Welcome to The Business of Small Business podcast where we bring you the unique stories of Canadian small business owners and entrepreneurs. We’ll delve deep into how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the success that made it all worth it. Each episode, we’ll invite local business owners, industry experts, and thought leaders to share their valuable lessons and experiences. You will hear stories of perseverance, creativity, and determination empowering you to tackle your own goals. Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for years, or someone who simply loves to hear a good story, this podcast is for you. My journey as a small business owner As someone who grew up with a passion for good food, starting a food business felt like a natural fit. However, instead of starting from scratch my husband and I decided to join a franchise to gain experience and knowledge of the industry. To be honest I had no idea about many aspects of running a business and learnt most things on the go. That’s the essence of entrepreneurship - Each journey is unique. A big learning learning curve for me was the mindset transformation from a 9-5 to a business owner. It taught me the importance of leadership, setting clear boundaries, and adopting an abundance mindset. Another key lesson was the importance of discipline and having systems in place, without which things would simply fall apart. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of meeting some amazing business owners. Their stories have been a constant source of inspiration and strength and I am excited to share such stories with you. Small businesses are the heart of our communities Being rooted in our local communities doesn't make their dreams any smaller. A business is much more than a storefront – it's embodies values, ambitions and a relentless drive to create a meaningful impact. Could you imagine your neighbourhood without any small businesses? They are part of our identity, our tastes and traditions. They are important for our lives and communities and helping them is not just a meaningful endeavour, but a crucial one. When local businesses thrive, we all benefit from increased economic activity, job creation, and a stronger sense of community. Consider how you can lend support to these businesses - whether it's providing honest feedback, spreading the word, leaving an online review, or sharing your expertise.