At Mi6, we curate these round ups to deliver essential, actionable insights that matter to entrepreneurs and marketing professionals like you. We sift through the noise to bring you the strategies, trends, and innovations that can genuinely move the needle for your business.
Week of Dec 30
Med-Tech Startups Revitalize Kitchener's Midtown District
Med-tech startups are transforming Kitchener's Midtown district into a hub for health innovation. Companies like Bloom Care Solutions and Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX) are repurposing historic buildings into collaborative spaces, attracting talent and fostering a vibrant ecosystem.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should consider locating in emerging innovation districts to leverage collaborative environments and specialized resources to accelerate growth. | Read more.
9 Startup Mistakes and Lessons Learned
Startup founder Dylan Watson shares nine critical mistakes from his first 9 months at Limelight, including hiring missteps, ineffective scaling strategies, and poorly executed customer onboarding. His advice? Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth—avoid repeating them and focus on rapid learning.
Actionable Insight: Cultivate a culture of transparent mistake acknowledgment and iterative improvement. Prioritize validating product value before scaling strategies and refining customer onboarding processes for long-term success. | Read more.
Empowering Low-Income Women and Gender Diverse Entrepreneurs in Guelph
The "Opening Opportunities" program, a collaboration between 10C and the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, offers free entrepreneurship training to women and gender diverse individuals facing low-income challenges. Funded provincially until spring 2027, it provides workshops on resume building, business budgeting, and access to a mentor library.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should seek out community-based programs that offer tailored support and resources, enhancing skills and networks to overcome socioeconomic barriers. | Read more.
The Power of Focus for Startup Success
Startups thrive when founders prioritize focus. Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel emphasize that founders often spread themselves thin, missing the opportunity to leverage their unique superpowers. By concentrating on core tasks—like impactful sales or direct product involvement—startups can achieve outsized results. Simplicity in execution often correlates with customer success and clarity in decision-making.
Actionable Insight: Simplify your strategy, prioritize key initiatives, and measure progress by how effectively you improve customers' lives. | Watch the full discussion.
Small Businesses: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Small businesses, comprising 90% of global enterprises, face rising costs, competition, and sustainability pressures. Despite these challenges, digital transformation and international trade offer growth opportunities. Regulatory reforms and sustainable practices can unlock potential, while programs like SME Export taskforces aim to ease barriers to global trade.
Actionable Insight: Embrace digital tools, adopt eco-friendly operations, and explore international markets to build resilience and drive growth. Advocate for policies that level the playing field for small businesses. | Read more.
Week of Dec 23
GoDaddy’s Q4 2024 Venture Forward Highlights Microbusiness Impact
GoDaddy's Q4 Venture Forward report underscores the role of microbusinesses in driving local economies, revealing each entrepreneur creates 7.4 local jobs. Women now own 51% of U.S. microbusinesses, a 10% rise since 2019. Resilience is key, as 75% of microbusiness owners relaunch after closures, showcasing adaptability and growth mindset.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should embrace online platforms and generative AI to scale efficiently and drive local job creation. | Read more.
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Advance via Perspective Bootcamp
The Perspective Bootcamp, hosted by FNQLEDC and Espace-inc, brought together Indigenous entrepreneurs to refine service offerings and address business challenges. Through workshops and strategic reflections, participants co-developed innovative solutions for sustainable growth. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration and tailored support for Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should engage in co-development workshops to refine strategies and leverage collaborative problem-solving for sustainable growth. | Read more.
Kurtis McBride Advocates for Entrepreneurial Renaissance in Canada
Waterloo alum Kurtis McBride, founder of Miovision, urges renewed support for entrepreneurship in Canada. Highlighting his success in leveraging data-driven traffic solutions globally, McBride warns of growing risk aversion stifling innovation. He emphasizes collaboration among businesses, academia, and government to foster bold ideas, while promoting initiatives like Catalyst137 to support local innovation and community growth.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should advocate for supportive policies and invest in collaborative ecosystems to drive innovation. | Read more.
SRX Launches Incubator Program to Support Material Startups
SRX has introduced an incubator program aimed at assisting material startups in advancing their innovations. The initiative offers resources, mentorship, and industry connections to help emerging companies navigate the complexities of the materials sector. By fostering collaboration and providing access to SRX's extensive network, the program seeks to accelerate the development and commercialization of new material technologies.
