{"id":95692,"date":"2025-10-01T15:54:03","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T19:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/?post_type=rbc_my_money_matter&#038;p=95692"},"modified":"2025-10-14T12:57:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T16:57:39","slug":"small-business-poll","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/business\/right-sized-business-advice\/small-business\/small-business-poll\/","title":{"rendered":"RBC Small Business Poll: Aspirations Hit Eight-Year High as Resilience Defines Small Business Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<p>Entrepreneurship in Canada is on the rise. According to the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/newsroom\/news\/article.html?article=126033\" data-dig-id=\"LP-95692-bfebced7\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"RBC Small Business Poll\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">RBC Small Business Poll<\/a>, more Canadians are not only aspiring to own a business \u2013 up 13 percentage points in just two years \u2013 but are also taking the plunge, with ownership climbing to an all-time high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The poll also highlights the fighting spirit of Canadian owners, underscoring the adaptability, resourcefulness and optimism that define Canada\u2019s small business landscape. Entrepreneurs are navigating shifting economic conditions, changing customer expectations and new technologies with strength and optimism. What emerges is a portrait of owners who are willing to pivot, open to taking risks and committed to serving their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cSmall business owners have faced many hurdles in recent years \u2013 from the pandemic to supply chain disruptions and now shifting tariffs. What we\u2019ve consistently seen is their resilience. They continue to pivot, adapt, and find new ways to serve Canadians in meaningful ways. It\u2019s no surprise Canadians recognize small businesses as essential to both our economy and our communities.\u201d <\/em>Karen Svendsen, RBC Client and Business Strategy Small Business<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message is clear: Canadians are pursuing their business dreams, and today\u2019s entrepreneurs are meeting challenges with resilience and resolve. It\u2019s a story of growth, grit and creativity \u2014 a uniquely Canadian approach to building businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-dreaming-to-doing-aspirations-are-rising\">From dreaming to doing: Aspirations are rising<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadians are showing record interest in entrepreneurship, with aspirations climbing to their highest level in eight years. Younger generations lead the way, but momentum is strong across the board. As more people are thinking about business ownership and more are taking the leap, small business is increasingly seen as a viable and rewarding career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"794\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-01.jpg?quality=80\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-95694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-01.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-01.jpg?resize=227,300 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>General Population: Canadian entrepreneurial aspirations are rising: 59% have thought about owning a business, up 13 points in 2 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Business ownership matches an all-time high: 21% of Canadians started or purchased a business, up 6 points YOY. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSmall businesses offer interesting employment opportunities\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>General Population: <strong>85% <\/strong>(79% in 2024)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Owners: <strong>87% <\/strong>(83% in 2024)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBeing a small business owner is a viable way to earn a living\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>General Population: <strong>81% <\/strong>(74% in 2024)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Owners<strong>: 87% <\/strong>(83% in 2024)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adaptability-and-resilience-matter-owners-are-pivoting-in-a-shifting-economy\">Adaptability and resilience matter: Owners are pivoting in a shifting economy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s entrepreneurs are reshaping their strategies to match a challenging environment. Proactivity and risk-taking are increasingly defining traits, as many business owners adapt their models in response to economic pressures, competition and new technologies. One thing is clear: Canada\u2019s entrepreneurs are resilient, embracing challenges with a resounding \u201cbring it on\u201d mentality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-02.jpg?quality=80&amp;w=535\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-95696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-02.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-02.jpg?resize=157,300 157w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-02.jpg?resize=535,1024 535w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 535px) 100vw, 535px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-proactivity-and-risk-taking-are-key-traits-in-business-success\"><strong>Proactivity and risk-taking are key traits in business success. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>71%<\/strong> of business owners see the current environment as a catalyst for growth and innovation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But it takes guts<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>95% <\/strong>say they need to be more proactive in current conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>90%<\/strong> believe a risk-taking personality is a must to start a business<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adaptability-and-resilience-matter\">Adaptability and resilience matter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>61%<\/strong> of business owners have evolved their strategy in the last 12 months<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>21%<\/strong> &#8211; \u201cI\u2019m more focused on staying in business vs growth\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>14%<\/strong> &#8211; \u201cI\u2019ve focused more on customer or community impact\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>13%<\/strong> &#8211; \u201cI\u2019ve shifted toward more cautious, risk-aware strategies\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>13%<\/strong> &#8211; \u201cI\u2019ve become more aggressive and ambitious in growth planning\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why\">Why?