By Ahmed Minhas
Photos by Lindsay Germano
For Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), economic uncertainty isn’t a distant concern — it’s a daily reality. With looming U.S. tariffs threatening their largest market, the question isn’t just how to compete, but how to survive. That’s where Carleton University’s Technology Innovation Management (TIM) program comes in, offering a game-changing strategy to help SMEs adapt and secure their futures.
Carleton’s “Up Our Game, Canada!” initiative is more than just a response to trade tensions — it’s a proactive solution designed to help businesses future-proof their operations. Led by Associate Professor Tony Bailetti from the Sprott School of Business, the program equips SMEs with AI-powered tools, digital training and a strategic framework to diversify beyond the American market.
Technology Innovation Management Academic Director Tony Bailetti
“These companies are facing an economic shift that could change everything,” says Bailetti.
“The big players will find ways to adapt, but what about the thousands of SMEs who rely on the U.S. market? What happens to them?”
By harnessing AI-driven research and automation, “Up Our Game, Canada!” provides real changes that businesses can implement immediately. Carleton students played a crucial role in developing these tools; each year, 130 TIM students collaborate with SMEs to build tailored strategies and solve business challenges as part of the program’s emphasis on experiential learning.
“At the Sprott School of Business, we embrace agility, innovation and community impact,” says Rebecca Renfroe, Associate Dean, Student Success and Recruitment.
“While academic institutions are often seen as pillars of tradition, our success stems from adaptability and engagement. It is inspiring to see our students and faculty embody these values, giving back to the very community and country that fuel their growth.”
A select group of high-achieving students, familiar with leveraging AI through their work with SMEs, played a key role in creating interactive modules, data-driven playbooks and AI applications to help SMEs anticipate market shifts.
“We focused on helping SMEs anticipate shifts, improve their decision-making and become more efficient,” Bailetti says. “The result is a business that’s better equipped to handle uncertainty and discover new opportunities.”
High Stakes for Canadian SMEs
With 77 per cent of Canada’s exports flowing to the U.S., trade restrictions on all Canadian products would send shockwaves through the economy. Businesses across industries, from manufacturing to agriculture to natural resources, face the impossible choice of either absorbing significant financial losses or losing major customers. Unlike large corporations, SMEs lack the resources to navigate sudden changes, making their need to adapt even more urgent.
“We’re talking about people’s livelihoods, their families, their communities,” says Bailetti.
“These aren’t just businesses; they’re the backbone and heart of our economy. If we provide them with the right tools, they can innovate, create jobs and contribute to our economic success. Without the right support, many won’t survive.”
Bailetti emphasizes that time is running out for SMEs to adapt. He urges business owners to be proactive and embrace technology to better manage a changing world.
To learn more about “Up Our Game, Canada!” and how it can help businesses pivot and grow in the face of economic uncertainty, visit the program website.
Friday, February 28, 2025 in Entrepreneurship, Sprott School of Business
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