Mi6 Round Up | March 2025
- Chris Herbert
- Mar 24
- 10 min read
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.
Mar 24 Update
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Bruce County Opens Applications for 2025 Youth Entrepreneur Program
Bruce County has launched applications for its 2025 Summer Company Program, offering mentorship and up to $3,000 in funding for young entrepreneurs (ages 15-29). The initiative provides hands-on business training, including marketing and financial management support. Participants gain valuable experience running their own ventures over the summer.
Actionable Insight: Young entrepreneurs should leverage this program for financial support, expert guidance, and real-world business experience. Early applications improve chances of acceptance. | Read more
Key Takeaways from Maclean’s Ideas Summit 2024
The Maclean’s Ideas Summit gathered top leaders to discuss Canada’s economic future, AI’s role in business, and political shifts shaping 2024. Experts emphasized AI-driven innovation, workforce adaptation, and sustainable growth as key success factors. Discussions also highlighted the impact of global markets on Canadian businesses and strategies for resilience.
Actionable Insight: Business leaders should integrate AI strategically, stay agile amid policy changes, and prioritize sustainability for long-term competitiveness. | Read more
CANWCC’s Flip the Script Program Showcases Women Entrepreneurs
The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CANWCC) hosted Flip the Script: Beyond the Pitch, celebrating the culmination of its accelerator program for women entrepreneurs. The event highlighted innovative product launches, investor-ready business strategies, and the importance of equitable funding. Participants gained hands-on experience in refining their pitches and accessing growth opportunities.
Actionable Insight: Women entrepreneurs should seek accelerator programs that provide mentorship, pitch training, and direct investor access to scale their businesses effectively. | Read more
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Postmedia Launches Self-Serve Ad Platform for Businesses
Postmedia has introduced a self-serve advertising platform powered by DanAds, enabling businesses to create and manage their own digital ad campaigns with ease. The platform offers automated ad placements, real-time analytics, and cost-effective solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. This move aligns with the growing trend of self-serve ad tech, empowering advertisers with more control and efficiency.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should leverage self-serve ad platforms to streamline campaign management, optimize budgets, and gain direct access to digital audiences. | Read more
Declining Consumer Confidence Worries Vancouver Small Businesses
Vancouver's small business owners are grappling with falling consumer confidence, driven by inflation, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Many report declining sales, cautious spending habits, and difficulty securing financing. Businesses in retail and hospitality are particularly affected, prompting some to cut costs, adjust pricing strategies, and seek new revenue streams.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should focus on financial resilience by diversifying income sources, optimizing pricing, and reinforcing customer loyalty to weather economic downturns. | Read more
B.C. Small Businesses Face Uncertainty Amid U.S. Tariffs and Economic Pressures
B.C. small businesses, already adapting to inflation and shifting consumer spending, now face new challenges with looming U.S. tariffs. Entrepreneurs like Amy Hall of Goldilocks Goods emphasize the need for agility, digital adoption, and market diversification to survive economic turbulence. Confidence among small business owners has hit historic lows, reflecting broader concerns over regulations, taxes, and declining middle-class spending.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should prioritize e-commerce, cost efficiencies, and local consumer engagement to stay resilient in unpredictable markets. | Read more
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How Trade Uncertainty is Reshaping M&A Strategies
U.S.-Canada trade tensions and tariffs are stalling M&A deals, as buyers hesitate over potential financial risks. However, lower interest rates and a weaker Canadian dollar create opportunities for well-positioned firms to acquire struggling businesses. Sellers with U.S. exposure must diversify markets, demonstrate stability, and prepare for more complex deal structures, including vendor notes and earn-outs to mitigate risk.
Actionable Insight: Buyers should conduct stress tests, negotiate flexible payment structures, and explore domestic acquisitions to navigate uncertainty. | Read more
7 Strategies to Lead and Thrive During a Recession
In a downturn, strong leadership is key to not just surviving, but thriving. Key strategies include maintaining cash flow discipline, doubling down on customer relationships, and identifying new revenue streams. Leaders should also invest in high-ROI marketing, embrace digital efficiencies, and make data-driven decisions to stay agile. A proactive mindset—seeing opportunity in adversity—separates resilient businesses from struggling ones.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should focus on financial resilience, strategic adaptability, and customer-centric innovation to emerge stronger from economic downturns. | Read more
Gen Z’s Entrepreneurial Ambitions Rise, but Barriers Remain
A new survey reveals that 73% of 16- to 24-year-olds are eager to start their own business, driven by financial potential, work-life balance, and flexibility. However, fear of failure (31%), lack of funding (48%), and limited confidence (28%) are major hurdles. Experts stress the need for mentorship, networking, and financial support to turn ambition into reality.
