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Celebrating Small Business Month: The Stories Behind Today’s Successful Entrepreneurs

By RBC

Published September 26, 2023 • 4 Min Read

This Small Business Month let’s shine a spotlight on the heart of our economy, Canada’s small business owners. After all, in 2022, small businesses comprised 98.0% of all employer businesses in Canada and employed 10.7 million workers. That’s almost two-thirds (63.0%) of all employees in the country.

Get Inspired by these stories of resilience and re-invention

Entrepreneurs come from all walks of life and are inspired to start businesses for a variety of reasons. But they have one thing in common. Their road started with an idea – an idea that could solve a problem, change the world or bring one’s passion to life. We’re honoured to share these incredible entrepreneur stories and the ideas that inspired their vision.

RBC How to Protect Your Business website

Learn about common scams and what you can do to protect your business.

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Download the free RBC Cyber Crisis Management Template.

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Learn how to create a ransomware resilient business.

RBC Small Business Poll

RBC Small Business Poll reveals Canadians are turning to entrepreneurship for financial security and career autonomy

The most recent RBC Small Business Poll reveals that 94% of aspiring business owners say being their own boss is the main incentive for entrepreneurship, viewing business ownership as their next move towards professional growth, financial security and personal fulfillment.

Read full results

RBC in the Community: Supporting Canada’s Entrepreneurs

RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards

RBC Future Launch and Futurpreneur just announced the RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards where eight young entrepreneurs were awarded $10,000.

See the winners

Woman
RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards

For 18 years running, RBC has sponsored the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading female entrepreneurs. Read about the 2022 award winners and how these amazing women are making an impact on Canada’s economy and communities. Winners will be announced Nov 22, 2023.

See 2023 finalists

Canadian SME National Business Awards

The RBC Small Business of the Year Award is awarded to a Canadian small business that has shown exceptional growth in the past two years and has demonstrated leadership, innovation, growth in profits, and a brilliant business plan for the future. Still time to apply for the SME Awards!

Apply today

RBC Programs Promoting Entrepreneurship

Whether you’re a new business owner or a seasoned veteran we can help with advice, connections and banking solutions to get your new business started or to grow it to the next level.

  • RBC Black Entrepreneur Program: Apply for a loan of up to $250,000 with the RBC Black Entrepreneur Business Loan, available to eligible1 Black Entrepreneurs in Canada.

  • Emerging BIPOC Film & Media Producers Fund: Provides access to financing and other crucial support to non-established media & entertainment producers within the BIPOC community.

  • RBC Global Connect: Explore new markets, find new global business partners and enjoy around-the-clock access to free online trade tools and resources.

  • Thinking of Starting a Business? Turn your business idea into action with The Founder’s Journey, a free online course taught by Ivey Business School faculty, in collaboration with RBC Future Launch, and The Globe and Mail.

  • Considering a business as an agricultural producer? The Foundations in Agricultural Management course, a collaboration between University of Guelph, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and RBC Future Launch, provides an introduction to key management concepts that lay a foundation for farmers to take a more proactive approach to managing their business and planning for the future.

Start and Grow Your Business with RBC

Ready to turn your side hustle, passion or idea into a full-time business? Free tools and advice to get you started.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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