There’s no denying that small businesses are the economic backbone of Canada, without which our overall progress as a nation can come to an abrupt standstill. As such, to honour and acknowledge their significant contributions to our great country, pivoting its progress one start-up at a time, we have selected the 10 most exceptional small businesses thriving and transforming their industries on the occasion of commemorating October as Small Business Month all over Canada. These companies are exemplary for their out-of-the-box approach to making a difference in their niche industries, serving as practical case studies for entrepreneurs to learn from nationwide. Thus, this write-up is all about recognizing the individual efforts of some of the emerging businesses in the Canadian market. Here’s a rundown of all those companies; let’s dive in.
Rootd (Victoria, BC)
Key Insight: Tackling a widespread issue of mental health through an accessible solution that has the potential to foster swift expansion and worldwide influence.
Rootd is a tech startup from British Columbia that has stirred the competitive mental health app market. Founded by Ania Wysocka, the company has leveraged the power of Canadian innovation to become the top-ranked app for panic attacks and anxiety relief on both the App Store and Google Play. What’s more, its USP lies in its user-friendly interface and compelling features.
Notably, Rootd’s success with over 2 million downloads and 50,000+ user reviews demonstrates the potential for Canadian businesses to scale globally. The app’s simple approach to mental health support, including a panic button, guided breathing exercises, and journaling tools, showcases the power of combining simplicity with effectiveness. In fact, Rootd’s expansion into B2B partnerships emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue streams and exploring multiple market segments for small business owners.
To learn more about Rootd’s simple yet effective solutions for controlling anxiety and panic attacks, click here.
Still North Design Co. (Whitehorse, Yukon)
Key Insight: When local inspiration projects a global appeal by combining quality and authenticity with stellar customer service.
The Whitehorse-based Still North Design Co. has catapulted Yukon to the international platform of high fashion. Owner and founder Courtney Vreeman has adeptly turned her northern-inspired designs into a clothing and lifestyle brand that connects with customers throughout Canada and beyond.
Still North’s success story is lesson 101 on how to leverage your unique local identity to create a high-value business brand. Their product line, which includes everything from cozy hoodies to distinctive accessories, captures the essence of Canada’s North. This approach has allowed Still North to carve out a niche in the crowded apparel market. With an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, Still North offers truly unique fashion pieces. In the world of true Canadian fashion, the company goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, building a loyal following beyond Yukon’s borders.
Ultimately, Still North’s journey shows businesses how important it is to be genuine while branding their products. This illustrates how small-town businesses can utilize e-commerce and social media to connect with a worldwide audience. The company’s success in international markets demonstrates that “Made in Canada” can be a compelling selling point when paired with authentic quality and service.
Wanna explore Still North’s clothing line? Click here to learn more.
Kekuli Café (West Kelowna, BC)
Key Insight: A haven of baked delights where cultural heritage is a significant differentiator in a competitive market, particularly when integrated with a franchising model.
Kekuli Café, co-founded by Sharon Bond-Hogg and Darren Hogg, draws pure joy in serving patrons with its delicious bannock while providing a glimpse into Canadian Indigenous culture. With its popular tagline, “Don’t Panic… We Have Bannock!” and a menu featuring a variety of bannock-based dishes inspired by Indigenous flavours, Kekuli Café has created a unique brand identity that resonates with a diverse customer base. What’s more, the business model promotes Indigenous entrepreneurship and preserves culinary heritage by creating job prospects for Indigenous communities across Canada through its franchising plans.
Kekuli Café’s success illustrates the potential of cultural authenticity as a distinctive selling proposition for small business proprietors. Plus, not only does it demonstrate how franchising can be an effective strategy for scaling a business, but it also maintains brand integrity. The café’s strong commitment to sourcing from Indigenous suppliers shows how companies can create positive ripple effects in their communities, inspiring entrepreneurs to value their cultural heritage and benefit the larger community.
Check out Kekuli Cafe’s delectable menu and the wholesome energy they serve with their hot beverages. Click here for more information.
Smart Dolphins IT Solutions (Victoria, BC)
Key Insight: Achieving long-term success in the tech sector requires adapting to evolving client needs, anticipating industry trends, and cultivating a culture of ongoing learning.
Led by Dave Monahan, Smart Dolphins IT Solutions has been delivering proactive IT services for more than 16 years. The company’s distinctive ‘pod’ system allocates a dedicated team to every client, guaranteeing tailored and thorough support. In fact, they help small and medium-sized enterprises with cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and IT strategy planning. Being one of Canada’s Top 100 Solution Providers, Smart Dolphins’ several accolades and certifications attest to the company’s dedication to lifelong learning.
As a matter of fact, Smart Dolphins provides valuable lessons in developing a sustainable business, particularly for entrepreneurs in technology-related disciplines. The company’s success emphasizes the significance of creating a culture of innovation, investing in employee skills, and remaining informed about industry developments. It illustrates how a business can distinguish itself in a competitive market by emphasizing personalized service and client relationships.
Visit Smart Dolphin’s official website here to learn more about its innovative solutions for Canadian small businesses.
MedEssist (Toronto, ON)
Key Insight: Technology has the potential to revolutionize traditional industries by tackling enduring challenges and enhancing accessibility, especially in essential services such as healthcare.
With its cutting-edge platform, Toronto-based MedEssist—founded by Joella Almeida and Michael Do—is transforming the pharmaceutical industry. What’s more, the healthcare startup streamlines prescription management and patient communication, allowing pharmacists to focus more on patient care. With its multilingual capabilities and user-friendly interface catering to Canada’s diverse population, MedEssist is truly setting it apart in the market.
In fact, the above statement has been proven right with MedEssist’s recent recognition as one of the Top 10 startups in Calgary—an achievement that underscores its potential to reshape healthcare delivery. The company’s success story highlights the importance of addressing industry challenges, leveraging technology for improved service delivery, and considering diversity and inclusion in product development.
To know more about MedEssist’s services, visit their official site here.
Neo Financial (Calgary, AB)
Key Insight: Disrupting conventional banking through cutting-edge digital solutions, which have the potential to capture a substantial market share.
Neo Financial, established by Andrew Chau and Jeff Adamson, who are also the co-founders of SkipTheDishes, is altering the financial services landscape in Canada. Not only has this Calgary-based fintech startup quickly become a formidable challenger to traditional banks by offering digital-first financial products, but its offerings include high-interest savings accounts, cashback credit cards, and investment opportunities, all managed through a sleek, user-friendly app. However, what truly sets Neo apart is its innovative partnership approach, which creates a unique rewards ecosystem that benefits consumers and businesses.
As a matter of fact, the company’s rapid growth is a testament to the demand for more flexible, transparent, and customer-centric financial services, which is why Neo Financial’s success underscores the potential for disruption in even the most established industries and serves as an exemplary case study for entrepreneurs. It also highlights the importance of leveraging technology to create seamless user experiences and building strategic partnerships to enhance value propositions.
Click here to learn more about Neo Financial’s solutions and upcoming products.
Zeno Renewables (Calgary, AB)
Key Insight: Connecting business objectives with broader social movements to help foster growth, thereby attracting exceptional talent.
Zeno Renewables, co-founded by Gursh Bal and Kai Fahrion, is leading Canada’s shift towards sustainable energy. Armed with the mission to install solar solutions on 1 million homes by 2040, positioning itself as more than just a business—it’s a movement towards a greener future.
In fact, the company’s approach goes beyond simply installing solar panels — as they offer comprehensive energy solutions, including energy storage systems and smart home integrations, making renewable energy more accessible and practical for homeowners.
