CanadianSME Small Business Show2026 Recap

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SMALL BUSINESS SHOW 2026

The Small Business Show 2026 was held on May 22 at the prestigious Metro Toronto Convention Centre, where the who’s who of the SME sector converged. With this year ' s theme,"TheFutureof GrowthisNowMasteringTechnology,Capital,andInnovation," the day was all about creating a robust energy base for an event filled with innovative insights, networking, and camaraderie Through engaging panel discussions, expert-led workshops, and valuable collaboration opportunities, attendees gained practical insights into embracing adaptability and maintaining an unwavering spirit of excellence in a technology-driven world

Tanya Casole-Gouveia was invited to host the action-packed event. With her extensive experience as a host of popular live events for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the Pan Am Games, Cirque Du Soleil and CBC Sports and long-time host of live painting competition ‘Art Battle’, she stood out at this year’s Small Business Show as the guiding light of connectivity building, charisma and networking

Sponsors and Partners

The CanadianSME Small Business Show 2026 received tremendous support from an outstanding group of sponsors and partners, who also showcased their offerings in the hall. We would like to express our appreciation to:

UPS, our exclusive Shipping Partner

ADP, our Preferred HR and Payroll Partner

BDC, our Bronze Partner & Lanyard sponsor

LENOVO, our Bronze Partner

One Core Media, our Keynote Sponsor

TD SYNNEX & AWS, our Bronze Partner

Desjardins , our Bronze Partner

Art & Science, our Keynote Sponsor

PowerPay, our Bronze Partner

YSpace, our Panel sponsor

samsung, our Panel sponsors

MacMillan Consulting, our Panel sponsor

Connecting GTA, our Supporting Partner aaniin, our Keynote Sponsor

SMALL BUSINESS SHOW 2026

OneCore

STRATEGIES

Tax

Simplifytheinternet(WSI / Comandix Marketing

Purposeful

Oceanstar Technologies Inc/ Price

Stratin Canada( Stratégie Innovation

Fresh Pick Inc/ Flutter Energy Inc

Cosmo5(FormerlyLabelium Group)

Orbit Brokers( Connect Logistics Inc)

Click Glitz & STEMstein Academy

SMALL BUSINESS SHOW 2026

Totalregistrations

Totalbusinessesengaged

Keynoteattendees

Socialmediaimpressionsonallplatformsfor Showpostsduringthe3monthsperiod

PaidpromotionimpressionsonSocialMedia

Averageworkshopattendees

Averagedemosessionattendees

Noofexhibitors

Totalworkshops Around4950+ 2789+ 1.4million 400+persession 2.9million Upto100 Upto25

Event Highlights

The CanadianSME Small Business Show 2026, held on May 22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, drew entrepreneurs, inventors, and business leaders for an exciting day of learning and networking. The event, centered on the theme "Mastering Technology, Capital, and Innovation," featured fascinating panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and keynote presentations aimed at assisting small firms in seizing future prospects

Tanya Casole-Gouveia hosted the event, and SK Uddin, Founder of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, served as Media Host, providing unique insights and industry knowledge on stage. Attendees left with actionable tactics, meaningful connections, and a better knowledge of how technology and innovation can help businesses flourish

3,000+ attendees

90+ exhibitors

Keynote Speakers

The event featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who shared their expertise and insights:

PaulGaspar

How to Reduce Cart Abandonment and Recover Lost Revenue

In his compelling keynote address, Paul emphasized the critical importance of agility and responsiveness in todays rapidly evolving global trade landscape Businesses must stay ahead by focusing on core areas such as sales, customer service, optimized online shopping experiences, and transparent pricing, including accurate delivery cost estimates Paul’s keynote underscored the value of partnering with logistics experts like UPS, whose deep expertise in global transportation and customs compliance enables businesses to navigate complex regulatory frameworks

AI for Small Business: From Adoption to Competitive Advantage

In the keynote AI for Small Business: From Adoption to Competitive Advantage’, Mohamed Basma, General Manager of Small Business Services at ADP Canada, discussed how small businesses can go beyond simply adopting AI and start using it to drive measurable business development and customer satisfaction The presentation focused on a threestep plan for transforming AI investments into a genuine competitive advantage and higher ROI Mohamed, who has extensive leadership expertise in service delivery and business operations, offered valuable insights into innovation, operational efficiency, and how Canadian small businesses can survive in an ever-changing digital economy

