As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the resilience and determination that Canadian small business owners have shown over the past year. Navigating an uncertain economic landscape marked by shifting trade dynamics and ongoing adjustments is no easy feat. It requires agility, creativity, resilience and courage. Your perseverance has not gone unnoticed.
The good news is that signs are pointing toward steadier ground ahead. Inflation has returned to the Bank of Canada’s target, meaning that while costs continue to rise, they’re doing so in smaller, more predictable increments. This stability creates an opportunity for small business owners to rebuild margins and plan with greater confidence as consumer spending tentatively begins to make up ground. Meanwhile, the latest CFIB Business Barometer shows renewed optimism within the small business community; a testament to your collective adaptability.
Another development worth celebrating is the government of Canada’s commitment to open banking. As this framework takes shape, small businesses will gain access to more streamlined financial tools, better data insights, and improved cash flow management. For entrepreneurs who have long navigated fragmented systems and manual processes, this represents a meaningful step forward in how you manage and grow your operations.
At Xero, we understand that behind every balance sheet is a dream – a family legacy, a passion project, a vision for something better. That’s why we remain committed to building tools that simplify the financial side of running a business, so you can focus on what matters most: serving your customers and communities.
As you look ahead to the opportunities of 2026, know that you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Lean on your advisors, embrace the tools available to you, and continue building the resilience that has carried you this far.
Here’s to a year of growth, stability, and success for Canada’s small business community.
Ashalee Mohamed
Head of Canada GTM, Xero Canada
Ashalee Mohamed is a senior business leader with over 18 years of experience driving growth and leading high-performance teams across a variety of industries. As the Head of Canada, Sales & Go-To-Market (GTM) at Xero, Ashalee leads the Canadian GTM team, focusing on accelerating revenue growth and delivering operational excellence. She is deeply committed to empowering organizations to thrive, with a particular passion for supporting small businesses in Canada and contributing to the fundamental success of this vital sector in the Canadian economy.
