Beverlee Rasmussen “And what we can do about it with the right systems, tools, and coaching.“
Supporting small business owners isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of a healthy, thriving economy. Yet, despite all the tools, technologies, and advice available today, almost half of all small businesses in Canada still close within five years.
The small business failure rate in Canada has not changed in over 30 years. Despite all the new tools, technologies, and advice, nearly half of all small businesses still close within five years (Statistics Canada, 1999).
So what’s going wrong?
The Key Takeaways
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The small business failure rate in Canada has not changed in 30 years; nearly half still close within five years despite all the tools and advice available.
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The real challenges come after a business launches, but most support ends at the startup phase, leaving owners to figure out the hard part alone.
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The Systems Business Coach Game Board maps 52 core skills every small business owner needs, built on systems thinking, appreciative inquiry, and entrepreneur-centred coaching.
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This is a practical, step-by-step roadmap grounded in research, not generic advice recycled from decades past.
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When small business owners succeed, whole communities benefit through jobs, local economies, and stronger public services, making this work matter far beyond the individual business.
Why Small Business Owners Need More Support
The truth is, small business owners are expected to know everything—but rarely get the support they really need. Most guidance ends after the startup phase, even though the real challenges, and risks, come after launch. Studies show that access to guidance and resources is critical to business survival (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 2018). That’s where small business coaching and practical systems can make all the difference.
Our Approach to Supporting Small Businesses
Behind me in this photo is the Systems Business Coach® Game Board—a visual roadmap of the 52 core skills every small business owner needs to master.
This isn’t your dad’s 1980s business advice. It’s built on:
- Bloom’s Taxonomy – for real learning that sticks
- Appreciative Inquiry – a human-first, strength-based approach
- Systems Thinking – because everything in a business is connected
- Modern Business Principles – updated for today’s realities
- Entrepreneur-Centred Coaching – putting the owner at the heart of their success
Curious about the research behind this approach? Check out our research abstract.
A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Small Business Success
This isn’t theory. It’s a practical, step-by-step roadmap that any small business owner can follow—at their own pace, in a way that fits their unique journey.
If you’re ready to get hands-on guidance, our Advanced Certificate in Small Business Coaching is designed to give you the tools, frameworks, and confidence to help businesses thrive.
How Supporting Small Business Benefits Everyone
When small business owners succeed, they:
- Fuel local economies
- Support funding for hospitals, schools, and community programs
- Create jobs and opportunities for future generations
- Strengthen our communities and democracy
They’re the true heroes of our society—but too often, they’re left to figure it all out alone. That’s why mentor coaching and ongoing support are so important.
