Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re focusing on a critical aspect of small business operations—cybersecurity. As cyber threats evolve, protecting sensitive data and maintaining secure digital environments has become essential for every entrepreneur. We’re excited to have Amisha Parikh with us today! As the Vice President of Security Solutions at Mastercard, Amisha brings a wealth of knowledge on how small businesses can enhance their cybersecurity strategies and protect their operations against rising cyber risks.

Key Highlights:

🔹 Understanding Cyber Threats: An overview of the current landscape of cybersecurity threats impacting SMEs, and why it’s crucial for businesses to stay ahead.

🔹 Practical Solutions for Cybersecurity: Amisha shares actionable strategies and tools that can help small businesses safeguard their data and maintain trust with their customers.

🔹 Support from Mastercard: Insights into how Mastercard’s Security Solutions offer comprehensive support for SMEs, enabling them to focus on growth with peace of mind.

Special thanks to our partners—

RBC:https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand
IHG Hotels and Resorts: https://businessedge.ihg.com/s/registration?language=en_US&CanSME
Google: https://www.google.ca/

📧 Contact us at info@canadiansme.ca or 416-655-0205 to learn more about our episodes. For our latest insights and more expert advice, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast! In this episode, we explore the impact of the new CAPSA guidelines on small business retirement and savings plans. These changes are crucial for small businesses looking to offer competitive benefits while maintaining compliance.

Our guest today is Bernadette Chik, Leader of the Defined Contribution (DC) Advisory Business and senior consultant at Mercer Canada. With over 20 years of experience in consulting and a CFA designation, Bernadette specializes in helping small and midsized organizations optimize their retirement plans. Her expertise provides valuable insights into how small businesses can navigate these guidelines.

• Governance Updates: How to create accountability and future-proof governance processes.
• Member Education: Innovative ways to enhance member education on retirement plans and financial literacy.
• Proactive Risk Management: Practical steps to adopt a proactive approach to risk management.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Key areas where small business sponsors can innovate and grow under the new guidelines.

A special thank you to Bernadette Chik for sharing her expertise on these vital updates and their implications for small business plan sponsors!

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

IHG Hotels and Resorts: https://businessedge.ihg.com/s/registration?language=en_US&CanSME

Google: https://www.google.ca/

Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit!

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast! In this episode, we tackle a critical issue facing small businesses—cybersecurity. With increasing threats such as ransomware and third-party risks, it's essential to stay prepared. We’ll explore practical strategies for closing the cybersecurity preparedness gap, leveraging GenAI for enhanced security, and how collaboration can strengthen defenses.

Joining us today is Naren Kalyanaraman, Partner, Cybersecurity Privacy and Financial Crime National Leader at PwC Canada. With years of experience advising global institutions on cybersecurity risks and compliance, Naren brings a wealth of knowledge that can help small businesses navigate today’s cybersecurity challenges.

• Top Cyber Threats for Small Businesses: How to stay protected and improve cloud security, manage vendors, and prevent ransomware attacks.
• Leveraging GenAI: The role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and how small businesses can use it responsibly.
• Collaborative Cybersecurity: The importance of industry partnerships and knowledge sharing to build stronger defenses.
• Resource Allocation for Cybersecurity: How small businesses can prioritize their cybersecurity budget for maximum impact.
• Future Trends in Cybersecurity: Key trends that small businesses should prepare for to stay ahead of emerging threats.

A special thanks to Naren Kalyanaraman for sharing his expert insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and providing actionable strategies for small businesses!

Shoutout to our sponsors. for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

IHG Hotels and Resorts: https://businessedge.ihg.com/s/registration?language=en_US&CanSME

Google: https://www.google.ca/

Don’t forget to subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit!