When Resilience Comes at a Cost
When Resilience Comes at a Cost
The Hidden Strain Behind Small Business Success
Nearly 69% of Canadian small business owners have reduced or eliminated their salaries, and more than half have delayed major life events — like retirement — just to maintain cash flow. These findings, reported by The Globe and Mail, highlight a reality many rarely see behind the storefronts, services, and smiles.
The Untold Sacrifices of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship often gets celebrated for its freedom, innovation, and grit. What doesn’t get as much attention is the quiet sacrifice that sustains it — owners dipping into savings, postponing milestones, and working endless hours to keep employees paid and businesses alive.
More Than a Business Problem
This is not just a business problem. It’s a community issue. When small businesses struggle, neighbourhoods lose more than shops — they lose gathering places, local jobs, and the backbone of local economies.
How Small Actions Make a Big Difference
But here’s the encouraging part: small, collective actions can make a difference. Every time you:
- Share a small business post online,
- Recommend a local service provider to a friend,
- Or simply express gratitude to an owner who’s working harder than you realize —
. . . you help lighten the load for someone carrying enormous pressure.
Standing Together Matters
We often say entrepreneurship is a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Owners need more than grit; they need community. They need us to notice, support, and stand alongside them.
Because in the end, it’s better we fight together than alone.
(Source: The Globe and Mail)
When Resilience Comes at a Cost
Nearly seven in ten Canadian small business owners have cut their pay and postponed personal milestones to keep their businesses afloat, revealing the hidden cost of resilience behind entrepreneurship. The blog urges communities to share, recommend, and thank local businesses—reminding readers that survival depends on collective support, not individual grit.
Breaking Down Canada’s Invisible Borders
Canada’s interprovincial trade barriers make it harder for businesses to trade across provinces than with foreign countries, costing billions, limiting consumer choice, and slowing economic growth. These barriers persist mainly due to politics, as provincial governments protect local industries and revenue, even though removing them would boost GDP, jobs, and national unity.
Weathering the Storm: How Canadian Businesses Can Thrive in a Recession
In a recession, businesses should focus on their top customers, maintain strong visibility, and recalibrate strategies to stay resilient and valuable.
Expanding Connections – Chamber Now Services Onoway and Alberta Beach
The GPRC expands its services to Onoway and Alberta Beach, strengthening regional business support and economic development across Alberta.
Chambers and the Ballot Box: Why Neutrality Matters in Canada
The Greater Parkland Chamber stays neutral during elections, focusing on informing voters to support strong, credible, and engaged local leadership.
How Chambers of Commerce Support Members Through Tough Times
Local Chambers of Commerce are powerful allies for businesses during tough times, offering exclusive savings, marketing opportunities, and invaluable community support. By becoming a member, you gain tools and connections that help your business not only survive—but thrive.
The Value of Work-Integrated Learning in Building Future-Ready Talent
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) connects classroom learning with real-world experience to prepare students for career success. By integrating internships, co-ops, and industry projects, WIL equips graduates with practical skills, confidence, and professional networks.
The Shift to Competency-Based Education in Higher Learning
Discover how competency-based education in higher learning offers a flexible, skill-focused alternative to traditional degrees—empowering students with real-world readiness.
Canada Needs to Reevaluate Its Diplomacy
March 17, 2025 / Deborah / Comments Off on Canada Needs To Reevaluate Its Diplomacy – and not just with the Americans! In the realm of international business, diplomacy serves as a cornerstone for success. The late Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, during a 2011 address at the University of Toronto, aptly remarked, “Anyone who…
Trump’s Tariffs on Canada – an Update
Introduction The imposition of tariffs by former President Donald Trump has been a contentious issue, particularly concerning its impacts on Canada. With Donald Trump’s speech at his inauguration, it appears there will be a delay in implementing the tariffs as all US departments report back on unfair trade issues. Possible Impacts of Trump’s Tariffs on…