MaryManhas RegionalHeadof BusinessBanking,BMO

BMO Business Banking: Supporting Canadian Businesses from Day One

Mary Manhas delivered an impactful keynote speech at the Small Business Show 2026 on how BMO Business Banking supports Canadian entrepreneurs from the start The discussion focused on the realities business owners face today, what banks look for when financing a firm, and the importance of developing trusting banking relationships that extend beyond transactions Mary, Regional Head of Business Banking at BMO presented practical thoughts on growth confidence, and long-term success, emphasizing the significance of mentoring, community support, and empowering women in business

In the keynote presentation, Are You Investment Ready? Dr Saira Siddique, CEO of Vertex Health Inc, presented an interesting, experience-driven lecture on the realities of raising financing in today's health tech industry Dr Siddique addressed what investors are truly looking for in 2026 beyond innovation, drawing on his experience developing many firms raising more than $10 million in funding, and delivering successful exits The lecture discussed the growing Canadian health tech investment market, which is becoming more selective and focused on startups with outstanding execution, measurable value, and long-term scalability Dr Siddique underlined that before starting the fundraising process, owners must first decide whether venture capital is a good fit for their company Mixing practical

Growth, Market Change, and the New Realities of SMEs: Are You Protected for What Comes Next?

FrankieOrtuso Vice-president,Growth,Developmentand PerformanceCommercialLines atDesjardinsInsurance

Frankie Ortuso, Vice-President of Growth, Development, and Performance Commercial Lines at Desjardins Insurance, discussed how business growth can quickly reshape the risks and protection needs of entrepreneurs in his keynote speech, Growth, Market Change, and the New Realities of SMEs: Are You Protected for What Comes Next? The event focused on upcoming concerns such as climate impacts cybersecurity automation and AI-driven liability Frankie used real examples to stress the significance of monitoring coverage frequently as firms expand and making proactive decisions that align with long-term growth The speech provided great insights into how SMEs may remain resilient and prepared in a fast-changing business environment

The Integrated Marketing Edge: How Smart SMBs Win Customers in 2026

GennadyLiakhter

ChiefOperatingOfficer,OneCoreMedia

Gennady Liakhter, Chief Operating Officer at One Core Media, delivered the keynote "The Integrated Marketing Edge: How Smart SMBs Win Customers in 2026," providing practical insights into what distinguishes successful firms from those striving to expand in an increasingly competitive market With over 15 years of expertise in technology and digital marketing, Gennady elaborated on the common blunders that quietly drain budgets the shortcuts that undermine long-term performance, and the tactics savvy organizations use to attract clients profitably The seminar provided attendees with a clear strategy for allocating time, money, and marketing efforts to achieve long-term growth and retain momentum in 2026

The Exit is the Entrance

Chelsee Pettit, President and Founder of aaniin Retail Inc, delivered the keynote "The Exit is the Entrance," sharing a remarkable and deeply personal tale of entrepreneurship, resilience, and reinvention The session looked at how a chance encounter in Toronto spurred a quest to make Anishinaabe syllabics more visible, ultimately leading to the establishment and expansion of aaniin Retail Inc Chelsee commented on the realities of growing a business, overcoming storefront challenges, and discovering the value of financial strategy, planning, and futureproofing The keynote speaker delivered an inspiring message about turning failures into opportunities and rethinking business exits as strategic steps toward long-term legacy-building

Signal vs. Noise: Digital Marketing That Moves the Needle for Local Businesses

Spencer Saunders and Adam Green of Lokum Marketing Services presented a practical and refreshing view of digital marketing for small businesses in 2026 during the keynote, "Signal vs Noise: Digital Marketing That Moves the Needle for Small Businesses" Drawing on over two decades of expertise in customer acquisition and multi-location marketing, the workshop cut through industry jargon to focus on the techniques that really get people in the door The presenters discussed where business owners should spend their limited time and resources, which trends can be safely ignored, and when outside knowledge can have a significant impact on long-term business growth

HaliVanVliet

PartnerinHRConsultingatMNP

Hali VanVliet, Partner in HR Consulting at MNP, discussed how outsourced HR can assist expanding SMBs with hiring, onboarding, compliance, employee engagement, and workplace culture at The Business Show To help organizations scale successfully without incurring the expense of maintaining an entire in-house HR staff, the seminar dispelled common misconceptions about HR and emphasized practical methods for gaining professional HR experience

HR Without the Overhead: How Outsourced HR Helps Growing SMBs

WaleedRizvi

SeniorConsultingManageratMNP

Waleed Rizvi, Senior Consulting Manager at MNP, led a workshop to help SMBs negotiate the hurdles of growth The seminar discussed how firms can transition away from founder-led operations by adopting stronger processes, monitoring the relevant performance indicators, and developing leadership capacity Attendees learned how to scale sustainably, improve efficiency, and position their organizations for future opportunities

