Is 2026 Your Year? 46% of Canadians Are Eyeing Business Ownership

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the ideas, tools, and platforms helping Canadians turn ambition into action. As 2026 begins, a growing wave of Canadians are considering entrepreneurship, yet many remain stuck between inspiration and incorporation due to complexity, risk, and uncertainty.

In this episode, Jordan Casey, CEO of Ownr, breaks down why so many aspiring founders hesitate to start and how simplifying registration, compliance, and planning can unlock momentum. The conversation explores practical first steps, risk reduction tools, and how technology is reshaping the early founder journey across Canada.

Key Highlights

1. The 2026 Entrepreneurial Surge: Why more Canadians want to start businesses but hesitate to begin.
   
2. From Idea to Action: Practical first steps for founders not ready to leave full-time work.
   
3. Simplifying Compliance: How automation removes legal friction for first-time founders.
   
4. Reducing Early Risk: The role of planning and micro-insurance in building confidence.
   
5. Looking Ahead: Ownr’s vision for supporting the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.