Accelerate Tech Transformation
Be it to improve service delivery, expand capabilities or future-proof operations, we must embrace technological change.
Actions for government +
- Increase funding: Enhance access to capital for SMEs, specifically focused on enhancing productivity through technology investment or operational improvements.
- Invest in talent development: Fund digitalization reskilling and upskilling programs for small businesses and invest in skills training for post-secondary students to build the talent pool for AI and emerging technologies.
- Expand infrastructure: Accelerate the rollout of broadband across Ontario, and continue to invest in expanding infrastructure in underserved areas.
Actions for business +
- Invest in training: Invest in low-risk, high-reward training for employees to build AI literacy and practical skills, such as prompting and data governance.
- Get started with AI: Begin with tailored, low-risk areas such as streamlining HR admin tasks, automating accounting processes or enhancing marketing efforts with AI-driven analytics.
- Form partnerships: Participate in partnerships with government and academia to scale AI fluency, drive productivity and scale innovation.
Resources +
Forge Power in Partnerships
Whether it’s forming new supply chain relationships or teaming up with other local businesses, partners can help unlock new markets, pool resources, create innovative offerings and more.
Actions for government +
- Fund support programs: Implement support programs to assist small businesses in adopting advanced supply chain risk management strategies and technologies that enhance real-time capabilities.
- Promote diversity: Develop and enforce value-based procurement framework and targets that promote supplier diversity, domestic sourcing, sustainability and Indigenous procurement.
- Eliminate obstacles: Streamline access to procurement opportunities for small businesses by centralizing information through a “one-window” digital model, reducing admin hurdles and assisting municipalities in adopting similar practices.
Actions for business +
- Join your local chamber: Join your local chamber or board of trade to gain access to a cross-sector network of businesses, including potential local suppliers, logistics providers and procurement contacts. Check who your local chamber is in our Chamber Network Directory.
- Build your network: Attend networking events to build relationships with other business leaders and industry stakeholders.
- Visit your SBEC: Connect with your Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) to access government resources, expert advice and local information that can help you identify reliable supply chain partners and opportunities.
Resources +
Elevate Skills and Capacity for the New Economy
In a rapidly changing business environment, investing in people is key. Small businesses must reskill to meet new demands and adopt new technologies to stay competitive.
Actions for government +
- Expand program funding: Fully fund program enrolment to reflect changing demographics and growing demand from Ontario high school students.
- Simplify business taxes: Consolidate tax credits and exemptions to improve uptake and use models like the Ontario Trillium Benefit as a template to modernize the taxation system.
- Boost funding and incentives: Work with post-secondary and Indigenous institutions to align program funding with labour market demands and incentivize employer participation in experiential learning programs, including work-integrated learning and co-ops.
Actions for business +
- Become a mentor: Participate in co-op programs, paid work placements, internships, industry-recognized in-class projects and mentorship programs.
- Leverage academic institutions: Seek out relevant training programs, micro-credentials and other work-integrated learning opportunities offered by post-secondary institutions.
- Utilize equity-based opportunities: Make use of programs aimed at supporting Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities and women in the skilled trades, STEM and other areas.
Small Businesses Who Have Gone Beyond the Usual