Actionable Insight: Young entrepreneurs should seek startup funding, business coaching, and digital tools to overcome challenges and launch successfully. | Read more
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Women-Owned Businesses Driving Growth in Canada’s Economy
New research from the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) shows that women-owned businesses are rapidly expanding, now representing 19% of private sector firms and employing nearly one million Canadians. Women-led SMEs are leading in innovation (38%) and revenue growth (68.6%), but face challenges from trade barriers and digital adoption gaps. Experts urge stronger policy support, interprovincial collaboration, and investment in diverse entrepreneurs to sustain Canada’s economic resilience.
Actionable Insight: Women entrepreneurs should explore new markets, leverage digital tools, and build strategic networks to drive sustainable growth. | Read more
Ontario First Nation Opens Business Park for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
The Minisi Business Park, located on the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), offers Indigenous entrepreneurs affordable office spaces, tax benefits, and business resources in a prime GTA location. With flexible leasing options, high-speed internet, and 24/7 access, the park fosters a thriving Indigenous business community.
Actionable Insight: Indigenous entrepreneurs should explore Minisi Business Park’s tax advantages and networking opportunities to establish and grow their businesses in a supportive environment. | Read more
Mar 17 Update
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Women Entrepreneurs: Canada’s Missed $180B Growth Opportunity
A new report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL) reveals that Canada’s failure to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship has resulted in up to $180 billion in lost economic activity. Women-owned businesses remain stagnant at 18% of all enterprises, far from the 2025 goal of doubling their presence. Structural biases, financing barriers, and underrepresentation in high-growth sectors continue to limit their potential.
Actionable Insight: Governments and financial institutions must accelerate efforts to remove gender-based barriers, expand funding opportunities, and support women-led businesses in high-growth industries. | Read more
Balancing Motherhood and Business: A Community for Entrepreneurial Moms
Barrie entrepreneur Laura Sinclair is redefining the intersection of motherhood and business with This Mother Means Business, a virtual community offering real-world strategies for entrepreneurial moms. Recognizing the unique challenges of balancing kids and startups, Sinclair is hosting This Mother Means Business Live on April 4, featuring expert workshops on sales, mental health, and values-driven entrepreneurship.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurial mothers should seek communities that provide tailored support, practical strategies, and networking opportunities to navigate both business and parenting successfully. | Read more
Subscription Business Benchmarks 2024: Retention Takes Center Stage
As acquisition rates decline, Recurly’s latest analysis highlights retention as the key growth driver for subscription businesses. Trial conversion rates are falling (33.7% in 2024 vs. 46.4% in 2021), but re-engagement efforts are proving effective, with 1 in 5 new sign-ups being returning subscribers. Flexible pricing models and pause options are gaining traction to reduce churn and boost long-term value.
Actionable Insight: Subscription businesses should prioritize personalized retention strategies, flexible pricing, and re-engagement campaigns to sustain growth. | Read more
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Brand Reputation Tops Marketers' Software Selection Criteria
A new GetApp survey reveals that 81% of marketing decision-makers will boost software spending in 2025, but selecting the right vendor remains a challenge. Brand reputation (52%) is the top factor influencing initial consideration, surpassing price and previous experience. Decision-makers rely on reviews, Google searches, and peer recommendations before narrowing choices, with free trials (63%) being the ultimate deal-clincher.
Actionable Insight: Software vendors should prioritize reputation-building, customer testimonials, and free trial offerings to secure a competitive edge. | Read more
B2B Marketers Prioritize Data and Personalization in Automation
A new survey by Act-On and Ascend2 reveals that while most B2B marketers find automation effective, they aim to enhance data quality, customer identification, and personalization in 2025. Strategy development remains the biggest challenge, followed by data collection and budget allocation. AI is primarily used for audience targeting, but its potential in analytics and personalization remains untapped.
Actionable Insight: Marketers should focus on improving data integrity and AI-driven personalization to maximize automation’s impact. | Read more
Why Companies Are Investing in Social Listening
A new Meltwater survey finds that 56% of companies in the Americas use social listening, with another 15% planning to adopt it in 2025. The top goal is brand reputation monitoring (82%), followed by tracking brand awareness and consumer insights. While 72% of businesses are satisfied with their tools, employee bandwidth remains a major barrier to maximizing their potential.
Actionable Insight: Companies should invest in automation and training to fully leverage social listening for competitive insights and brand management. | Read more
Mar 10 Update
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Canada’s Capital Gains Tax Hike: A Threat to Venture Capital and Private Equity
Starting June 25, 2024, Canada raised the capital gains tax inclusion rate from 50% to 66.67% for corporations and individuals earning over $250,000 in capital gains. This policy is projected to reduce venture capital deals by 22% and private equity investment by 48% compared to historical levels. The study warns that higher taxes could weaken Canada’s innovation ecosystem at a time when the country is facing a productivity crisis.
