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Media Release

‘Beyond your usual:’ Ontario Chamber Marks Small Business Week with a Renewed Call to Action

October 20, 2025

(TORONTO, ON – October 20, 2025) – As Canada ushers in Small Business Week, it becomes increasingly clear that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a myriad of challenges in the current unstable economic climate. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) recognizes this crucial moment by urging both the business community and government entities to embrace a mindset of resilience and innovation that goes beyond the conventional “business as usual” approach. This call to action emphasizes the need for SMEs to adapt and invest in transformative strategies that will ensure their future success.

A recent poll conducted by the OCC revealed a concerning statistic: only one-third of Ontario’s business decision-makers express confidence in the current economic outlook. However, a noteworthy 61% believe in their capacity to adapt to these challenges. This presents a unique opportunity for Ontario’s SMEs to channel that conviction into investments that will drive their growth and sustainability.

“Ontario’s small businesses are exemplars of resilience,” stated Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “While recent government relief initiatives have provided necessary support, simply surviving isn’t sufficient. Now is the time to transcend the traditional paradigms and foster an environment where small businesses can invest, innovate, and thrive.”

Key Actions for Businesses

To instigate this transformative journey, businesses can take decisive actions, such as:

• Implement AI Solutions: Start experimenting with artificial intelligence in low-risk areas like streamlining administrative tasks. Investment in training programs to enhance employee AI literacy is crucial. It’s also beneficial to collaborate with governmental and academic institutions to scale AI-driven productivity initiatives effectively.

• Engage with Local Chambers and Boards: By joining a local chamber or board of trade, businesses can tap into a vast network of potential partners. Participation in networking events will facilitate relationship-building with other business leaders, and connecting with the nearest Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) can provide access to valuable government resources.

• Pursue Training Opportunities: SMEs should actively seek training programs and micro-credentials offered by post-secondary institutions. By participating in co-op programs and mentorship initiatives, businesses can gain access to fresh talent while also enhancing the skills of their existing workforce through upskilling efforts aimed at diversifying their talent pool.

Key Actions for Government

For governments, the responsibility is to create an enabling environment for SMEs through strategic actions such as:

• Enhancing Productivity Support for SMEs: This entails expanding broadband infrastructure, funding digital skills training programs, simplifying tax processes, and increasing access to capital for investments in productivity-enhancing technologies.

• Simplifying Access to Procurement Opportunities: Governments should work towards centralizing information to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens for SMEs. Establishing a procurement framework that encourages supplier diversity and sustainable practices will support SMEs in adopting resilient supply chain strategies.

• Bolstering Employee Skills in SMEs: This can be achieved by expanding employer training incentives and ensuring that funding and programs from post-secondary institutions are aligned with actual labor market needs.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In this dynamic landscape, navigating legal complexities can be daunting for small businesses. This is where the AI legalese decoder becomes invaluable. By simplifying legal jargon and making complex legal documents accessible, this tool empowers SMEs to understand their legal obligations and rights easily. It enables them to focus on innovation and growth while ensuring compliance with regulations. As businesses seek to ramp up their AI capabilities and engage in collaborative ventures, the AI legalese decoder can help eliminate barriers related to legal understandings, making it easier to negotiate partnerships and access governmental resources.

Conclusion

Small Business Week 2025 takes place from October 19 to 26. To discover more about the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to supporting small businesses—including a thorough compilation of recommended actions for both governments and businesses—click here.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) stands as the essential partner for businesses, being Canada’s largest and most influential provincial chamber. It operates as an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization, representing a broad network comprising 60,000 members. The OCC is dedicated to convening, mobilizing, and empowering businesses in their mission to foster inclusive and sustainable prosperity for Ontario’s enterprises, employees, and communities.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Michael Thede
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Manager, Communications & Marketing
[email protected] | (647) 335-1153

Backgrounder: Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Advocacy and Resources

Publications

• The 2025 Ontario Economic Report (OER): This flagship publication includes essential economic analysis, the annual Business Confidence Survey, and policy recommendations, serving as a crucial resource for understanding business challenges and priorities in the province.

• Broken Links: Driving Technology Adoption within Ontario’s Small Businesses: This policy brief sheds light on technology adoption rates and offers actionable solutions to help businesses bridge digital divides effectively, complemented by highlighted services and programs that promote digitization.

• A Way Forward: Economic Reconciliation Initiative: In partnership with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), this report series is designed to facilitate action towards economic reconciliation, enabling businesses to deepen their talent pool and engage mutually beneficial opportunities in the Indigenous economy.

Programs

• Skills Bridge Program: Aimed at enhancing SME competitiveness, this program offers online training solutions to equip employers and employees with the necessary skills to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.

• Seeding Digital Skills Program: Open to all sizes within the agriculture and food/beverage processing sectors, this initiative supports businesses in adopting new technology innovations to boost productivity and profitability through the use of advanced digital solutions.

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