Growth Pushes Uncertainty Aside: 78% of Entrepreneurs Are Now Focused on Growing their Business Despite Volatility says BDC Small Business Week Survey

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Growth Pushes Uncertainty Aside: 78% of Entrepreneurs Are Now Focused on Growing their Business Despite Volatility says BDC Small Business Week SurveyAuthor of the article:MONTREAL, Oct. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After a year of trade and economic uncertainty, entrepreneurs are choosing to focus on what they can control according to a new survey by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). And 78% of them are getting on with the business of growth.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe study launches Small Business Week™, created by BDC in 1979. Its findings reflect this year’s theme: It’s a two-speed world now. Fast or Finished. Although the tariff war remains relevant, it’s not the only challenge impacting small businesses.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.AI is raising the bar on speed and cost efficiency, and if a business isn’t using it, its competition is. Business transfers are changing market dynamics, giving some businesses instant scale. Talent is scarce and expensive. Supply chains are still fragile. And yes, trade shocks can still hit overnight. Even with these headwinds, more entrepreneurs are putting growth first, acquiring customers, improving productivity and getting serious about diversification.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“Entrepreneurs do the impossible every day. When faced with uncertainty, they adapt, innovate and find new paths to growth. They may have taken a short pause last year, but seeing nearly 80% of small businesses focused on growth again is a powerful signal for Canada’s economy. Because in today’s world, there’s very little middle ground: you’re either fast or finished. And it looks like we’re overwhelmingly choosing fast,” said Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC.48% of SMEs believe the business environment is changing faster than it was two years ago, while 59% believe businesses that are slow to adapt risk falling behind.Expansion is now the top priority for 46% of SMEs, up from 34% in 2025.Over the past 12 months, 64% of SMEs acquired customers in their region and 29% acquired customers elsewhere in Canada.88% took at least one step to improve productivity, compared with 74% in 2025.Among SMEs directly affected by U.S. tariffs, 58% expanded their products or services, compared with 39% of SMEs overall.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“Canadian entrepreneurs have accepted that volatility, tariffs and disruption are part of today’s business environment, and they’re planning accordingly. They increasingly see growth as the answer to uncertainty. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, they’re finding new customers, diversifying their offerings and investing in AI to strengthen their productivity and their competitive position for the long term,” said Pierre Cléroux, Chief Economist of BDC.To reflect the latest business environment, BDC updated its 2026 State of Entrepreneurship survey with a second wave of data collection conducted after new U.S. tariffs came into effect in late August. This allowed to capture the most recent perspectives of Canadian entrepreneurs on evolving trade pressures.“What’s striking is that even after we factored in the latest round of tariffs, entrepreneurs’ growth mindset remained strong. A shift this significant from last year may be the most important finding in this year’s study,” Cléroux concluded.The findings are based on an online survey of Canadian business owners and decision-makers conducted in two waves: 1,500 respondents from June 8 to 29, 2026, and 1,000 respondents from September 4 to 13, 2026. Data were weighted by region and number of employees. The survey used a non-probability sample. For reference, probabilistic samples of 1,500 and 1,000 respondents would have maximum margins of error of approximately ±2.5 and ±3.1 percentage points, respectively, 19 times out of 20.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.About BDC, Canada’s bank for small- and medium-sized business ownersBDC focuses on small- and medium-sized business owners, providing them financing, investment, and advice. As Canada’s development bank, we also support entrepreneurs who don’t fit the traditional mold working with a network of partners and help develop underserved markets to unlock economic potential. Our mission is to build strong, resilient businesses that drive Canada’s economic growth. BDC is a perennial Canada’s Top 100 Employer and B Corp certified. Learn more at bdc.ca or connect with us on social media. Media contact mediainfo@bdc.ca 1 844 625-8321 This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.