Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we dive into the crucial world of SaaS data protection, exploring the risks businesses face and how to ensure continuity in a cloud-first environment.

Joining us is Eric Simmons, CEO of Asigra, a leader in backup and recovery solutions for nearly four decades. Eric shares insights on SaaS risks, the AWS shared responsibility model, and how Asigra’s new SaaSAssure platform integrates cybersecurity with data protection.

Key Highlights:

Why SaaS Data Protection Matters: Eric explains the risks businesses overlook in cloud reliance.

The AWS Shared Responsibility Model: What leaders need to know to avoid critical gaps.

Unique SaaS Risks: Insights into common vulnerabilities and “AHA moments” from executives.

SaaSAssure Platform: How it delivers robust backup and recovery for multiple SaaS apps.

Backup Meets Cybersecurity: Why Asigra focuses on the overlap for maximum protection.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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 Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore the recruitment challenges facing Canadian SMEs and how businesses can attract and retain top talent in a competitive labor market.

Joining us is Zag Dutton, Founder and President of Career Connections Canada Inc, a recruitment firm that has been delivering tailored hiring solutions since 1995. With more than three decades of expertise, Zag shares proven strategies for sourcing high-caliber candidates and building lasting client partnerships.

Key Highlights:

Founding Journey: Zag shares how her need for balance and independence led to creating Career Connections Canada.

Recruitment Solutions: Strategies to help SMEs avoid hiring pitfalls and find high-caliber candidates.

Lasting Relationships: How Career Connections integrates candidates as long-term assets for client success.

Commitment to Excellence: The principles behind the firm’s “client comes first” philosophy.

Awards & Recognition: What recent accolades mean for the firm’s reputation and impact in recruitment.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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 Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore the role of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) in strengthening consumer protections, fostering innovation, and building a sustainable financial services sector.

Joining us is Stuart Wilkinson, Chief Consumer Officer at FSRA, who leads efforts to amplify the consumer voice, develop key frameworks, and address challenges in Ontario’s evolving financial landscape.

Key Highlights:

1. FSRA’s Mission & Stuart’s Journey: Stuart shares FSRA’s mission and his path from advising on its creation to becoming its first Chief Consumer Officer.

2. Supporting Vulnerable Consumers: How FSRA’s Consumer Office uses surveys, frameworks, and outreach to support vulnerable Ontarians.

3. Innovation & Small Businesses: Stuart explains how FSRA promotes innovation while ensuring a competitive and well-regulated market.

4. Promoting High Standards: Insights on how FSRA responds to market changes and upholds strong business conduct.

5. Future Vision & Grants Program: Stuart discusses FSRA’s grants program and its role in securing a stronger financial future.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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 Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how digital presence, effective communication, and content creation have become vital skills for growth in today’s business world.

Joining us is Jola Jovani, Founder of Joint Reality Media, a platform offering practical tools for relational skill-building, communication, and personal development. Jola shares her journey as a creator and her insights on building meaningful connections online.

Key Highlights:

1. Building Online Presence: Jola explains how Joint Reality Media helps individuals and businesses enhance their digital visibility and relational skills.

2. Journey as a Creator: She shares her personal path into content creation and what inspired her work.

3. Actionable Advice: Practical tips for businesses to grow online and the types of content that drive engagement.

4. Audience-Centered Services: How Joint Reality Media designs workshops and tools that foster connection and growth.

5. Future Vision: Jola highlights what’s next for Joint Reality Media and its evolving direction.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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. Today, we’re diving into one of the most critical HR challenges facing Canadian SMEs: employee retention. With retention outpacing other HR priorities, we’ll explore how AI-enabled tools are transforming the workplace and offering new solutions for small and midsize businesses to enhance employee engagement and streamline HR processes.

Joining us is Eduardo García Rodriguez, a Content Analyst at Capterra, who specializes in translating emerging tech trends into practical insights for SMEs. With his extensive research and expertise, Eduardo has contributed to publications like The Times and Tech Radar. Let's dive into how AI tools are reshaping HR, why retention is such a key issue, and how Canadian SMEs can leverage technology for better results.

Key Highlights:

1. Retention – Canada’s Biggest HR Challenge for SMEs: Eduardo explains why retention is the top HR challenge and its impact on other priorities.

