From Exit to Opportunity: The Silver Tsunami Explained for SMEs 2026!!

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the Silver Tsunami and the growing urgency around business succession as thousands of Canadian owners prepare for retirement.

Our guest is Liz MacRae, Co Founder and President of Village Wellth. A serial entrepreneur and recent Calgary.tech Top 10 Company to Watch honouree, Liz shares how software, advisory support, and capital access can democratize business ownership and protect community businesses through successful transitions.

Key Highlights

1. Canada’s Succession Crisis: Why business transitions are becoming a national economic issue and what’s at stake if they fail.
   
2. Buying a Business Without Millions: How acquisition financing and creative capital options make ownership more accessible than people think.
   
3. Capital Access for Women: How targeted funds like BDC’s ETA initiative are opening doors for female acquisition entrepreneurs.
   
4. Beyond the Money: The non financial barriers to buying a business and how collaboration helps overcome them.
   
5. Scaling Village Wellth: How US expansion and national recognition support a global vision for acquisition entrepreneurship.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.