Rising Debt, Rising Risk: The 2026 Small Business Reality

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Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how data is revealing a growing divide in the financial health of Canadian small businesses.

Joining us is Jeff Brown, Head of Commercial Solutions at Equifax Canada. With deep expertise in commercial credit data, Jeff shares insights from the latest Market Pulse report and what it signals for business stability.

Key Highlights:

1. Credit Stress Misconceptions: Jeff explains what most people misunderstand about small business financial pressure today.
    
2. Cash Flow Priorities: Jeff reveals what payment behavior between banks and suppliers says about business strategy.
    
3. Regional and Sector Risk: Jeff highlights where financial pressure is hitting hardest across Canada.
    
4. The Debt Paradox: Jeff discusses why debt is rising even as payment performance appears stable.
    
5. Future Risk Indicators: Jeff outlines the key signals businesses should monitor to stay ahead.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

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.

SK Uddin

As the founder of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, SK Uddin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the Canadian SME landscape. His experience in providing valuable insights into business tools, trends, and success stories makes him a compelling host who understands the needs and challenges of entrepreneurs. He also brings his expertise from organizing the annual Small Business Summit and Small Business Expo, further enriching the podcast’s content with real-world perspectives on collaboration and growth.

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