Episode Details

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore Canada’s historic wave of business ownership transfers and the massive economic opportunity emerging as thousands of entrepreneurs prepare to exit over the next decade.

Our guest is Pierre Cléroux, Vice President Research and Chief Economist at BDC. With more than 25 years of global economic experience, Pierre shares data driven insights on why this transition is happening, how sellers and buyers can prepare, and where untapped opportunities lie for 2026 and beyond.

Key Highlights

1. Historic Transfer Wave: Why Canada is entering a once in a generation business transition cycle.
    
2. Seller Risks: The most common challenges owners face when preparing to exit.
    
3. Buyer Advantage: Why acquisition can outperform organic growth.
    
4. BDC’s Role: How BDC helps reduce risk and support successful transitions.
    
5. 2026 Opportunities: The overlooked economic opportunities entrepreneurs should watch next.

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.