As we wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the role technology plays in our day-to-day business lives. Whether you're running a cozy café in your local town or managing a growing online brand, IT is quietly working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly—and helping us grow.
Small businesses across Ontario are discovering that technology isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. From automating tasks to reaching new customers, IT helps us do more with less. And in a province as diverse and dynamic as ours, that flexibility is gold.
• It keeps us competitive. With the right tools, we can streamline operations, improve customer service, and scale without needing a massive team.
• It protects what we’ve built. Cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations. One data breach can be devastating, and having solid IT support helps us sleep better at night.
• It helps us scale smart. From cloud systems to CRM platforms, tech lets us grow without growing pains.
I know tech can feel overwhelming. Between choosing the right tools, managing costs, and keeping up with updates, it’s easy to put IT on the back burner. But the truth is, a little planning goes a long way. Even simple upgrades can make a big difference in how we operate and serve our customers.
• Start with a clear plan. What are your business goals for 2026, and how can tech help you get there?
• Lean on experts. You don’t need to do it all yourself. There are great local IT consultants and managed service providers who understand small business realities.
• Stay curious. Tech is always evolving, and staying open to new tools and ideas keeps us ahead of the curve.
Just last month, a major outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) disrupted thousands of websites and apps—including tools many small businesses rely on, like Slack, Canva, and even payment platforms like Venmo. The issue stemmed from a failure in AWS’s US-EAST-1 region, affecting core services like DNS and database access. For hours, businesses were left scrambling, unable to access critical systems or communicate with customers.
This incident is a stark reminder of how dependent we’ve become on cloud infrastructure—and why resilience planning is essential. Even if your business doesn’t use AWS directly, chances are one of your tools or platforms does. Having backup systems, diversified providers, and a clear IT strategy can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.
For small businesses in Ontario, investing in IT isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead. Whether you're planning a digital transformation or simply upgrading your systems, the right technology strategy can unlock new levels of efficiency, security, and growth.
Let’s make 2026 the year we work smarter, not harder—and more resilient, too.
