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Many people have an idea they've been quietly turning over for months: a skill they could charge for, a hobby that could earn some income, or a service their community needs. What often holds them back isn't the idea itself. It's not knowing where to start, or worrying that starting a business means taking on more than they can manage.

When people hear the phrase "elevator pitch," they often picture a polished speech delivered with perfect confidence to a room full of strangers. For many entrepreneurs, that image alone is enough to make them avoid the conversation altogether.

Every October, communities across Canada set aside a week to celebrate the people behind small businesses. This year, BDC Small Business Week runs October 19 to 25, 2026, with events taking place online and in communities across Alberta.

Many small business owners assume that finding new customers always requires more advertising, more social media activity, or larger marketing budgets. While marketing certainly plays an important role, some of the strongest leads often arrive through referrals.

When people think about networking, they often picture crowded events, elevator pitches, and constant self-promotion. For many entrepreneurs, especially those managing disabilities, chronic health conditions, or neurodivergence, that version of networking can feel exhausting or inaccessible.

Many small business owners spend considerable time thinking about marketing. They explore social media strategies, advertising opportunities, and ways to increase visibility. But before customers buy, they need something even more important than awareness. They need to trust you.

Over the past five weeks, we've explored the different ways artificial intelligence (AI) can support small businesses.

We've covered why now is a great time to get started, the differences between Chat AI, Workflow AI, and AI Agents, and how each can help reduce administrative workload and improve productivity.

If you've been following conversations about AI recently, you've probably heard people talking about "AI Agents."

For many small business owners, the term can sound intimidating. It brings to mind complex technology, expensive software, and futuristic business systems.

Most business owners don't mind the work that grows their business. It's the repetitive administrative tasks that can become frustrating.

If you're interested in using AI in your business, Chat AI is the best place to start.

In our last article, we introduced the three main types of AI used by businesses today: Chat AI, Workflow AI, and AI Agents. Of these, Chat AI is often the easiest to learn, the most affordable to access, and the quickest to deliver results.