog walks, with walkability tied to pet-friendly planning. Education pipeline: MLRIT hosted an international education fair connecting students with 13 universities across seven countries. Business investment signals: Velentium Medical secured growth capital led by 1315 Capital to expand manufacturing, regulatory capabilities, and automation.

B.C. Election Watch: Premier David Eby has called a snap B.C. election for Oct. 24, setting up a fast-moving campaign where the NDP’s slim majority and shifting caucus numbers could shape local business rules. Municipal Red Tape: Vancouver Greens say they’ll cut permitting and licensing friction for small businesses by streamlining approvals, creating a single business contact, and fast-tracking change-of-use permits. Trade-Tariff Pressure: B.C. is expanding support for firms hit by U.S. tariffs, adding funding to manufacturing, rural diversification, and marketplace initiatives, while Alberta launches its “Level Up” program to help companies diversify trade and enter new markets. Co-op Banking Merger: Tru Cooperative Bank and Ontario’s Libro Credit Union propose a landmark merger to create a stronger national cooperative banking option for members. Alberta Whisky at Costco: Costco liquor stores in Alberta have started carrying local craft whiskies, giving small distillers a boost ahead of peak sales and amid looming U.S. alcohol restrictions. Mortgage Demand: Expert Mortgage plans to hire 50 more agents across Ontario as refinancing, private mortgages, and power-of-sale cases rise. Indigenous Business Momentum: NACCA’s Kamloops AGM highlighted Indigenous youth entrepreneurship and the IFI network’s job-creation impact, while Forward Summit East returns to Casino Rama to push procurement and investment participation. Airline Fuel Squeeze: Flair CEO warns sky-high jet fuel costs are straining budget travel, even after Ottawa emergency aid. SME Tech/AI Push: TD announced up to $25M over three years with Cohere and Layer 6 to speed AI adoption in Canada’s banking ecosystem. Local Business Community: Simcoe County extended nominations for its Newcomer Recognition Awards to Sept. 25, including a Small Business Owner category.

Small-business finance tools: Boundless AI teamed up with Zoho Books (plus Zoho Inventory, Billing and Invoice) to let US and Canadian SMBs access non-dilutive capital without leaving the accounting workflow. Payroll made simpler in Quebec: Wagepoint launched unified Québec payroll compliance in both French and English, aiming to replace the need for a second payroll system for employers with staff in the province. DIY planning for consumers: Edmonton’s FP Advisors launched PlanDIY, a free do-it-yourself financial planning app built for Canadians ahead of October’s Financial Planning Month. Food processing push: EY says Canada could add up to $5.4B to GDP and support about 34,000 jobs by processing more crops at home. Local business ecosystem: MICHELIN Guide Toronto & Region revealed its 2026 Stars and distinctions, highlighting the region’s restaurant growth. Trade and hiring signals: RLB’s North American Crane Index points to more construction activity, with education cranes up nearly 42% in surveyed cities. Capital markets: Royal Canadian Mint priced a follow-on offering of gold exchange-traded receipts, while multiple ETF issuers announced September/October cash distributions.

Climate & resilience: A Manitoba business-focused talk warns climate change is already reshaping operations, with recent wildfire impacts cited as a costly wake-up call for local companies. Education funding: Algoma University received a $1.5M Joyce Family Foundation gift to create renewable bursaries for 12 first-year students facing financial barriers. Franchise growth: KaleMart24 is expanding in Ontario with a new downtown Toronto franchise, leaning on fresh prepared food and “better-for-you” convenience. AI spotlight: A profile of Siarhei Aliseienka’s ChatOn AI says the product hit top-10 global rankings by revenue, with major download numbers. Small business risk: TD Insurance research highlights that many small food retailers carry insurance but would still lean on credit or personal support first during emergencies—plus five overlooked risks. Local business & jobs: Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath unveiled a “Head of Lake Ontario Plan” aimed at tariff impacts, including a local business support officer and procurement changes. B.C. tax relief: The Abbotsford Chamber says B.C. paused PST expansion to professional services, calling it a win for small businesses. Training sector deal: 360training acquired Atlantic Training to expand HR compliance and workplace safety offerings for Canadian and other businesses. Public safety politics: Peel police union endorsed Alvin Tedjo in Mississauga’s mayoral race, framing the choice as a leadership issue for public safety.

Energy & Data Infrastructure: FingerMotion moves ahead with a second 99 MW Alberta behind-the-meter power and compute campus, signing a binding LOI to buy industrial land in Hanna for an AI/HPC site. Capital Markets: CIX Trading launches Canada’s first new standalone equity marketplace in over a decade, starting live trading with ~25 securities and planning a broader rollout plus extended hours. SME Health & Safety: A new case-based report links engineered stone countertop work to silicosis and calls for stronger worker surveillance and education—an issue that can hit small shops hardest. Business Financing: Terra Clean Energy says its $2.0M brokered private placement is fully allocated, with proceeds tied to work at its Marysvale uranium project. Policy & Cost Pressure: A C.D. Howe Institute report warns Canada’s fiscal and productivity challenges could keep living standards stagnant and squeeze governments’ room to respond. Tech for Work: Yooz expands its Procede integration with payment remittance and warranty invoice capabilities for vehicle dealerships. Renewables Investment: Skyline Clean Energy Fund completes a 76 MW/DC solar acquisition in Ontario, boosting its solar portfolio by 83%. Governance & Growth: LEEF Brands adds Hirsh Jain to its board as an independent director, strengthening oversight.

