June Edition
Let’s be real. The economic pressure on Canadian businesses isn’t letting up. With rising costs, global uncertainty, and renewed U.S. tariff threats, it feels like the deck is stacked again. And while our neighbours to the south ramp up protectionism, Canadian entrepreneurs are left with a choice: fold, or fight smarter.
This is where the Canadian edge kicks in. Quietly resilient. Regionally connected. There’s a growing wave of underdog unity, a sense that if we want to thrive, we’ve got to do it together. That means buying local, building local, and backing businesses that keep jobs, value, and pride right here at home.
In this series, we’re shining the spotlight on five Canadian businesses at a time. Some are bold newcomers. Others are seasoned pros. But they all have one thing in common: they’re doing the work, and they deserve your attention.
Here are five you’ll want to watch right now.
History Toronto
History Toronto is a 2,500 person live music and entertainment venue in Toronto’s Beaches area, built to make live shows feel bigger, cleaner, and more premium without losing that close to the stage energy. The venue sits on Queen Street East and has become a major stop for touring acts, which matters because venues do more than sell tickets. They feed a local ecosystem, restaurants, bars, rideshare, parking, staffing, security, and the entire after work culture that keeps city neighbourhoods alive.
Waikiki Board
Waikiki Board is a Canadian eCommerce brand selling inflatable stand up paddleboards and summer gear designed to be easy to transport, simple to set up, and realistic for the way Canadians actually use the outdoors. Their paddleboard kits are positioned as all in packages, board, paddle, leash, pump, and storage bag, which removes friction for beginners and turns “maybe this summer” into a purchase that can ship to your door. They also emphasize delivery across Canada and a warranty backed by quality checks, the kind of operational detail that separates a real brand from a seasonal pop up shop.
Crimson Empire Tattoo
Crimson Empire Tattoo is an Edmonton studio established in 2007, built by owners who wanted a space that blends serious art with a client experience that still feels relaxed and human. Located in the Summerside area, the studio highlights custom work and walk in options, which is exactly what a modern service business needs, quality, consistency, and accessibility. They also offer scalp micropigmentation, a highly specialized service that shows how studios can grow by expanding into adjacent, high trust categories without diluting the core brand.
Poke Fresh
Poke Fresh is a Victoria based poke restaurant built around a simple promise, local, fresh, and fast, without cutting corners. Their menu is designed for customers who want convenience but still care about ingredients, including Ocean Wise fish and local vegetables, plus options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free preferences. The brand also talks openly about sustainability efforts, like compostable containers, keeping food waste low, and sticking to Ocean Wise sourcing, which aligns with what B.C. customers increasingly reward with repeat visits and word of mouth.
Anne-Marie La Barre
Anne-Marie La Barre is a helping relationship therapist based in Chambly on the South Shore of Montréal, offering sessions in person and by videoconference. She positions her work around non directive therapy and the practical reality many Canadians are living right now, stress, pressure, communication breakdowns, and the quiet burnout that builds over time. Her background includes a master’s degree and a previous 20 year career in communications, which fits the profile of professionals who pivot into people focused work because they want their impact to be direct, personal, and tangible.
These aren’t just businesses. They’re proof. Proof that Canadian entrepreneurs are still building, still hiring, still moving forward even when global forces push back. And that’s exactly why they deserve our attention and our support.
Every time you buy Canadian, partner local, or share a business doing good work, you’re not just making a transaction. You’re reinforcing something bigger: economic resilience, community power, and the kind of growth we can control from the inside out.
Together, we grow Canadian.