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>32% &#8211; <\/strong>Economic pressures or instability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>17% &#8211; <\/strong>Changing customer needs or behaviours<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>10% &#8211; <\/strong>Industry competition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>10% &#8211; <\/strong>Technological innovations (AI, digital tools)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-built-for-the-challenge-optimism-wins-out\">Built for the challenge: Optimism wins out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even as tariffs, cash flow pressures and economic volatility weigh on owners, confidence remains strong. Most say they are adapting well, feel prepared for future disruptions and believe their businesses can pivot when needed \u2013 especially with a toolkit of solutions on hand for when challenges arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-03.jpg?quality=80&amp;w=546\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-95698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-03.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-03.jpg?resize=160,300 160w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/10\/Small-Business-Poll-2025-Mini-Infographics-EN-03.jpg?resize=546,1024 546w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 546px) 100vw, 546px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-optimism-in-the-face-of-challenges\">Optimism in the face of challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-headwinds\">Common headwinds:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>21% &#8211; Economic uncertainty<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>19% &#8211; Attracting customers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>19% &#8211; Cash flow<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>12% &#8211; Access to capital<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-challenges\">New challenges:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>66% &#8211; <\/strong>It\u2019s hard to stay on top of market trends<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>56% &#8211; <\/strong>Tariffs are keeping me up at night<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-owner-confidence\">Owner confidence:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>86%<\/strong> &#8211; My business is good at responding to changing customer needs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>86%<\/strong> &#8211; My business can pivot when needed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>76%<\/strong> &#8211; I am optimistic my business will thrive in the next 12 months<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-small-business-owner-s-toolkit-to-manage-through-uncertainty\">A small business owner\u2019s toolkit to manage through uncertainty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Access to capital<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Strategic planning tools<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Access to expert advice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Networking and communities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Market research and trends<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Digital or AI tools<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group  mar-b-hlf has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-starting-a-business-comes-with-all-kinds-of-firsts-here-s-how-to-make-them-easier\">Starting a business comes with all kinds of firsts. Here\u2019s how to make them easier.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">From registering your business to opening a business bank account to planning for growth, RBC is here to support you every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons pad-b-hlf is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button  is-style-primary primary btn before\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/dms\/business\/accounts\/digital-choice\/overall.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-95692-8b43a70a\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"button click\" data-dig-label=\"Get Started-https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/dms\/business\/accounts\/digital-choice\/overall.html \">Get Started<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new RBC Small Business Poll reveals rising aspirations, growing ownership and a resilience that keeps small businesses going strong.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":95693,"parent":57337,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-mmm-sticky-nav","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[157,76],"rbc_content_type":[69],"rbc_audience":[110],"rbc_lob_group":[35],"rbc_difficulty_level":[33],"rbc_mmm_category":[305,323,325,389,326,390,381],"class_list":["post-95692","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-entrepreneur","tag-ideas-and-insights","rbc_content_type-infographic","rbc_audience-business-owners","rbc_lob_group-business","rbc_difficulty_level-beginner","rbc_mmm_category-business","rbc_mmm_category-business-stages","rbc_mmm_category-get-inspired","rbc_mmm_category-innovation","rbc_mmm_category-right-sized-business-advice","rbc_mmm_category-small-business","rbc_mmm_category-start-a-business"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"","custom_author":"Royal Bank of Canada","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":null,"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":"Generate Table Of Contents"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The new RBC Small Business Poll reveals rising aspirations, growing ownership and a resilience that keeps small businesses going strong.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/business\/right-sized-business-advice\/small-business\/small-business-poll\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The new RBC Small 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