Small business owners are the economic lifeblood of Canada. Year in and year out, over half of all Canadians are dependent on the economic impact of small businesses to help their communities grow and prosper. Small business owners are entrepreneurs who see a need in the market and then take action to fulfill it. Not only creating a new and important product or service but, more importantly, serving as an example for others of what courage in business looks like.
In 2016 Deloitte called out the need for leaders in Canada to have more courage to move our economy forward based on a survey of over 1200 leaders of organizations across the country. Courageous leaders take calculated risks, disrupt the status quo, and unite to include the people in their organizations and their communities, always from the perspective of doing what is right to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Most importantly, they understand that courage starts with their own actions and behaviours. Courageous leaders create courageous organizations that contribute to a more prosperous and economically inclusive society for all. Small business owners are role models of what it means to have courage, and we need their courage now more than ever.
As we look forward to a new year with economic and geopolitical uncertainty, it is easy for people to feel concerned and step back from what needs to be done to continue to move our country forward. The courage and inspiration of small business owners are needed now more than ever! Small business owners need to take a long-term view of opportunity in their markets. They need to create more equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Canadians to contribute through meaningful, valuable work. They need to continue to welcome the talent of new Canadians into their organizations and learn from the diversity of their lived experience. Acting with courage now, more than ever, is how small business owners will help our country thrive in the years ahead.
Deloitte is a proud supporter and champion of small business owners, and we are honoured to be the sponsor of the CanadianSME Small Business Awards Diversity and Inclusion Award.
As Canadians, I encourage you to support the locally owned, small businesses in your community and show these courageous organizations that together as Canadians, no matter what the future holds – We Got This!
Duncan Sinclair
Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile
Duncan Sinclair is the Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile and is also a member of the Deloitte Global Board. Over his 34+ year career, Duncan’s professional activities include serving clients who are global institutional investors, public and private family-owned global businesses in real estate & construction, professional services, mining, consumer business, as well as national and regional governments.
