Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and community growth. Today, they are not only navigating change—they’re shaping the future of business. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, are leading the charge, with *41% of new and early-stage Canadian small businesses being women-owned. As we face economic shifts like a declining dollar and evolving consumer expectations, resilience, determination, and adaptability will be key. My advice? Prioritize customer relationships, streamline operations, and explore new revenue opportunities.
With a growing movement to “buy Canadian” and an increased focus on customer retention and loyalty, businesses that leverage technology to enhance efficiency and engagement will be best positioned for success. The future belongs to those who stay agile. By harnessing tech and AI tools, we can automate tasks, improve customer experiences, and build stronger community connections, even in challenging times. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem—one where women continue to break barriers, lead boldly, and inspire the next generation of innovators.”
*Data is according to an upcoming Small Business Now report from Constant Contact that will be published on 3/4 at 9:00 am ET.
Amanda Parker
General Manager, Canada, at Constant Contact
Amanda Parker is General Manager of Canada at Constant Contact, a small business marketing solution that makes marketing easy and effective for small businesses and nonprofits around the world. Based in Toronto, ON, Amanda brings her deep passion for small businesses to Constant Contact’s Canada team, championing their growth through powerful online marketing tools. She previously served as Chief Growth Officer at FundThrough, helping small businesses bridge cash flow gaps. As a former entrepreneur, Amanda has also built and sold two companies and collaborated with major brands like Intuit, Microsoft, Pepsi, and 20th Century Fox—always focused on empowering businesses to thrive.