It is also worth noting that their concept has positively impacted Canada’s energy business scene, and Zeno’s co-CEOs were recognized in Avenue Magazine’s Calgary Top 40 Under 40. Zeno’s success serves as a compelling example for small business owners, highlighting the impact of establishing bold goals that resonate with global trends. This demonstrates how a clear mission can attract top talent and media attention, crucial for scaling a business in a competitive market.
To learn more about Zeno’s renewable energy solutions, visit the link here.
ChargeLab (Toronto, ON)
Key Insight: Creating scalable solutions for emerging markets which have the potential to draw considerable investment and foster partnerships.
ChargeLab plays a crucial role in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution by developing scalable EV charging solutions. Established by Zak Lefevre, this Toronto-based startup is tackling an essential demand in the swiftly expanding EV market.
Speaking of their tech prowess, ChargeLab’s software platform enables businesses to deploy, manage, and scale EV charging infrastructure efficiently. Their technology is hardware-agnostic, allowing for integration with various charging station manufacturers and providing a unified management system for operators.
The company’s recent $15 million financing boost demonstrates investors’ confidence in its ability to influence the future of transportation infrastructure. ChargeLab’s journey is a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of recognizing and tackling pain points within emerging industries. This highlights how creating adaptable, scalable solutions can enable a small business to overgrow and attract considerable investment.
To learn more about ChargeLab’s solutions, click here to navigate to their official website.
Alvéole (Montreal, QC)
Key Insight: Creative strategies for sustainability that can help develop new business models and foster corporate collaborations.
With its distinctive approach to beekeeping, Alvéole—founded by Declan Rankin Jardin, Étienne Lapierre, and Alex McLean—is generating attention in the field of urban sustainability. Based in Montreal, this company installs beehives and bee-friendly gardens in cities worldwide, providing businesses with a concrete opportunity to enhance biodiversity and promote environmental awareness.
Beyond beekeeping, Alvéole offers a wide range of services. To assist businesses in engaging their workers and show their dedication to sustainability, they provide educational programs and team-building events based on beekeeping. In fact, Alvéole has carved out a new niche in the corporate sustainability industry thanks to its fresh strategy.
For small business owners, Alvéole’s success demonstrates the possibilities that arise from discovering unique intersections between sustainability and business requirements. This illustrates how creative thinking can turn environmental challenges into business opportunities and how offering experiential services can differentiate a company in the B2B market.
To learn more about beekeeping technology, log onto Alvéole’s official website here.
Mercator AI (Calgary, AB)
Key Insight: Utilizing AI to address unique industry challenges that can result in swift progress and acceptance.
Established by Chloe Smith, Mercator AI is transforming the process of discovering and assessing new business opportunities for construction companies. In fact, their real-time intelligence platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the labour-intensive and often tedious process of identifying possible projects and leads.
What’s even better is that the company’s recent $5.1 million seed funding and expansion into multiple North American markets underscore the demand for innovative solutions in traditional industries. As such, Mercator AI’s success, which includes Smith’s recognition as the “most promising founder” at the Start Alberta Tech Awards, underscores the potential for AI-driven solutions to transform established sectors.
For entrepreneurs, Mercator AI’s journey illustrates the importance of profound industry insight paired with advanced technology. This demonstrates how focusing on solving specific, high-value problems for a particular industry can lead to rapid technology adoption and growth.
The innovative character of these businesses propels Canada’s small business sector forward. They demonstrate that tiny enterprises can have considerable influence and attain exceptional development by adopting technology, tackling environmental issues, and rethinking conventional sectors.
To learn more about Mercator AI’s solutions, visit their official website here.
To our readers: Jubilating with these innovative companies during Small Business Month, we urge you to draw inspiration from their journeys. So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, these stories demonstrate the endless possibilities for innovation and growth in Canada’s dynamic business landscape.
For more inspiring stories and valuable insights to help your business thrive, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Join our community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs and access the resources you need to drive your business forward in today’s rapidly evolving market. Follow our handle @canadian_sme on X to remain updated on all business trends and developments.
