A Q&A on Technology Policy and Regulation for Small Businesses

Technology is an integral part of your small business, regardless of your industry. You may not think of yourself as a “tech company,” but if you use tools like personalized ads, social media, a website, Google Analytics, Gemini, or a Google Business Profile, you're already leveraging powerful digital and AI tools to reach customers and grow your business. These tools are essential to how many small businesses operate, and like anything essential, it's vital to pay attention to how they are regulated, how new laws might impact these tools, and how we can continue to get value from them.

To explore this topic further, we held a rapid-fire conversation with three experts who shared their insights on technology policies, what might be changing, what you need to be aware of, and how small businesses like yours can stay ahead of the curve.

Our panelists included:

• David Nagy, founder of eCommerce Canada, a technology and e-commerce expert with over 15 years of experience helping small-to-large retailers with digital transformation.
• Rob Retzlaff, Executive Director of the Connected Commerce Council, a strong advocate for small businesses' access to essential digital technologies and tools.
• Darryl Julott, Director of Economic Development for the City of Peterborough, who brings extensive experience in economic development and innovation to the table.

The Biggest Risk is Not Being Part of the Conversation

Q: David, you’re known for being vocal on a number of legislative issues, you’ve spoken out against and in favor of specific policies, to ensure the SMB community is protected and equipped to thrive. Why should a small business owner care about what happens in Ottawa, and what's the biggest risk of not speaking up?

David Nagy: The biggest risk of SMBs not speaking up is that they end up being left out of the conversation, which in return means their  concerns are not adequately considered by policy makers. When the government is crafting legislation, especially legislation that would impact our businesses, I believe we as small business owners should have a say. Why? Because we are the ones who are actually on the ground and rolling up our sleeves, so we have a specific point of view, a unique experience, that should inform these policies to reflect our realities. . For example, in the past, we’ve seen laws like CASL (Canadian-Anti Spam Legislation) that didn’t necessarily solve issues, but created a severe impact on businesses. More recently, we’ve seen the digital services tax have a significant impact on businesses as well. Our voice needs to be heard because the government, and ultimately Canadians, would benefit from hearing our side of the story to improve policymaking. It's a little bit like surfing a wave. If you want to catch a wave, you've got to get in the water early. If we’re not there telling our story, others will fill that void, sometimes to our detriment. 

Small Actions Can Have a Big Impact

Q: Rob, our next question is for you. You’ve worked with hundreds of businesses over the years to give them a voice and equip them to speak up when policies have threatened the way they operate. We want to ask you what are some simple ways for business owners to make a difference when it comes to policy? In your experience, what works? And please feel free to give us concrete examples.

Rob Retzlaff: First, I totally understand that small businesses might not think that they have enough time to get involved, or might not consider themselves as policy-experts. Small business owners are already wearing 99 different hats throughout the week; you’re worried about making payroll, serving customers and trying to keep up with the new and latest trends in technology. The good news is, you don't have to be a policy expert to make a difference. Small actions, like sharing your story in your community and with your lawmakers, can have a very real impact. As an example, I worked with a small business owner in New York City who was using online ads to reach new customers in his neighborhood. These online ads helped him reach new clients that previously didn’t even know his business existed. At the same time, policymakers were considering legislation that would impact his ability to run these ads, and so he was encouraged to speak up and share his story. He simply signed on to a letter and added a few short sentences about his experience, and how powerful and affordable the digital tools and services really are. This simple letter changed the way a lawmaker thought about the issue. So, starting off small like adding your name to a letter campaign, sharing your story with your local chamber of commerce or other small business organizations adds up and makes sure small businesses are part of the conversation.

Your Authentic Story is Your Voice in Government

Q: Our next Question is for Darryl: Darryl, you work in government, and you’ve engaged with elected officials at all levels, from mayors to members of parliament and Ministers. How can a business owner's personal story and experiences be used to influence decisions in government, and what's your best tip for telling that story effectively?

Darryl Julott: We create resources, programs, and opportunities based on what we're hearing directly from you—the business owners. Your voice does not go unheard; in fact, they help us craft thoughtful programs, regulations and legislation. Even if you’re just starting small and calling your elected official, sending an email or simply attending a public consultation forum, we are hearing you. My best piece of advice is just to be authentic and talk to your local small business officer. We want to hear exactly what is on your mind, your experience and your story. There is no expected answer, and I promise you, we are here to listen. Be authentically yourself, and don't be afraid to speak up.

What Small Businesses Can Expect on the Horizon

Q: Thank you Darryl. Our final Question is for both David and Darryl: Concretely speaking, what are some potential legislative challenges that could impact SMBs in the coming months? What do you see on the horizon? And what's the one thing- they should be doing right now to get ready for it?

David Nagy: Issues around privacy and cybersecurity are top of mind. Technology is moving at such a fast pace that it can be stressful to understand, and so we do need legislation and acts in place to ensure consumer protection and privacy. However, it's also important to ensure that businesses aren't handcuffed by red tape. Now more than ever, the use of data is essential for business owners to understand their customers better and create dynamic, personalized ads to reach the right customers. Digital advertising, for example, relies on personalization to lower customer acquisition costs and ensure that we can breakeven. For example, should the government introduce a flawed privacy bill, it could hinder our ability to create and use personalized ads and reach our intended customers. We therefore need government officials to understand how we use digital ads to protect this tool while also finding the right balance with protecting users’ privacy. 

Conclusion

The rapid-fire panel reinforced the critical role that small businesses play in shaping technology policy. The main message from all three speakers was clear: don't be afraid to use your authentic voice and personal story to get involved. Whether it's through a simple letter, a public consultation, or a conversation with a local official, your input is invaluable. By sharing your experiences and getting engaged, you can help ensure that new regulations and policies are balanced and support the growth of the small business community. 

Next Steps: 

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To watch a recorded version of this roundtable discussion, watch the vidéo. 

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