45% of Canadian SMEs surveyed fear that higher unexpected costs could cause them to lose everything they’ve built

TORONTO: Amid ongoing economic uncertainty and trade tensions, 77 per cent of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) say the federal government should make tariff-related financial relief a top priority in its next budget. This is a key finding from a survey released today by Dext, a bookkeeping automation platform for Canadian SMEs and their advisors.

The survey of 250 Canadian SME leaders also found that 64 per cent believe the federal government is not doing enough to support SMEs affected by the tariffs.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), more than 53,000 businesses are directly affected by either U.S. tariffs, Canadian counter-tariffs, or both. In this environment, more than a quarter (26%) of respondents in Dext’s survey say they have reduced or stopped trading with U.S. suppliers or customers, while 55 per cent say they have a plan to manage supply chain disruptions or find an alternative supplier.

In addition, 71 per cent agree the business environment feels more unpredictable than it did just one year ago. Almost half (45%) of those surveyed say they fear that any higher unexpected costs could cause them to lose everything they’ve built.

“Behind every small business is someone who has invested their time, energy, and ambition into building something that matters,” said Joanne Modugno, general manager of Dext North America. “Yet many are telling us they feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and circumstances beyond their control. These leaders are irreplaceable for our economy, and they deserve the support to move forward with confidence.”

More than half of SME owners in the Dext survey (53%) agree the current business environment makes strategic planning and growth decisions impossible, with one-fifth (22%) saying they have delayed or cancelled growth plans.

Financial planning key to keeping SMEs afloat

At the same time, Dext’s survey shows Canadian small business leaders are taking steps to address uncertainty, with the majority (75%) saying they engage in some form of financial planning and forecasting. Only nine per cent of those surveyed say they don’t conduct any financial planning and forecasting at all, while 14 per cent say they react to financial challenges when they arise rather than having a formal plan.

How Canadian SMEs are forecasting for the future:

• A quarter (25%) of Canadian SMEs are developing multiple financial scenarios to prepare for different potential outcomes.
• A quarter (24%) regularly update financial plans and forecasts in response to new data or changing conditions.
• 14% say they conduct formal financial planning or forecasting at set intervals.
• 12% do ad hoc financial planning and forecasting when needed.

Despite most SMEs having financial planning and forecasting in place, just over half (54%) say their business can absorb a sudden increase in costs caused by tariffs and inflation.

“Small business leaders are strengthening their financial plans, navigating uncertainty and preparing for the next 12 months,” says Modugno. “While you can’t predict the future, you can plan for unexpected challenges. Dext can help simplify financial planning, giving small business leaders more time to focus on what they do best, and the irreplaceable role they play in their businesses.”

Financial planning improves cash flow visibility and gives SMEs confidence they can cover overhead and navigate change. Dext helps SMEs do this, giving them tools to stay on top of the books while running the business.

Dext offers SMEs an easy-to-use platform that automates bookkeeping from invoice to payment, with AI at its core. Learn more here: https://dext.com/ca

NOTES TO EDITORS

About the data
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 250 SMB owners/ leaders in Canada. The data was collected between 02.10.2026-06.10.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. Censuswide adheres to the MRS code of conduct and the ESOMAR principles.

About Dext
Dext, part of the IRIS Software Group, is the leading provider of AI-powered bookkeeping automation. Founded in 2010, the company empowers businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers to thrive through cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning technology that simplifies accounting processes and enables smarter, more timely financial decisions.

Trusted by thousands of professionals worldwide, Dext integrates with major accounting software and connects to over 11,500 banks, suppliers, and marketplaces.

In 2024, Dext joined IRIS Software Group and continues to work directly with its clients to create a more seamless, end-to-end accountancy workflow. For more information, visit www.dext.com.

Fonte: Business Wire