Business Financial Health and Resilience Enables Overall Resilience and Growth
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the engine of our economies. Integral to economic growth, SMEs often face unique challenges and barriers to growth that need to be recognized and addressed to ensure viability. Significant gaps remain in understanding and helping to improve SME business financial health and financial resilience.
Building on our leading SME Study, The Business Financial Health and Resilience of SMEs and Women-Owned SMEs in India, Financial Resilience Institute has designed and conducted the landmark Canadian SME Financial Health and Resilience study.
The data and insights garnered are rich and give a unique view into the business financial health and resilience of SMEs in Canada, including for Women-Owned SMEs compared to Men-Owned SMEs. Just under three quarters (73%) of Canadian SMEs want to better understand their business’ financial resilience and how they can improve it, with this highly relevant for businesses of all revenue sizes and types.
Canadian SMEs 2026: Business Financial Health and Resilience Report
Thanks to the support of Coast Capital, the landmark ecosystem report brings and evidence to help enable innovation to catalyze positive change. Based on a rigorous December 2025 study of 600 Canadian SMEs, including Women-Owned enterprises, this research delivers actionable, evidence-based insights grounded in our market-leading Business Financial Health and Resilience Framework. For Financial Institutions, policymakers and ecosystem partners, this report offers powerful data with rich insights to better serve SMEs, close financing gaps, improve financial health and inclusion and strengthen business financial resilience. The report also provides specific emerging opportunities for Financial Institutions to better support their SME clients.
This report was made possible thanks to the support of:
For a more detailed analysis, the Deep-Dive Detailed Report unlocks a level of insight into SME business financial health and resilience that goes far beyond the topline findings, delivering intelligence unavailable anywhere else. These insights equip financial institutions and SME-focused organizations with the clarity, evidence and foresight needed to lead SMEs, strengthen their resilience, accelerate inclusive growth and shape the future of Canada’s small business economy. Beyond Canada, insights and indicators can be relevant as it relates to serving SME and commercial clients in other markets.
What’s in the Deep-Dive Detailed Report?
A deep intelligence report for Financial Institutions, strategy teams and product leaders shaping SME strategies and solutions.
For more information on the detailed report, please see our Detailed Report Brochure and contact us today to learn more.