Canadian entrepreneurs are chasing growth again, despite trade uncertainty
Canadian entrepreneurs are renewing their focus on expansion despite ongoing trade uncertainty, with 78% of small- and medium-sized businesses reporting ambitions to grow, up from 67% last year, according to a new Business Development Bank of Canada survey. Businesses affected by U.S. tariffs are increasingly diversifying their customer bases and supply chains, with 47% finding new customers in Canada and 72% establishing relationships with new suppliers. The report also found that 88% of businesses have taken steps to improve productivity in 2026, including investments in technology, artificial intelligence and employee training, even as mounting competition and trade pressures continue to pose challenges.