Actionable Insight: Material startups should consider participating in incubator programs like SRX's to gain valuable support, mentorship, and industry connections that can accelerate their growth and innovation. | Read more.
Economic Uncertainty Fuels Entrepreneurial Ambitions
A recent survey reveals that economic concerns are prompting individuals, particularly younger generations, to pursue entrepreneurship. Approximately 36% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials identify as entrepreneurs, surpassing older generations. Despite economic challenges, 69% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials remain optimistic about entrepreneurial endeavors, viewing them as pathways to financial independence and flexibility.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should leverage digital tools and social media to establish and grow their businesses, capitalizing on the flexibility and reach these platforms offer. | Read more.
Canada's 2025 Economic Outlook Balances Optimism and Uncertainty
Canada's 2025 economic forecast predicts modest growth amid global inflationary pressures. The technology and clean energy sectors are poised for expansion, while labor shortages and housing affordability persist as challenges. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to adopt automation and invest in upskilling to stay competitive in evolving markets.
Actionable Insight: Focus on integrating automation and clean energy solutions while addressing labor needs through targeted training programs. | Read more.
Waterloo Youth Lead Climate Solutions Through Action Fund
The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) in Waterloo empowers youth aged 15–24 with funding and mentorship to combat climate change. Projects include community composting, a flood-preparedness hackathon, and sustainable trading platforms. Spearheaded by GreenHouse and the City of Kitchener, the initiative promotes local impact while mentoring future leaders in sustainability.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should prioritize community collaboration and leverage mentorship programs to drive meaningful environmental initiatives. | Read more.
What Canadian Entrepreneurs Can Expect in 2025
Canadian entrepreneurs face a mixed outlook in 2025. While inflation stabilizes, interest rates remain high, creating financing challenges. Growth opportunities abound in tech, clean energy, and export markets. Businesses must address ongoing labor shortages by investing in automation and reskilling. Export-oriented ventures are encouraged to leverage trade agreements for growth.
Actionable Insight: Focus on automation, workforce training, and export strategies to navigate economic headwinds and capitalize on growth sectors. | Read more.
Stephen Hicks Champions Entrepreneurship in Education
Stephen Hicks' essay, "Educating for Entrepreneurship," now available in English and Polish, emphasizes fostering entrepreneurial skills in education. It argues that formal schooling often overlooks developing entrepreneurial traits, while extracurricular activities and cultural influences play a pivotal role. Hicks highlights the importance of creativity, autonomy, and resourcefulness in preparing students for entrepreneurial careers and fulfilling lives.
Actionable Insight: Integrate real-world problem-solving and innovation-focused activities into education to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets. | Read more.
Week of Dec 16
B2B Marketers Are Looking for More Leads in the Pipeline
B2B marketers face challenges in balancing lead quality and quantity. While 69% are satisfied with lead quality, only 64% express satisfaction with lead volume. Additionally, 42% call generating qualified leads "mission critical." Few marketers utilize lead scoring (45%), despite many spending over five hours weekly ensuring data quality.
Actionable Insight: Invest in robust lead scoring systems and align marketing efforts with pipeline growth goals. | Read more.
Ethics in the Aviation Industry: Insights from the 2nd Annual Business Ethics Conference
McGill University’s Business Ethics Conference addressed ethical challenges in aviation, focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and profitability. Experts from Boeing Canada and Pratt & Whitney highlighted collaborative strategies to enhance safety and eco-conscious practices.
Actionable Insight: Aviation stakeholders should align profitability with ethical practices by embracing sustainable innovations and transparency. | Read more.
Churches Urged to Foster Entrepreneurship to Address Nigeria's Economic Challenges
Bishop Charles Ighele advocates for churches to champion entrepreneurship by training members and investing in ventures like agribusiness. This strategy aims to tackle Nigeria’s economic issues and promote self-reliance among congregations.
Actionable Insight: Faith-based organizations can boost economic growth by nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems within their communities. | Read more.
