Small businesses are at the heart of Canada’s economy – and at the heart of our communities. Behind every business is an entrepreneur with a vision, a willingness to take risks, and a commitment to creating something lasting. During Small Business Month, we want to celebrate you and the resilience, passion, and determination you bring to your work every single day.
The findings from this year’s RBC Small Business Poll highlight just how strong that ambition has become. Nearly six in ten Canadians say they aspire to own a business – the highest level in eight years. This wave of entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful sign of the confidence Canadians have in their ability to shape the future. It also speaks to the creativity and optimism that define the small business community across the country.
We also know that ambition alone is not enough. The environment in which you operate is complex and constantly changing. From cost pressures to shifts in consumer behavior to the rapid pace of technology, today’s challenges can feel daunting. Yet time and again, Canada’s small business owners show what true resilience looks like. You adapt, you innovate, and you continue to find new ways to grow and serve your clients.
At RBC, we are deeply proud to stand beside you on that journey. Beyond financial solutions, we are focused on delivering the advice, insights, and partnerships that make a real difference. Whether that is making it easier to register and incorporate your business through Ownr, providing market intelligence through RBC Insight Edge, or supporting digital adoption, we want to ensure you have the resources you need to succeed.
To Canada’s entrepreneurs and small business owners: thank you. Your impact goes far beyond your bottom line – you strengthen our economy, enrich our communities, and inspire those around you. It is a privilege to support you, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate your success in the years ahead.
Petra Haneberry
SVP, Strategy & Business Performance, RBC Commercial Banking
Since joining RBC 30 years ago, Petra has held a series of progressively senior roles within Personal and Commercial Banking, Group Risk Management and Finance. She has developed expertise in strategy development and execution, organizational transformation and change leadership across our lines of businesses and functions.
As Senior Vice President Commercial Strategy and Business Performance, Petra leads strategy development and evolution, leveraging strong performance orientation through data driven decision making. Focusing on key segment and sector priorities while concurrently leading the implementation of data driven performance measurement frameworks crossing lines of business, operations and sales.
