The new generation of Canadian entrepreneurs is proving that resilience, innovation, and community go hand-in-hand—and Mastercard is helping ensure they have the resources to thrive.

 

 

Walk into any café, co-working space, or virtual meeting room, and you’ll find them: the new wave of entrepreneurs rewriting the rules of business. They’re building e-commerce brands from their kitchen tables, scaling purpose-driven ventures that serve both profit and community, and leading with a mix of grit, creativity, and digital fluency that would make yesterday’s executives blink.

 

 

These founders—problem-solvers, ambitious, and values-driven—are building businesses that reflect who they are and the change they want to see in the world. In conversations with entrepreneurs like Rachel Wong (Monday Girl), Andrea Grand (Barbet), Lesley Hampton (fashion designer), and Jenn Harper (Cheekbone Beauty) on the Mission Critical podcast, there’s one thing we hear again and again: the definition of success has evolved. Today, it’s not only about revenue growth, but also about resilience, relevance, and relationships.

 

Empowering Small Businesses from the Start

 

For this new generation of entrepreneurs, the right tools and networks can mean the difference between momentum and burnout. That’s why support systems from companies like Mastercard who champion small business owners all year round, have become indispensable for Canadian small business owners.

 

Mastercard recently introduced an enhanced range of support for Canadian small business owners, with the launch of Small Business Navigator. It grants small business owners access to resources designed to help simplify operations, control costs, and empower efficiency. Alongside it’s suite of existing resources for Small Business owners through it’s Small Business Resource Centre, the addition of economic insights, saving opportunities and educational cybersecurity resources continues to reinforce Mastercard’s commitment to the community that goes far beyond payments.

 

Far from being a static online portal, the Mastercard Small Business Resource Centre is designed as a living hub that evolves alongside the realities of running a business in 2025. It houses a library of practical guides that tackle everything from building a marketing strategy to understanding cybersecurity, all written in clear, no-nonsense language for time-strapped founders. A platform like this gives entrepreneurs a credible, tested, and actionable support system that works at the speed of their ambition, including some incredible resources such as: deep dives into digital transformation, and resources on how they can grow their business. 

 

In a landscape where founders are often wearing every hat—CEO, marketer, accountant, strategist—having resources to find both strategic insights and practical solutions can be the competitive edge that keeps them moving forward.

The New Rules of Entrepreneurship

 

The pace of change has never been faster. Consumer expectations shift in weeks, not years. Emerging technologies—from AI-driven marketing tools to digital payment systems—are levelling the playing field but also raising the stakes. Entrepreneurs must be nimble, ready to pivot products, supply chains, or go-to-market strategies almost overnight.

 

Rachel Wong, founder of Monday Girl, attributes her success to embracing digital platforms early and building a loyal online community. Fashion designer Lesley Hampton has turned her runway into a platform for Indigenous representation and inclusivity, showing how values-led leadership can be a competitive advantage. Barbet founder, Andrea Grand, credits her support network to her ability to grow as a business. And, beauty entrepreneur Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, built her brand with social impact at its core—proving that purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive.

 

But even the most visionary founders need trusted guidance. Without access to mentorship, shared knowledge, and reliable networks, building a business can feel like navigating in the dark. In 2025, connection is mission-critical.

Why Now is the Time to Join the Movement

 

The future of entrepreneurship in Canada will be built by those who combine innovation with community. For small business owners, tapping into networks of knowledge, opportunity, and collaboration provides the edge that sets them apart.

 

By joining Mastercard’s Small Business Community, you’re joining a growing network of Canadian small business owners who share your challenges, understand your vision, and are committed to discovering limitless possibilities. 

 

If you’re ready to redefine what’s possible for your business, start with connection. Start with community.

 

Join the Small Business Community today—and take your next step toward building a business that’s as resilient and dynamic as you are.