LCVI Students Shine at Enactus Fleming Pitch ’n Win Competition
Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI) students excelled at Fleming College's Pitch ’n Win competition. Emma Howard’s Kiikew Wellness won first place, while Ollie Ferguson’s Donut Designs secured second. Participants received valuable pitching and business insights.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should leverage local pitch competitions to refine their ideas and gain investor visibility. | Read more.
Rising Insurance Costs Challenge Canadian SMEs, Reports CFIB
The CFIB’s Insuring Main Street report reveals 76% of SMEs face rising premiums, with 52% cutting investments and 27% reducing expansions. Top reforms include eliminating premium taxes, fostering competition, and introducing cooperative insurance models.
Actionable Insight: Periodically review coverage options and implement risk management strategies to control insurance costs. | Read more.
AI Catalyst Grants Drive Healthcare Innovation at U of T
Alan Grujic’s funding supports AI-focused healthcare projects at U of T's Temerty Centre, including tools improving IVF outcomes and motion-tracking systems. These innovations aim to address critical health needs and build Canada’s AI leadership.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should focus on scalable, impactful AI projects to attract funding and achieve widespread adoption. | Read more.
Mentorship's Role in Entrepreneurial Success: Insights from Mohaddeseh Heydari Nejad
PhD candidate Mohaddeseh Heydari Nejad’s research highlights mentorship’s impact on startups. Using data from the Creative Destruction Lab, her model shows mentorship boosts startup quality and enables better resource allocation through high-quality judgment.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should actively seek structured mentorship to improve decision-making and long-term success. | Read more.
FACE Loan Program Fuels Growth of Black-Owned Businesses in Canada
FACE disbursed $12.9 million in loans to 152 Black-owned businesses in 2023-24, addressing systemic barriers. Its initiatives include a Black business map and support for immigrant entrepreneurs, boosting economic growth and generational wealth.
Actionable Insight: Black entrepreneurs should leverage targeted programs like FACE to secure funding and expand operations. | Read more.
P.E.I. Launches 2-Month HST Holiday Amid Economic Pressures
P.E.I. suspends its 15% harmonized sales tax (HST) on select items like toys and meals for two months. Businesses face logistical challenges in adapting systems, but the initiative aims to ease financial strain and stimulate sales.
Actionable Insight: Retailers can use tax holidays to boost customer engagement and sales with effective marketing campaigns. | Read more.
Key Trends from the CMO Survey on Marketing Budgets
Marketing budgets dropped to 10.1% of company budgets in 2024, while revenue share fell to 7.7%. Despite tight spending, CMOs expect an 8.6% increase in 2025, focusing on short-term brand performance over long-term building.
Actionable Insight: Balance performance marketing with sustained investments in brand equity for future-proof growth. | Read more.
Top Challenges B2B Marketers Face in Measuring Content ROI
The Content Marketing Institute reports 96% of B2B marketers measure content performance, but only 51% find it effective. Challenges include ROI attribution (56%) and customer journey tracking (56%). Budget constraints further complicate proving content value.
Actionable Insight: Use advanced attribution models and integrate customer journey mapping tools to optimize content strategies. | Read more.
Key Responsibilities of Marketing Operations Professionals
Marketing operations professionals focus on designing policies (78%), data analysis (74%), system integrations (73%), tech evaluation (71%), and software training (67%). Despite varied roles, the talent gap in martech and analytics persists.
Actionable Insight: Invest in training and upskilling teams to meet growing demand for martech and operational expertise. | Read more.
Week of Dec 9
Grit-Driven Success: Madison Taylor’s Interior Design Journey
Madison Taylor transformed her passions for hospitality and design into a thriving business by leveraging industry experience and formal training. Starting with a government-sponsored entrepreneurial course, she built her design firm in 2008. Madison's success reflects her focus on client relationships, creative expertise, and perseverance, despite challenges like long commutes and career transitions. | Read more.
uOttawa’s R&D Boosts Local Startups
The University of Ottawa supports regional startups through research and development collaborations. Programs like the Innovation Support Services provide entrepreneurs access to cutting-edge labs, student talent, and funding partnerships. This ecosystem accelerates innovation, enabling companies to scale faster and enter markets with validated technologies. | Read more.
