Canadian Business

{Photography: Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment} When James Johnson resigned as head of Australia’s national football league to take over Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) last year, he walked into a house on fire. Despite both the national teams and the sport itself defying expectations on the pitch, recent tensions surrounding the organization, which oversees the commercial aspect of the sport, had overshadowed the on-the-field success.

{Photography: Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment} When James Johnson resigned as head of Australia’s national football league to take over Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) last year, he walked into a house on fire. Despite both the national teams and the sport itself defying expectations on the pitch, recent tensions surrounding the organization, which oversees the commercial aspect of the sport, had overshadowed  the on-the-field success.

Every spring, Don Murray asks his team to stop their regular work to build whatever they want. There are no roadmaps, approvals, or management sign-offs required. Murray, co-founder and CEO of Safe Software, a Surrey, B.C.-based data integration firm, calls this annual company reset Innovation Daze. Now in its 13th edition, the week generated 105 active projects across a staff of nearly 400. That number is striking, but Murray says it isn’t the point.

Picture Perfect Cleaning Inc. founders Aaron Graham (left) and Jared Sarbit When Jared Sarbit and Aaron Graham launched Picture Perfect Cleaning, they weren’t looking to start just any other cleaning company. They wanted to challenge an industry that often lacked disciplined operations, professionalism, strong workplace culture and long-term investment in employees, areas they believed could become powerful competitive advantages.

{Photography: Iskwew Air} I fell in love with flying during a trip to Botswana in 2001. I was on an aerial tour of the Okavango Delta, where the pilot banked the aircraft as he spoke about the land, and pointed out the trees, rivers, and animals below. It was an awe-inspiring experience that changed the course of my life. When the plane touched down, I knew I wanted to become a pilot. Growing up in Quesnel, British Columbia. I didn’t have any clear vision of my future.

Protected: How BMO’s Mike Bonner Is Keeping Banking Human in the Age of AI As technology reshapes how banks serve customers and businesses, BMO’s head of personal and business banking distribution says human relationships remain key to building trust

Specsavers founders, Mary (left) and Doug Perkins When Doug and Mary Perkins founded Specsavers in 1984, they set out to make quality eyecare more affordable and accessible. More than four decades later, the company has grown into a global network spanning 10 countries and serving millions of customers annually. Yet when the founders looked to Canada as their next major market in 2021, the decision wasn’t simply about expansion.

The sense of opportunity that once came with university graduation is fading today, as many young Canadians struggle to enter the workforce. Statistics Canada data shows recent university graduates face higher unemployment rates than before the COVID-19 pandemic, while vacancies for roles calling for a bachelor’s degree and fewer than three years of experience have fallen by more than half since early 2024.

For host cities, few opportunities are as exciting—and as controversial—as welcoming a major sporting event like the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. As Toronto and Vancouver host the tournament, concerns persist about high public costs and uneven economic benefits. Despite the anticipated boost in tourism and visitor spending, cities often struggle to turn those expectations into tangible gains for local communities and businesses.

Between the massive influx of soccer fans from around the world and annual celebrations like Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival and Quebec’s Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, streets across the country will be packed with locals and tourists alike. For a small business owner, this is a prime opportunity to grow—but you have only so many hours in a day. To help you thrive without burning out, here are five simple growth strategies to help you work smarter and make this your best summer yet.