2. AI-Enabled HR Tools & Measurable Lift in Retention and Engagement: How AI tools enhance employee engagement while maintaining the human touch in HR.

3. Bridging the AI Adoption Gap in HR: Insights into the adoption gap and how SMEs can foster internal learning to maximize AI software investments.

4. The Realities of SME Challenges: Eduardo shares a personal perspective from seeing his sister’s entrepreneurial journey.

5. Actionable Insights for SMEs & Capterra's Future Research: Valuable insights from over 2 million user reviews and what’s to come in Capterra’s research series for SMEs.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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 Kripa Anand. In today's episode, we're diving into the critical world of corporate communications, brand awareness, and crisis management in an AI-dominated era.

Our guest, Adnan Bashir, Senior Manager of Global Corporate Communications at Hansen Technologies, shares his expertise in leveraging digital media, navigating crisis communications, and using AI to amplify storytelling while maintaining authenticity.

Adnan brings extensive experience from global corporate communications, including C-Suite advisory and a leadership role at the Canadian Public Relations Society. Today, we'll discuss the evolving landscape of branding, using AI in PR, managing crises in a digital-first world, and building brand awareness through digital media.

Key Highlights:

1. The Evolving Landscape of Marketing & Branding for Entrepreneurs: Adnan discusses Hansen Technologies’ success in audience growth through employee-focused content.
   
2. AI and Communications: Adnan shares how SMEs can use AI for storytelling while keeping authenticity intact.
   
3. Effective Crisis Communications in a Social Media and AI-Dominated World: Key steps for responding to crises in today’s digital environment.
   
4. Leveraging Digital Media for Brand Awareness: Effective strategies for Canadian SMEs to use social platforms for real results.
   
5. Leadership, Recognition & Global Impact in Communications: Adnan reflects on his global experience and his outlook on Canadian companies building international brands.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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 our AI for SMBs series, where we spotlight the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence for Canadian businesses.

Joining us is Jeff Dutton, Founder of goHeather, an AI-powered contract review tool designed for businesses. With a background in law and over a decade of experience advising clients on technology and corporate matters, Jeff shares how goHeather is reshaping legal services for SMEs.

Key Highlights:

1. Journey from Lawyer to Founder: Jeff explains how his legal career inspired the creation of goHeather.

2. Affordable Legal Support: How goHeather helps SMEs avoid costly mistakes and delays in contracts.

3. AI-Driven Contract Review: The benefits of in-line redlining, smart filters, and Playbooks for SMEs.

4. Innovations in Legal Tech: How new AI tools, including a Microsoft Word app, enhance speed and accuracy.

5. Future Vision: Jeff outlines goHeather’s growth plans and its mission to redefine legal services globally.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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 Kripa Anand.

In today’s episode, we focus on how small business owners and farmers can build lasting legacies through integrated tax, bookkeeping, and advisory services. We’ll discuss how FBC is leading the way in providing specialized financial support for entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, and how technology and AI-powered financial planning can make a difference.

Joining us today is Yves Millette, CEO of Farm Business Consultants (FBC). With over two decades of experience in executive leadership, Yves is at the helm of FBC, Canada’s largest provider of tax, bookkeeping, and payroll services for small business owners and farmers.

Key Highlights:

1. FBC's Evolution: From Tax Prep to Full Financial Partner: Yves shares how FBC’s transformation into a full financial partner has impacted 20,000+ Members and what sets their support model apart from traditional accounting firms.

2. Rural-First, World-Class Execution & Strategic Partnerships: Yves explains how FBC delivers world-class execution for rural businesses and farmers and how the integration with Harvest enhances its capabilities.

3. AI-Powered Financial Planning for Farmers and SMEs: How FBC uses AI to enhance financial planning and save time for both advisors and Members, benefiting small business owners and farmers.

4. The Future of Rural Entrepreneurship & Wealth Transfer: Yves discusses the importance of rural wealth transfer for Canada and how rural entrepreneurs will evolve in the next 5–10 years.

5. Controlling Legacy & FBC's Impact: Yves explains how FBC helps families control their legacy and how the impact of FBC’s 20,000+ Members and $42 million in savings highlights their success.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• 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!

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.