1) Confidence Is Back. Sort Of.

Canadian Small Business Confidence Rebounded in July

Business owners are feeling more optimistic, but tariffs, weak demand and rising costs could quickly change the mood.

2) Starting Is Easy. Surviving Is Hard.

More Canadian Businesses Are Closing Than Opening

Canada has now seen more businesses exit than enter for three straight quarters, a reminder that cash flow and margins matter more than hype.

3) Ontario Business Owners Got a Tax Cut

Ontario’s Small Business Tax Rate Dropped on July 1

Ontario’s small business corporate tax rate fell from 3.2% to 2.2%, but the actual savings will depend on your year-end and tax situation.

4) The Bank of Canada Does Not Set Your Loan Rate

Why Business Borrowing Costs May Stay High

Your financial statements, cash flow and lender confidence may matter just as much as the Bank of Canada’s next rate decision.

5) Canadian Small Businesses Are Seeing Real Gains From AI

AI Could Increase Canadian SME Productivity by Up to 38%

Only 30% of Canadian SMEs currently use generative AI, but those that do are already reporting materially higher productivity.

6) Bigger Deals. Pickier Buyers.

Canadian M&A Values Rose, but Deal Activity Slowed

Buyers still have capital, but they are favouring businesses with clean financials, recurring earnings and less dependence on the owner.

7) Are You Scaling the Business or Your Exhaustion?

How to Set Boundaries as a Founder

Saying yes to every customer and opportunity may look like growth, until you realize the business is becoming more dependent on you, not less.

Power to you,

Think Team 🙏

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