A heartfelt thank you to Ontario’s small business community.
To the over 400,000 small businesses across this great province – thank you. As both a former small business owner and your Associate Minister of Small Business, I have immense gratitude for all you contribute each and every day.
From corner stores to farmers markets, landscaping companies to tech startups, the diversity of small businesses fuels the heartbeat of our communities. You empower families with good jobs, enrich neighbourhoods with character and infuse our economy with innovation. Whether operating for decades or just starting out, each of you play a vital role in maintaining the Ontario spirit.
In meetings over the past year, I’ve been inspired by your stories of perseverance. From restaurants surviving pandemic shutdowns, to craft breweries handling unexpected supply disruptions, or manufacturers expanding to address new demands, it is through these challenges that your entrepreneurial spirit shines.
That is why our government remains committed to supporting your success. By lowering costs over $900 million annually and establishing initiatives like Futurpreneur, we are providing the level playing field you need to succeed. I’m also excited by our new Digital Competence Centre which will further equip you with the right tools for the opportunities needed to succeed in the digital marketplace.
Small businesses drive 98% of employment in Ontario, a testament to the jobs and dreams you empower. With over 2.2 million Ontarians relying on small business, our government is committed to nurturing an environment where your visions can take flight.
On behalf of Premier Ford and our entire government, we are working for you.
Thank you to Canadian SME Small Business Magazine for showcasing and supporting Ontario’s small businesses. I look forward to our ongoing partnership in realizing your limitless potential, and ensuring our province’s entrepreneurs can see their dreams come true.
Nina Tangri
Associate Minister of Small Business
The Honourable Nina Tangri was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2018 as the Member of Provincial Parliament representing the riding of Mississauga—Streetsville. Nina Tangri is also Associate Minister of Small Business.
In March 2023, she was the Associate Minister of Housing, and in 2021, she served as the Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. In June 2019, Nina was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.
She has also chaired the Standing Committee on Social Policy and served as a member of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Professionally, Nina is an entrepreneur and small business owner with over 35 years of experience in insurance and finance. Until her election to Ontario’s 42nd Parliament, she was the CEO of Tangri Insurance & Financial Group, and President of Tangri-BMT Insurance Brokers. She also has served as the Vice Chair for Credit Valley Hospital.
Nina Tangri is passionate about bringing communities together and working with individuals, businesses, and organizations to learn how the government can make Ontario the best place to live, work, invest, and raise a family. Nina believes when communities prosper, Ontario prospers.
