Small and midsize companies in Canada face unique challenges, not just in business operations but also in travel management. In today’s ever-changing business environment, implementing an effective travel program helps SMEs save valuable time and money to directly support their business goals.
Unique Challenges, Vast Opportunities
Canadian SMEs contribute significantly to the economy, accounting for more than half of the country’s GDP and employing 63% of the workforce. Small businesses alone represent 97.8% of Canada’s 1.22 million employer businesses, emphasizing their critical role in communities nationwide.
As SMEs thrive, so does Canada’s economy. Yet smaller businesses face challenges that impact them more significantly than larger corporations. Affordability is a priority, as travel expenses represent a larger share of SME budgets.
Business travel is indispensable for SMEs to explore new opportunities, manage accounts, and strengthen relationships. Yet time can be equally important, as SME owners often juggle multiple roles without dedicated travel managers. Tasks such as choosing hotels, comparing rates, and managing employee travel can consume valuable time and compete with other priorities.
Meeting Travel Needs Without Compromise
While managing travel costs is crucial, overall value is vital to SMEs, who prefer not to sacrifice comfort or convenience for price. Leveraging corporate travel discounts and loyalty programs enables them to stretch budgets without compromising quality.
For most business travel occasions, SMEs choose economy and midscale hotels because they offer their preferred amenities—clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and quality breakfasts—at competitive rates.
With sustainability being a high priority, SMEs value accommodations aligned with their environmental and cultural values.
Achieving Goals and Managing Costs
Yet, meeting travel needs without compromise can be challenging for SMEs. Compared to large corporations, they have limited negotiating power, making it more difficult to secure competitive rates. Other common challenges include time constraints, affordability, and flexibility. As SMEs frequently book travel on short notice, flexible cancellation policies and options to make quick changes without incurring high fees are critical.
In this environment, partnering with a travel provider who genuinely understands SME needs can serve as a valuable ally, supporting their goals through cost-effective programs, streamlined processes, and personalized features that ease administrative tasks.
Helping SMEs Achieve Business Travel Goals
By simplifying travel management, the IHG Business Edge program, part of UK headquartered IHG Hotels & Resorts, respects SMEs’ time, money, and energy. Whether traveling to meet new clients, exploring new opportunities, or building team productivity, SMEs can focus on their objectives as IHG Business Edge makes travel seamless and cost-effective.
Created specifically for SMEs, IHG Business Edge addresses the pain points of SME travel with guaranteed discounts, flexible cancellation policies, and a single, user-friendly portal to manage bookings and expenses. Members also gain accelerated IHG One Rewards loyalty status, achieving Silver Elite after just one qualified stay. Additionally, loyalty points earned can be applied to future business or personal trips, providing further value.
“By offering employees convenient and comfortable lodging options through IHG’s extensive network, SMEs can ensure their teams remain productive during business trips. Finding great accommodation should be the last thing on your mind as you focus on your business and client relationships in the market.”
—Tarandeep Singh, Director, Small Business, Regional VP, Commercial, Marketing & Revenue Management, IHG Canada
Sustainability Commitment
Canadians and SMEs increasingly value sustainability initiatives that align with their environmental and cultural priorities, with 86 percent stating that sustainability is critical to their business. Sustainability resonates strongly with SMEs seeking partnerships with like-minded companies. By prioritizing sustainability today, SMEs position themselves to lead in Canada’s evolving market, shaping the future with impactful solutions.
IHG shares this commitment through its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Programs like IHG Green Engage and the Low Carbon Hotel Program reduce carbon emissions and support energy-efficient practices, closely aligning with SME priorities for responsible travel.
Advancing to Meet Future Needs
As the business climate and customer needs continue to evolve, IHG Business Edge continuously adapts to deliver enhanced value. For example, its new Partnerships Program delivers specially curated offers for members with exclusive savings on trusted brands like Hertz, Dell, and Getty Images.
In recognition of its commitment to SMEs, IHG Business Edge has been named Global Traveler’s Best SME Program for six consecutive years and received the Inc. Power Partner Award in 2024.
With over 200 hotels across Canada, including brands like Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites, IHG ensures a consistent, high-quality hospitality experience tailored for SMEs.
Visit the IHG Business Edge portal for more information and discover how we can help simplify travel and support your business success.
