852,000 entrepreneurs operate over 1.3 million small and medium-sized businesses in Canada, accounting for 41% of the country's GDP. Small businesses are defined as having 5-99 employees while medium businesses have 100-499 employees. 98% of Canadian businesses have less than 100 employees. Nearly 35,000 new entrepreneurs start businesses each year, with men being 2.3 times more likely to start businesses than women. The top 3 industries attracting entrepreneurs are retail trade, construction, and professional services.

1. 852,000 entrepreneurs
Where the small and medium-sized
firms are found
More than
1.3 million
businesses
98%
of businesses have less
than 100 employees
Small business: 5-99 employees Medium business: 100-499 employees Large business: 500+ employeesMicro business: 1-4 employees
9 in 10 Canadians
in the private sector work in an SME
(10.5M people)
Women lead/co-lead a third
of the country’s small and
medium-sized businesses
Nearly 35,000 new entrepreneurs per year.
have the greatest tendency
to form new businesses
are 2.3 times more likely to
start businesses than womenMen
25 – 44 year olds
19%
British Columbia
and the Territories
23%
Prairies
33%
Ontario
19%
Québec
7%
Atlantic
Did you know that small and medium-sized businesses
contribute 41% of Canada’s gross domestic product?
The Business Development Bank of Canada
(BDC) is the only bank dedicated exclusively to
entrepreneurs. Celebrate entrepreneurship
during BDC Small Business Week
#SBW2017 and help fuel our country’s
entrepreneurial spirit!
Small
business
is big
in Canada
Entrepreneurs
by the numbers
Retail trade Construction Professional
services
13.9% 13.8% 13.7%
Industries attracting entrepreneurs
Sources: Statistics Canada; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Small Business Branch; Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
For 38 years, the Business Development Bank of Canada has organized
BDC Small Business WeekTM
to bring thousands of entrepreneurs together
at conferences, luncheons and trade fairs across the country.
Top 3 industries with the largest SME distribution
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