Canada Post Strike Devastates Small Business Finances
The Canada Post strike is costing Canadian small businesses $76 million daily, with over 75% affected by delayed payments, reduced orders, and higher shipping costs. The CFIB highlights the risk of $1 billion in total losses as holiday sales suffer. It urges government intervention, including back-to-work legislation, to end the strike and salvage the critical shopping season. | Read more.
7 Tips for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs
Navigating the competitive food industry demands strategy and adaptability. Experts recommend: 1) Identify market gaps, 2) Test products via direct consumer feedback, 3) Seek experienced mentors, 4) Craft a pre-shelf marketing plan, 5) Focus on niche appeal, 6) Use advanced tech for efficiency, and 7) Cultivate resilience and belief in your vision. | Read more.
Tina Wellman Scholarship Spurs Entrepreneurial Excellence
The Tina Wellman Scholarship fosters innovation by providing financial support and mentorship to aspiring business leaders. Recipients gain access to industry networks and resources, empowering them to develop their ventures and contribute to economic growth. | Read more.
The St. James: A Winning Business Model in Sports Complex Management
The St. James leverages a hybrid business model combining elite facilities, strategic partnerships (e.g., Squash on Fire), and diverse programming to attract athletes and recreational users alike. Its integration of professional-grade squash courts, spectator amenities, and accessible clinics maximizes revenue streams while fostering community engagement. | Read more.
CMOs Anticipate Budget Growth Amid Economic Optimism
A Merkle survey reveals that 89% of CMOs expect marketing budget increases in 2024, fueled by economic confidence. Nearly half predict growth over 5%, with enterprise CMOs particularly bullish, forecasting gains of 10% or more. Despite general optimism, SMB CMOs remain cautious, citing potential economic slowdowns as a challenge. | Read more.
Millennial Boosts Income by Five Figures with Side Hustle
A millennial has significantly increased their income through a strategic side hustle, exemplifying the potential of supplementary ventures. By leveraging existing skills and market opportunities, they transformed a modest endeavor into a substantial revenue stream. | Read more.
5 Reasons Spotify Ads Belong in Your Digital Marketing Strategy
Spotify Ads leverage advanced targeting, seamless audio-visual integration, and innovative features like free audio creation to drive high engagement and CTRs. With options tailored to objectives—such as reach or conversions—it offers unique value for diverse marketing goals. Innovations like first-party data targeting ensure evolving advantages. | Read more.
2024 Uncovers a New Age for Global Online Entrepreneurs
The GoDaddy Venture Forward 2024 Annual Report highlights a surge in microbusinesses worldwide, driven by digital technology and AI adoption. These agile ventures are revitalizing local economies, creating jobs, and setting new industry standards. Their resilience and adaptability are reshaping global commerce, fostering a vibrant, interconnected marketplace. | Read more.
Sage and Village Capital Partner to Empower 165 Purpose-Driven Startups
Sage Foundation and Village Capital have launched a three-year initiative to support 165 impact-focused startups across Europe, the UK, and the U.S. The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program offers underrepresented entrepreneurs tailored mentoring, product support, grants, and strategic training to foster positive social, economic, and environmental change. | Read more.
Content Marketing Trends: Goals, Distribution Channels, and Budgets
A report by OneSpot and 614 Group reveals that B2B marketers prioritize lead generation, while B2C marketers focus on brand engagement. However, 66% of respondents feel they're underperforming in achieving business results through content marketing. Despite this, 72% of B2C marketers and 73% of B2B marketers have increased content creation over the past year, with 60% planning further budget increases. Social media, website articles, e-newsletters, and blogs are the most utilized tactics across both sectors. | Read more.
Tetr College of Business Commits $10M to Empower Student Entrepreneurs
Tetr College of Business has unveiled a $10 million fund, "Tetr – Under 20," to support at least 20 student-led startups globally. Focusing on sectors like artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and sustainability, the initiative offers financial investment and mentorship from industry leaders, including former SoftBank India head Manoj Kohli and Harvard Professor Viney Sawhney. Eligible applicants must be 20 years old or younger by December 31, 2024. | Read more.