Trade War Pressure on SMEs: A new Canada–U.S. tariff escalation is hitting small businesses on both sides, with owners reporting cancelled cross-border orders and higher costs that are squeezing already-thin margins. AI Data Centre Costs: Nova Scotia’s interim Liberal leader Iain Rankin is pushing a bill that would force large AI data centres to cover full electricity and infrastructure costs, aiming to stop ratepayers and small businesses from footing the bill. Space & Defence Funding for Canadian Firms: MDA Space is launching its LaunchPad Ventures initiative to identify and fund small and mid-sized companies building Canadian space and defence capabilities. Quantum Market Volatility: Xanadu Quantum Technologies faces a major stock test as a lockup lifts for most early holders, potentially increasing share availability and volatility. Workforce & Training Partnerships: Keyano College is spotlighting regional workforce priorities after meetings with Alberta’s advanced education leadership, including industry-linked training and innovation network ties. Entrepreneurship Lessons: A business column argues entrepreneurs shouldn’t assume “work harder” is the fix—failure often comes down to customer fit, pricing, and sales channels. Local Politics Watch: Vancouver mayoral campaigns are kicking off amid public-safety concerns and uncertainty about whether a provincial election could overlap municipal voting.

Leadership & Succession: First National Financial named Hassan Pirnia as its new CEO, effective Nov. 2, succeeding Jason Ellis—an update that matters for Canada’s mortgage-focused small-business lending ecosystem. Local Business & Safety: A Vancouver mayoral race is kicking off amid public-safety anxiety, with candidates warning about how a potential provincial election could overlap municipal voting—an issue that can shape local business confidence. Small Business Costs: CFIB reports Atlantic small businesses are paying up to 146% more in municipal property taxes than comparable homes, calling it a “tax penalty on doing business.” Trade Pressure on SMEs: A Canada–U.S. tariff fight is already hitting cross-border sellers, with small firms reporting cancelled orders and higher costs. Immigration for Workers: Newfoundland and Labrador issued 62 provincial immigration invitations, a potential boost for employers needing labour. Entrepreneurship on the Ground: Alberta teens are learning business skills through a youth garden venture selling at local markets. Travel Sector Stress: A travel app entered involuntary bankruptcy in Spain, another reminder of how fast-changing demand and costs can squeeze small travel operators.

SME Fraud Alert: A Columbia Valley auto shop owner says a stolen-credit-card scam cost their business nearly $9,000, warning other small firms to tighten payment and deposit processes. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Saskatchewan’s Daryl Wright, founder of Seed2Leaf, is a Futurpreneur Canada Top 30 finalist, with the People’s Choice vote open ahead of the Oct. 28 awards in Toronto. Business Growth & Hiring: Steward Group launched as an independent portfolio management firm in Cambridge, Ont., serving entrepreneurs and business owners with a planning-first model on the Advisor Solutions platform. Local Retail: Bread Hag in Sault Ste. Marie relocated into a larger Queen St. E space, expanding capacity for its naturally leavened sourdough and baked goods. Cost Pressure on Small Business: CFIB reports Atlantic Canada commercial property taxes can be far higher than residential rates, with some places seeing business owners pay double or triple. Community Markets: Richmond Night Market is closing permanently after 26 years as its lease ends and a new site is too costly—an economic hit for local vendors. Trade & Policy Watch: Canada-U.S. tariff fallout continues to squeeze small manufacturers, with one Texas firm citing sharp aluminum price jumps tied to the trade war. Immigration/Workforce: PEI issued 195 invitations in its Sept. 17 PNP draw, but issued zero business work permit entrepreneur invitations.

Commercial Property Tax Pressure: CFIB says Atlantic small businesses are paying big municipal property-tax premiums for commercial space, with Nova Scotia averaging 146% higher rates than residential (and effective multipliers rising sharply in Newfoundland and Labrador), adding real cost pressure for firms already squeezed by uncertainty. Provincial Tax Policy for Small Business: B.C. has paused its planned PST expansion to professional services “until the trade war is over,” a move welcomed by downtown Kelowna businesses worried about a “tax on safety” for services like security. Time-Saving for Operations: B.C. adopted permanent daylight time and is now using “PCT” (Pacific Time) as the year-round time-zone code, citing fewer disruptions for parents, shift workers, and small businesses. Retail Access for Local Makers: Makers opened a second Saskatchewan location in Saskatoon, giving artisans retail space while keeping 100% of sales. Immigration Pathways: PEI issued 195 invitations in its Sept. 17 PNP draw (Labour Impact and Express Entry only), with no business-work-permit entrepreneur invitations. Business Growth & Hiring: Fraser Direct opened a new 141,000 sq.-ft distribution centre in Acton to expand warehousing, fulfillment, freight and customs brokerage across Canada and the U.S. Local Trade & Community: Kivalliq Trade Show returns Sept. 21–23 in Rankin Inlet under a “listen” theme, with 220 delegates and 55 exhibitors registered.