The SMB Playbook: Scaling Without Breaking Your Business

Workshop - Powerpay by

RahulNirula

HeadofProductfor PowerpaybyDayforce

Rahul Nirula, Head of Product at Powerpay by Dayforce, led an engaging session at The Business Show on simplifying payroll management for growing enterprises

Taming

the Payroll Beast:

From Headache to Hassle-Free Pay Runs

Attendees learned how contemporary payroll technology can reduce errors, increase efficiency, and support compliance, making payroll processes easier to manage as businesses grow

SukainaNathoo

ClinicalDirectorandFounder ofPurposefulChangePsychotherapy

Sukaina Nathoo, who has over two decades of experience in mental health, conducted an engaging workshop on the human side of corporate leadership Attendees discovered how understanding their own behavioural patterns can lead to better decision-making, greater leadership, and a healthier company journey

Small Business, Big Pressure: Why Your Business Runs the Way It Does

MichaelSirota ChiefExecutiveOfficer, RationalBusinessSolutions

Managed Intelligence: How AI Can Benefit the SMB

Michael Sirota led an enlightening workshop at The Business Show on making AI accessible and useful for small and medium-sized organizations Attendees learned how AI and automation can streamline processes, boost productivity, and help firms stay competitive in a fast-changing market by using real-world examples

The Future is Hybrid: How SMEs can scale by combining human judgment with AI execution

AbdurrehmanMuhammadi

ManagingPartneratHachiAI

Abdurrehman Muhammadi's session provided a practical view of the future of business operations, demonstrating how SMEs can combine human decision-making with AI execution The seminar provided attendees with actionable solutions to increase productivity, strengthen operational performance, and prepare for long-term growth

From "Busy" to Operationally Efficient: Using AI to Reclaim Time and Capacity

SusanGoebel

StrategicAdvisor atYSpaceELLA,YorkUniversity

Susan Goebel led a hands-on training to help SMBs use AI to increase productivity and recover capacity Attendees learned practical strategies to automate repetitive tasks, reinforce operational processes, and make better-informed decisions while alleviating the stress that typically accompanies corporate development

Workshops

AI in Finance: A Practical Guide for Small

Business Owners

At The Business Show Jaime Trujillo-Ramirez

Fractional CFO at MLHC Professional Corp

discussed how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing financial management for small firms The seminar focused on practical tools and tactics to improve budgeting forecasting reporting and cash flow management enabling business owners to make better decisions with greater confidence

JoeGraci

3xBusinessOwner/Operator atJOVAVentures&Advisory

Joe Graci, 3x Business Owner and Operator at JOVA Ventures & Advisory, led an entertaining workshop on overcoming owner dependence and developing firms that can scale beyond the founder Drawing on his experience establishing and exiting a $100 million revenue firm Joe presented practical techniques for improving systems lowering risk and producing long-term business value

Dr Sandra Weppler

Dr.Natasha Bridgmohan,AMP Founder&President, TheBridgGroupofCompanies

Dr Natasha Bridgmohan gave an engaging workshop on why many business owners work harder as their companies develop but do not always achieve commensurate benefits The seminar focused on ways to increase profitability, discover new revenue streams, and develop stronger client retention methods while minimizing operational stress

Cashflow, Clients & Chaos: Why You’re Working Too Hard for Too Little

Workshop - SeoLogist

GennadyLiakhter

MikeZhmudikov ChiefOperatingOfficer,SeoLogist

SEODirector,SeoLogist

Gennady Liakhter and Mike Zhmudikov provided authoritative insight into the confluence of SEO and AI-powered search experiences The event educated delegates on how organizations may position themselves for success by combining traditional search methods with emerging optimization techniques geared to AI platforms

The Search Shift: How to Get Found on Google, ChatGPT, and AI in 2026

DenisMelnik

PaidMediaDirector,OneCoreMedia

Denis Melnik led an insightful workshop on the future of paid media, emphasizing how SMBs may adapt to an increasingly AI-driven advertising world Attendees gained actionable insights into upcoming trends, smarter campaign optimization, and AI-powered methods to improve marketing results

SMALL BUSINESS SHOW 2026

Exclusive Panel Discussions

The Event Featured ThreeExclusivePanelDiscussions:

The Intelligent SME: Integrating AI, Hardware, and Connectivity for Peak Performance

ArtificialIntelligenceoffersmassivepotentialfor smallbusinessgrowth,butyoucannotrunasmart businessonoutdatedinfrastructure Thispanel connectsthedotsbetweenhavingtherightdevices, thefastestnetworks,andthesmartestsoftwareto createatrulyintegrateddigitalecosystem

