The Difference Maker: How Canadian Small Business Owners Turned AI Into Action

In April, Pier Five partnered with HP Canada, with support from Microsoft Canada, Qualcomm Snapdragon and CDW to bring together small business owners for a two-part experience exploring one key question:

What does the future of your business look like with AI?

What followed was a full-circle program combining education, application, and community - showcasing how Canadian entrepreneurs are beginning to integrate AI into how they build and grow.

Part 1: From Curiosity to Clarity

The program began with two intimate, hands-on workshop sessions, each bringing together 10 founders from a range of industries. The goal was to move beyond AI as a concept and into practical application.

After kicking off the session with a bit of  networking, HP Canada shared how their latest technology is enabling smarter, more efficient ways of working, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The sessions were powered by HP’s AI-enabled devices built with Qualcomm Snapdragon technology, allowing founders to explore real-time workflows.

The core of the experience was a guided workshop using Microsoft Copilot. Founders were led through structured prompts to:

• Analyze their business and positioning

• Identify market opportunities

• Break down competitors

• Clarify their differentiation

Using these insights, each participant created an AI-generated “Difference Statement,” which was then transformed into a visual poster -  a clear representation of how their business can evolve.

Kin Ho, Business Manager, HP: "One of the biggest barriers for small business owners we heard throughout this campaign is knowing where to start when it comes to AI. HP is focused on making these tools more accessible and practical, so founders can explore them in the context of their own business. When AI feels approachable and relevant, that hesitation quickly turns into confidence and that’s when real adoption begins."

What started as exploration quickly became clear and set the groundwork for Part 2.

Part 2: A Showcase For the SMB Community

Two weeks later, Pier Five hosted The Difference Maker: Gallery Night, an exhibition space featuring all 20 founders’ work as well as a panel discussion from Canadian entrepreneurs and experts.

The workshop participants and experts were joined by over 70 entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members, creating a highly curated and energetic room.

[INSERT QUOTE — Rebecca Prime, Beck’s Broth] (founder experience / impact of AI on her business)

The panel discussion was a highlight of the night, discussing topics around AI adoption and the future of small business, moderated by Pier Five Co-Founder, Julian Golden.

Speakers included April Marshall, VP of Inside Sales at HP Canada, Rebecca Prime, Founder of Beck’s Broth and workshop participant, and Kane Willmott, CEO of IQ Offices

The conversation grounded AI in real-world use, focusing on how founders are applying it today and where it’s heading next.

April Marshall, VP of Inside Sales, HP Canada: "What we’re seeing at HP is a shift from AI as a concept to something small businesses are actively using to solve everyday challenges. The biggest unlock is starting with the problem - whether that’s saving time or improving decision-making - and applying the right tools in a practical way. The businesses that will stand out are the ones building a strong foundation now by investing in technology that supports how they work and grow."

[INSERT QUOTE — Kane Willmott, IQ Offices] (future of work / productivity)

Building What’s Next, Together

What made this program resonate was its format. By combining education, hands-on application, visual storytelling and community, Pier Five and HP Canada created a space where ideas were not just explored but activated and shared.

The program highlighted how collaboration between technology partners and community platforms can create real impact for small business owners. As AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that entrepreneurs aren’t waiting, they’re actively shaping what comes next; and they’re doing it together.

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