Investment in Agriculture: Boosting Canada's Future
This article highlights the critical role of agriculture in Canada's economy, emphasizing investment in plant breeding, infrastructure, and sustainability. Public agricultural R&D funding has halved in 40 years, impacting innovations like wheat genetics that offer a 33:1 ROI. Challenges, including poor infrastructure prioritization and unclear national vision, hinder potential despite agriculture contributing 7% to Canada’s GDP and 1 in 9 jobs. | Read more.
It’s Time to Invest in Canadian Robotics
This article argues that Canada must embrace robotics to counter weak productivity and compete globally. While robotics adoption thrives in Asia, Canada's reliance on imports and limited domestic adoption hinder its economic growth. Proposed solutions include incentivizing local production, establishing AI-focused investment funds, and forming a robotics advisory group. These measures aim to foster innovation in key sectors like manufacturing and healthcare, aligning Canada with leading global economies. | Read more.
Separate Principles from Tactics: Building Stronger Business Models
Ash Maurya's Lean 1-2-3 newsletter emphasizes distinguishing universal principles from adaptable tactics for effective business design. Principles like customer value and problem-solving are constant, while tactics evolve with context and time. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to understand their business model analogs, test tactics iteratively, and align strategies with core principles to ensure longevity and innovation. | Read more.
Week of Dec 2
U.S.-Canada Trade Risks Amid Tariff Proposals
Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports could disrupt the integrated U.S.-Canada trade ecosystem, which heavily relies on shared supply chains. Sectors like energy, autos, and manufacturing face potential recessionary impacts in Canada and inflationary pressures in the U.S. Trade uncertainty may stall investments on both sides. Experts advise preparing diplomatic strategies targeting U.S. interests while emphasizing mutual economic benefits to mitigate fallout. | Read more.
Top RSS Reader Apps for Efficient Content Management
RSS readers offer a streamlined way to follow blogs, news, and updates without algorithm interference. Zapier highlights the top apps for 2025: Feedly for general use, NewsBlur for filtering feeds, and Inoreader for search and archiving. Each excels in providing user-friendly tools to centralize and customize content consumption. Ideal for professionals needing organized access to reliable sources. RSS remains crucial in bypassing chaotic social media platforms for direct information access. | Read more.
PowerPlay: Inspiring Youth Entrepreneurship Across Canada
PowerPlay, a Surrey-based nonprofit, nurtures entrepreneurial skills in kids through real-world learning. Founded by Bill Roche, it enables grades 4-8 students to create and market products, while incorporating lessons in sustainability and charity. Supported by SFU’s Charles Chang Institute, PowerPlay reaches 400 schools, emphasizing practical business skills and cultural adaptability. Partnerships with corporate and governmental entities further amplify its national impact. Entrepreneurs and educators can explore this model for fostering early business acumen. | Read more.
Strategic Social Media Tips for Small Business Success
Viral campaigns, like Somedays’ period pain simulator, showcase the power of targeted social media strategies. Experts suggest focusing on platforms aligned with your demographic, leveraging trial-and-error with content types (e.g., Instagram Reels, Pinterest), and fostering authentic engagement. Prioritize community interaction and consider ads over influencers for cost-effective results. Strategic posting during niche events and using professional agencies for creative or management support can also maximize impact. | Read more.
How AI Empowers Gen Z Entrepreneurs
AI tools are enabling Gen Z to transform side hustles into thriving businesses. Samsung’s AI ecosystem, including the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, simplifies tasks like research and content creation, overcoming challenges like time constraints and skill gaps. With 96% of young entrepreneurs relying on AI for inspiration and efficiency, these tools play a key role in scaling operations. Brands can leverage AI to connect with this digitally native audience. | Read more.
Québec Startup Program Suspensions Impact Innovation
Québec's government halted key startup programs—Impulsion PME, DÉPART, and Biomed Propulsion—due to overwhelming demand and budget constraints. These initiatives supported startups in critical sectors like biomedical innovation and regional development. The suspension risks hindering early-stage businesses transitioning from ideation to commercialization, potentially affecting Québec’s global innovation footprint. Uncertainty surrounds future program reinstatement, raising concerns for entrepreneurs dependent on government funding. | Read more.
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