As we look ahead to 2026, I’m continually inspired by the resilience, adaptability, and ambition of Canada’s small and mid-sized business community. Over the past few years, business leaders have navigated economic volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, talent challenges, and rapid technological change, and they’ve done so with determination and creativity.
Today’s environment remains complex. Finance leaders are balancing cost pressures with growth ambitions, managing evolving risks, and making decisions amid ongoing uncertainty. Succeeding in this climate is no longer about leading with certainty, but about navigating ambiguity and being ready to pivot when conditions change
One of the clearest lessons I’ve seen is that visibility matters more than ever. When leaders have timely, accurate insights into spending, cash flow, and operations, they can make faster, more confident decisions. This is why many Canadian businesses are embracing automation and AI, not as a replacement for human judgment, but as a way to reduce manual work, surface better insights, and support smarter decision-making.
At the same time, trust and transparency are becoming just as important as innovation. As AI becomes more embedded across finance, travel, and expense management, organizations must ensure strong data governance, security, and human oversight. Technology delivers the most value when employees understand it, trust it, and feel supported by it.
True resilience also comes from collaboration. Finance, IT, and operations teams are increasingly working together to balance efficiency, compliance, and employee experience, particularly as business travel, expense management, and cash flow remain highly controllable areas for small businesses seeking strong ROI.
As we enter a new year, my advice to small business leaders is simple: invest with intention. Focus on solutions that improve visibility, automate routine processes, and help teams adapt quickly without losing control. Encourage experimentation, learn from what doesn’t work, and keep your people at the centre of every decision.
Small businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy, driving innovation in every community. With the right mix of insight, technology, and trust, 2026 can be a year defined not just by resilience, but by sustainable growth and renewed momentum.
Brian Veloso
Managing Director, SAP Concur Canada
Brian Veloso has been with SAP Concur for over 16 years, currently serving as the Managing Director for Canada. With over 23 years of experience in sales leadership and business acumen, Brian leads high-performing teams dedicated to delivering cloud-based solutions that provide transparency and effortless experiences for employees. Outside of his professional life, Brian is a passionate advocate for community impact, raising awareness and funds for Make-A-Wish Canada and the SickKids Foundation.