Financial Fortitude: Smart Capital Strategies for Profitability and Resilience

Inaneconomiclandscapedefinedbyfluctuating costsandcompetitivemarkets,financialhealthis theultimatecompetitiveadvantage.Thissession goesbeyondbasicaccountingtoexplorestrategic financialmanagementfor2026

Innovation in Action: Evolving Strategies for Market Expansion and Sustainable Growth

Trueinnovationisnotjustaboutadoptingnew technology;it’saboutrethinkinghowyoudo businesstostayrelevantandcompetitive This panelexploresthestrategicpivotsnecessaryfor long-termsurvivalandsuccessin2026

01 - Panel Discussion

The Intelligent SME: Integrating AI, Hardware, and Connectivity for Peak Performance

Artificial Intelligence offers massive potential for small business growth, but you cannot run a smart business on outdated infrastructure This panel connects the dots between having the right devices, the fastest networks, and the smartest software to create a truly integrated digital ecosystem

FounderofSmallBusiness

AICoach&Strategist

Moderator

AliceBazdikian ErikaLang FrancisBeaudoin JonathonMeany KristinWozniak DirectorofLocalSales atCineplexMedia SeniorChannelManager atSamsungElectronicsCanada HeadofService,Smal BusinessatADPCanada ChiefGrowth+Data OfficeratCosmo5

02 - Panel Discussion

Financial Fortitude: Smart Capital Strategies for

Profitability and Resilience

In an economic landscape defined by fluctuating costs and competitive markets, financial health is the ultimate competitive advantage. This session goes beyond basic accounting to explore strategic financial management for 2026.

CatalinaLopez AbimbolaAkinnuoye

SVPofRevenueand MarketingatFreshBooks

MaryManhas

FounderofLeadingLadies Connect RegionalHeadof BusinessBanking,BMO

CathyTracey

DirectorofSmallBusiness atMeridian AreaVicePresident ofSalesatSage Moderator

03 - Panel Discussion

Innovation in Action: Evolving Strategies for Market Expansion and Sustainable Growth

True innovation is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about rethinking how you do business to stay relevant and competitive. This panel explores the strategic pivots necessary for long-term survival and success in 2026.

Networking for SMB Owners Business mixer

Sponsored by

The Business Mixer Networking event provided attendees with a vibrant atmosphere to connect, share, and develop both personal and business relationships. This prime gathering for SMB owners fostered collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth in a lively and engaging environment.

Demo Presentation

Theeventfeaturedanimpressivelineupofdemo speakerswhosharedtheirexpertiseandinsights: ExhibitorsHall-Room105/106

Disrupt. Revolutionize. Fractional CFO & TaaS in Action

TheresaEvanoff

Executive Director of Global Angel Investor Network

Theresa Evanoff delivered an intriguing presentation on how GAIN is reshaping angel investment by connecting diverse entrepreneurs with investors across Canada, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States The discussion emphasized the need for inclusive capital in fostering corporate growth and economic development

ZahidJunejo

Disrupt. Revolutionize. Fractional CFO & TaaS in Action

Director of Business Development at MacMillan Consulting

Zahid Junejo, Director of Business Development

Solutions at MacMillan Consulting, gave a fascinating demo presentation on how Fractional CFO and Talent-as-a-Service solutions are transforming financial operations for growing firms

The presentation demonstrated how firms can gain strategic financial leadership, planning experience, audit support, and qualified finance experts without establishing a full-time in-house team, thereby increasing efficiency, scalability, and long-term business growth

FahadAli

Founder & CEO of Broomstick Creative Global

Fahad Ali, Founder and CEO of Broomstick Creative Global, gave a practical demonstration at The Business Show on how to simplify the digital creative agency experience The session introduced the Broomstick Hub Digital Platform and demonstrated how businesses can more efficiently manage content creation, marketing strategy, and digital advertising, improving collaboration, consistency, and workflow execution while reducing delays commonly associated with traditional agency models

Strengthen

Workplace Safety with CCOHS Resources

KarenCassidy Director of Business Development Solutions at CCOHS

Karen Cassidys CCOHS demonstration provided guests with an in-depth look at the resources available to help employers improve workplace safety The presentation demonstrated solutions that ease compliance, promote employee education, and help firms develop stronger health and safety systems

MilenKohli Director of Growth at Unicorne

Milen Kohli demonstrated how businesses can gain greater control over their cloud spending while also unlocking new opportunities for creativity Attendees discussed how to improve operational efficiency manage cloud resources more effectively and turn savings into business value

From cloud waste to business value

EXHIBITORS - 2026

EXHIBITORS - 2026

EXHIBITORS - 2026