Small Business Expansion: Bread Hag has relocated to a larger Queen Street East space in Sault Ste. Marie, giving the sourdough bakery room to grow hours and offerings. Retail for Makers: Makers opened a second Saskatchewan store in Saskatoon, letting 85–90 artisans sell through a membership model where they keep 100% of sales. Local Economy & Jobs: Fraser Direct held a grand opening for a new 141,000 sq.-ft. distribution centre in Acton, expanding warehousing, fulfillment, freight and customs brokerage across Canada and the U.S. Policy That Hits the Bottom Line: B.C. paused its planned PST expansion to professional services, citing trade-war uncertainty and offering “breathing room” for businesses. Time-Saving for Operations: B.C. adopted permanent daylight-saving time and is now using “PCT” as the year-round time zone abbreviation, aimed at reducing scheduling disruption for small businesses. Trade Pressure Response: The federal government says it’s moving to unlock a $100 tourism economy, while Ottawa also announced $7.5B in new funding tied to U.S. tariff impacts. Business Community: Barrie Chamber named finalists for the 2026 Barrie Business Awards, with winners set for Oct. 23.

AI Procurement for SMBs: Handvantage (Canada) released a free, ungated Agentic AI Procurement Handbook to help buyers evaluate agentic AI platforms, governance, approvals, and audit trails before signing contracts. Entrepreneur Training: Sagehill Community Futures launched free “Training on Demand” modules for entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan and beyond, covering bookkeeping, marketing, taxes and CRA basics. Safety & Compliance: Ontario’s TSSA says incidents across its regulated sectors fell year over year, with permanent injuries at a 10-year low, crediting better analytics for targeting inspections. Local Business Growth: Ontario announced Rural Ontario Development funding for three Northumberland–Peterborough South projects, including manufacturing/energy readiness in Port Hope. Vancouver Indigenous Priorities: First Nations stakeholders shared what they want from Vancouver’s next mayor and council, focusing on long-term relationship-building and support for key land development files. Procurement & Risk Watch: Investor notices keep rolling for Innventure (INV) securities class actions, with an Oct. 27, 2026 lead-plaintiff deadline.

Trade Pressure on SMBs: The US-Canada trade war is escalating with reciprocal tariffs and new exclusions, pushing up costs and squeezing small businesses on both sides of the border. EU-Canada Deal Watch: Prime Minister Mark Carney is pitching an EU associate membership as a way to diversify trade, while critics—including Pierre Poilievre and Trump—warn it could trigger new tariffs or political backlash. China-First Nations Business Links: Chinese diplomats helped convene a Vancouver roundtable to deepen ties between Chinese firms, financial institutions and B.C. First Nations, as Canadian agencies warn Beijing is targeting influence. AI for Business Adoption: Canada’s ALL IN 2026 conference highlighted new investments and partnerships, including plans for a Canadian-led open-source AI consortium aimed at making AI tools more affordable for SMEs. Local Growth & Housing Execution: TUK Group says it’s advancing 35 Toronto rental homes and launching a partner portal to speed project updates and reporting. Creator Economy in Canada: YouTube Canada unveiled new creator shows, including “SubwayTakes Toronto,” bringing major talent and brand deals into the Canadian market. SME Skills Pipeline: Ontario’s KLSBC Summer Company program is backing young entrepreneurs with training and up to $3,000 grants to launch local ventures.

Franchising Spotlight: The Canadian Franchise Association kicked off Franchisee Appreciation Month, spotlighting franchisees’ community impact through its “Join the FAM” campaign. Trade Pressure on SMBs: A new wave of U.S.-Canada tariff moves is being framed as a direct hit to small businesses, with MPs and local groups warning costs and uncertainty are rising. Canada-EU Pivot: EU leaders floated “associate member” talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney as tensions with the U.S. deepen, raising new questions for cross-border trade and hiring. Risk Management Reality Check: A TD Insurance survey found nearly one in four Canadian small business owners lack business insurance, and many struggle to understand coverage. AI for the Real Economy: Beacon Software acquired Haize Labs to strengthen AI reliability testing for real-world deployments, while BlueLedger emerged from stealth to help reconcile public-market records. Local Growth & Jobs: Lakeshore Securities outlined an acquisition-and-advisor expansion plan across Canada, and a Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP urged more federal support for small firms via Community Futures Development Agencies.