One of our podcast experts, Peter Piluk and SBCN Co-Founder Linda Ockwell-Jenner discuss the increasing use of AI in accounting, particularly for small firms like theirs. Peter explains how he and his wife use AI for research, refining financial tasks, and even proofreading his LinkedIn posts – which are surprisingly successful. He highlights AI’s strength in following rules, like accurately posting transactions based on established accounting guidelines. Peter demonstrates how AI can automate tasks like monitoring client numbers and alert him to potential issues, freeing up his time.

Andrew Leith, an SBCN Member expert, joins SBCN Co-Founder Linda Ockwell-Jenner. He emphasizes the crucial connection between company culture and revenue, comparing it to personal well-being – a negative mindset hinders performance. Andrew highlights the importance of fostering a positive environment through focusing on people, processes, and products, ensuring employees feel valued and have a voice.

The SBCN’s Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Ashley Griffin from Griffcom discussed VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), explaining their importance for small businesses, particularly those with remote workers. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between a device and an office, protecting data when accessing it remotely. While VPNs have been around for decades, mobile VPN technology has become more prevalent and efficient.

In this episode of the SBCN Small Biz Podcast, host Linda Ockwell-Jenner interviews entrepreneur Glenn Poulos, who shares his experience transitioning from a 15-year Canadian business to a new venture, Prog USA, in Florida. Glenn emphasizes the mindset of an entrepreneur – prioritizing ideas and ownership over rigid processes – and offers practical advice like focusing on a minimum viable product, building a strong team, and taking calculated risks.

In this Small Biz Podcast episode, realtor Ian Inglis joins Linda Ockwell-Jenner to provide an update on the Canadian housing market as of January 2026. He notes a 6% price decline in 2025, driven by increased inventory and explains that condo prices saw a sharper drop. Ian forecasts a relatively stable market in 2026 with potential price increases in the second half of the year, influenced by anticipated interest rate reductions.

Andrew Leith, the founder of Octant Executive Advisory Group, discusses his business focusing on revenue strategy and leadership development, stemming from his corporate experience in rapid scaling software companies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse thinking styles, particularly neurodivergent individuals, and encouraging leaders to truly empower their employees by allowing them to utilize their unique strengths.

This episode underscores the critical need for proactive communication between small business owners and their accountants, moving beyond just tax season preparations. It emphasizes thorough vetting of potential advisors, particularly in the age of AI, and highlights the value of a trusted, ongoing advisory relationship. The conversation stresses regular check-ins, practical advice like scheduling December calls, and acknowledges the evolving accounting landscape.

In this episode, Ashley from Griffcom highlights the critical need for small business owners to understand their IT infrastructure, specifically emphasizing the importance of robust firewalls and smart technology investments. He strongly advises against purchasing inexpensive retail laptops, recommending instead durable, higher-quality models like Lenovo corporate, which offer a better long-term return on investment.

This episode of the Small Biz Podcast introduces Ian Inglis, a realtor with Remax, providing the first in a series of ongoing updates on the housing market in Waterloo Region, Ontario. He discusses current affordability challenges, noting factors like interest rates, prices, and consumer confidence impacting the market. He highlights a buyer’s market with 70% of sales below $750,000, and addresses the challenges faced by first-time buyers. Ian advises listeners to seek professional financial advice and emphasizes the importance of patience and saving for a down payment.