On April 11, trailblazing entrepreneurs and business leaders convened for the second annual CB Innovation Awards Luncheon at the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s contemporary office and event space on the waterfront. Presented by signature partner BMO Financial Group and thought leadership partner Paralucent, the awards luncheon brought attendees together to honour some of Canada’s most innovative companies. The luncheon’s patron table sponsors included Air Canada, Canadian Western Bank, Café William, Moderna Canada, Parvis Investments, Qohash, 369 Global, Mastercard Canada, Flygreen and Tricon ..read more

Not long ago, the word “prosperity” might have evoked an image of financial security. But new research shows Canadians’ perceptions of wealth are changing. “Factors such as record-high inflation and the shifting nature of work continue to reshape Canadian perspectives on our economy and individual prosperity,” says Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “Canadians’ view of prosperity is evolving in tandem with global challenges and societal shifts.” Canadians Split on Views of Prosperity New research from Mastercard on Canadians’ economic outlooks reveals polarized views of the country ..read more

In the past year, businesses have had to navigate a landscape marked by whiplash-inducing technological advancements, undeniably urgent evidence of climate change and ever-shifting consumer values that increasingly prioritize social responsibility. The companies that simply keep up with digital transformation, sustainability best practices and workplace wellness trends can survive, but it takes a future-focused commitment to driving meaningful impact to truly thrive in 2024 and beyond. Together with judges Krista Jones, interim CEO of MaRS Discovery District, and Takara Small, award-winning te ..read more

This month, CB Insider welcomed Adam Froman, the founder and CEO of Delvinia, for a virtual fireside chat. In conversation with Jason Maghanoy, head of business development at SJC Media and publisher of Canadian Business, the two chatted about how Delvinia has evolved alongside digital technology and what the future of digital business in Canada looks like. The chat kicked off with Froman sharing his career journey: first earning a degree in engineering with an emphasis on human factors before earning an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship. It was then that he discovered his passion for digita ..read more

In an era where the pulse of finance is increasingly dictated by technological advancements, the industry stands at a crossroads. The trajectory of financial services is no longer solely in the hands of traditional banking institutions or even fintech disruptors. Instead, it lies at the intersection of two seemingly disparate realms: technology and creative. This fusion, which weaves together the analytical prowess of tech with the nuanced, human-centric approach of creativity, is a paradigm shift, signaling a new chapter in the evolution of finance. Making Things Accessible, Human and Underst ..read more

How do you transform a 100-year-old brand like Milwaukee Tool, taking it from the back of the pack in market share to the leading maker of professional power tools and equipment? “You don’t do it by setting goals you know you can achieve,” says Craig Baxter, group president of TTI Canada. “Very little that’s great has ever been achieved by setting easily achievable goals, I’m a strong believer in audacious goals,” says Baxter. “I love that word. An audacious goal changes everything. It changes the way you think, the way you plan, the way you behave. It changes your entire approach.” Sixth in a ..read more

Faced with decades-high inflation, Canadians are changing how often they shop, where they shop, and what they buy as they follow deals and lean into loyalty programs. Yet brands and loyalty programs have been slow to respond, acknowledging the shift with solutions that empower consumers.  “In a challenging economic climate marked by mindful spending, retailers need to offer all of the extra value that they can,” says Shawn Stewart, President at AIR MILES. “We know that Canadians are members of more than 13 loyalty programs and active in seven. Instead of fighting against that reality, we ..read more

As any small business owner will tell you—and there are many, as 1.21 million of Canada’s 1.22 million employer businesses are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—running an SME isn’t for the faint of heart. These businesses have an outsized impact on the markets they support, contributing significantly to Canada’s economic success, and doing it all with access to fewer resources than their enterprise neighbours. Small business owners need all the tools and support that they can get to optimize productivity, efficiency and agility. AI is a powerful tool that can help small business owne ..read more

For the Schooley family, embracing their farming roots while looking for new possibilities paved the way to a sustainable future. Apple Hill Lavender Farm is an agritourism destination in Norfolk County boasting an on-site boutique in an historic barn, as well as five acres of rolling lavender fields and a picturesque apple orchard. The agritourism business is just part of their larger family farm. Schooley Orchards Limited was established in 1906 and is now transitioning to the fourth generation. And when it comes to succession planning, it’s no easy feat. Seventy per cent of family-run organ ..read more

In today’s challenging economy, Canadians seek ways to stretch their hard-earned dollars and minimize financial strain. But learning how to make the most of every paycheque isn’t always clear or easy, which can cause added stress. Employers can help empower their employees to achieve financial wellness—while boosting their own ability to attract and retain talent—with a group savings program. Employers can help employees plan for their future; whether it’s for homeownership, retirement or their child’s education—there’s a group savings plan for every financial goal. To achieve this, employers ..read more