Actionable Insight: Policymakers should consider tax incentives to maintain a competitive investment climate, while investors may need to seek alternative funding strategies. | Read more.
More Support Needed to Empower Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Canada
A CFIB-Scotiabank report highlights the challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada, including financing difficulties, regulatory hurdles, and lack of business networks. Despite these barriers, immigrant-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economy. The report calls for better access to funding, mentorship programs, and streamlined regulations to help these entrepreneurs thrive.
Actionable Insight: Policymakers and financial institutions should expand tailored support programs, while immigrant entrepreneurs can benefit from networking and mentorship opportunities. | Read more.
Newfoundland Businesses Receive Over $340K to Boost Marketing and Growth
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is investing $340K into six small and medium-sized businesses to expand marketing efforts. Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador will receive $66K, while Rob Clarke Motorsports gets $86K to promote adventure tourism. Other beneficiaries include 7 Fathoms Skin Care Ltd. ($15K) and GFI Composites Ltd. ($50K). The funding also supports hydrogen industry development, positioning NL for future economic opportunities.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should leverage government funding to enhance marketing, attract tourism, and explore emerging industries like hydrogen production. | Read more.
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US Small Business Employment and Revenue Decline in February 2025
Employment at small businesses (1-9 employees) dropped by 124,900 jobs (-0.99%), with declines across all 12 sectors and eight regions. The professional and business services sector lost 23,800 jobs, while leisure and hospitality shrank the fastest (-1.28%). Revenue also dipped by 0.79% month-over-month, with utilities growing the fastest (+2.58%) and wholesale trade declining the most (-6.33%).
Actionable Insight: Small businesses should explore cost efficiencies and alternative revenue streams to counter employment and revenue challenges. | Read more.
InternationalSafety.com Promotes Canadian-Made PPE Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Amid trade challenges, InternationalSafety.com is emphasizing Canadian-made personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety solutions to support local manufacturers. The company highlights brands like 3M Canada (respirators), PIP Canada (hard hats), First Aid Central (first aid kits), and Blackline Safety (gas detection). While some materials are sourced abroad, transparency in product origins remains a priority.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should prioritize local sourcing to mitigate tariff risks and strengthen domestic supply chains. | Read more.
Women Entrepreneurs Key to Offsetting Trade and Tariff Shocks
A new Canadian Chamber of Commerce report highlights how women entrepreneurs can drive economic resilience amid trade and tariff disruptions. By increasing access to capital, reducing regulatory barriers, and fostering global trade opportunities, Canada can better support female-led businesses. The report calls for targeted policies and investment in women’s entrepreneurship to strengthen Canada’s economic position.
Actionable Insight: Policymakers and investors should expand funding and resources for women entrepreneurs to enhance economic stability and global competitiveness. | Read more.
Mar 3 Update
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Quitting Your 9-to-5 for a Startup? Key Steps for Success
Leaving a stable job to launch a startup requires financial planning, a strong support network, and a clear sense of purpose. Megan Takeda-Tully, founder of Suppli, shares how she took a 70% pay cut and invested her savings to build her zero-waste takeout packaging business. Experts advise planning for three years of reduced income, joining accelerators and founder networks, and staying connected to your mission for long-term success.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should build financial buffers and seek mentorship early to navigate the uncertainty of new ventures. | Read more.
9 Startups to Watch at U of T Entrepreneurship Week 2025
From AI-powered genomics to sustainable aviation, nine standout startups will showcase their innovations at U of T Entrepreneurship Week 2025. Highlights include Re:Pair Genomics, which accelerates gene therapy research using AI, Lyrata Inc., a smart hydroponic farming service, and KON Aerosystems, which is developing electromagnetic propulsion for aviation. Entrepreneurs and investors should explore these ventures for cutting-edge advancements in biotech, mobility, and sustainability.
Actionable Insight: Engaging with university-linked startups offers early investment and collaboration opportunities in high-growth sectors. | Read more.
$3.3M Invested in Indigenous Tourism to Boost Growth & Sustainability
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has allocated $3.3M in funding to 136 Indigenous tourism businesses through the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream. Each business receives up to $25,000 to enhance operations in areas like marketing, sustainability, and visitor experience. This initiative strengthens Indigenous entrepreneurship, fostering long-term economic growth and positioning Canada as a global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.
Actionable Insight: Indigenous entrepreneurs should align with accreditation standards like The Original Original to access funding and expand their market presence. | Read more.
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