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Mi6 Round Up | February 2025

Writer's picture: Chris HerbertChris Herbert

Updated: 3 days ago


Mi6 Round Up February 2025

At Mi6, we curate these round ups to deliver essential, actionable insights that matter to entrepreneurs and marketing professionals like you. We sift through the noise to bring you the strategies, trends, and innovations that can genuinely move the needle for your business.


Feb 3 Update

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2025 Creative Trends: The Future of DTC Advertising

Motion’s latest report reveals seven key trends shaping direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising in 2025. Marketers must balance AI-driven efficiency with human storytelling, as authenticity, humor, and nostalgia prove to be powerful engagement tools. The rise of long-form educational content and high-volume ad production means brands must create faster while maintaining emotional impact. Additionally, the evolution of creative teams—including platform-native directors—is transforming ad development strategies.


Actionable Insight: Marketers should integrate first-person storytelling, humor, and nostalgia into their creative strategies while leveraging AI for rapid iteration and testing. Investing in platform-native creators will help brands stay culturally relevant and competitive. | Read more.


 

Infosys & SAÏD Business School Launch AI-Powered Course for Entrepreneurs

Infosys and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, have introduced an AI-driven course designed to help entrepreneurs leverage Infosys Topaz, an enterprise AI platform. The program will provide practical insights on AI adoption, business transformation, and scaling startups using digital innovation. Aimed at global business leaders, it aligns with the growing demand for AI-driven decision-making and strategic agility.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should explore AI-powered business tools like Infosys Topaz to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the digital economy. | Read more. | See also: AI for Small Business Update.


 

DeepSeek AI: From Hedge Funds to AI Disruption

DeepSeek AI, a rising Chinese AI company, was founded by a former hedge fund entrepreneur who transitioned from finance to cutting-edge artificial intelligence research. The company is rapidly gaining attention for its language models and AI-powered search capabilities, challenging industry giants. DeepSeek’s approach focuses on scalability and efficiency, leveraging China’s growing AI ecosystem to drive innovation in natural language processing and machine learning.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs can find cross-industry opportunities by applying expertise from one sector—like finance—to high-growth fields such as AI, unlocking new competitive advantages. | Read more.


 

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EntrepreNorth Empowers Indigenous Language Entrepreneurs

EntrepreNorth’s Indigenous Language Innovation Cohort gathered in Whitehorse to support entrepreneurs revitalizing Indigenous languages through business. The program helps participants develop sustainable, culturally rooted ventures, ranging from language-learning apps to immersive educational experiences. By combining economic empowerment with cultural preservation, EntrepreNorth is fostering a new wave of Indigenous-led innovation in Canada’s North.


Actionable Insight: Businesses should explore culturally driven entrepreneurship, leveraging technology and storytelling to create impactful, sustainable ventures that preserve and promote Indigenous heritage. | Read more.


 

Compliance Costs for Canadian Businesses Hit $51 Billion in 2024

A new report reveals that Canadian businesses spent $51 billion on regulatory compliance in 2024, with small businesses bearing a disproportionate burden. Key cost drivers include tax reporting, employment regulations, and industry-specific requirements. Many companies are turning to automation and AI-driven compliance solutions to streamline processes and reduce costs. However, concerns about regulatory complexity continue to impact business growth and innovation.


Actionable Insight: Businesses should invest in compliance automation tools to cut costs and improve efficiency, ensuring they stay ahead of evolving regulations while focusing on growth. | Read more. | See Also: The Missing Link in Government Strategy: A Robust Commercialization Plan.


 

Peterborough Launches Advisory Suite to Boost Entrepreneurs

Community Futures Peterborough has introduced a new advisory suite to provide mentorship, funding guidance, and business development support for local entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to bridge resource gaps for startups and small businesses, offering expert-led sessions on financial planning, marketing, and scaling strategies. This expansion reinforces Peterborough’s commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should leverage local advisory programs to access expert guidance, refine business strategies, and secure funding opportunities for sustainable growth. | Read more.


 

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Entrepreneur Turns Love of Cheese into Thriving Business

A Brant County entrepreneur has transformed a passion for artisan cheese into a successful business, tapping into the growing demand for locally sourced, handcrafted foods. By focusing on quality ingredients, unique flavors, and community engagement, the venture has quickly gained a loyal following. The success highlights the power of turning personal passion into a profitable niche market opportunity.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should explore specialty food markets, leveraging local sourcing and storytelling to differentiate their brand and build a dedicated customer base. | Read more.


 

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Transform Calgary’s Business Landscape

Calgary’s immigrant entrepreneurs are driving innovation and economic growth, overcoming barriers to build thriving businesses in sectors like tech, retail, and food services. Many leverage community networks, government programs, and cultural diversity to differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Their success stories highlight resilience, adaptability, and the power of diverse perspectives in shaping the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should tap into local mentorship programs and immigrant business networks to access funding, guidance, and community support for long-term success. | Read more. | See Also: Tomorrow's Business Trends, What Canadian Entrepreneurs Need to Know.


 

Fonds de Solidarité FTQ Leads Investment in Namakor Holdings

Fonds de Solidarité FTQ has become the lead investor in Namakor Holdings, strengthening its position in North American industrial manufacturing. This strategic investment will help Namakor scale operations, acquire mid-market companies, and drive innovation in the sector. The partnership aligns with FTQ’s mission to support sustainable growth and long-term job creation in manufacturing.


Actionable Insight: Manufacturers seeking expansion should explore strategic investment partnerships to accelerate growth, enhance capabilities, and remain competitive in evolving markets. | Read more.


 

US Car Buyers Show Increasing Brand Loyalty Shifts

A Deloitte study finds that 54% of US consumers plan to switch brands for their next vehicle, reflecting a broader global trend of declining brand loyalty. Product quality (58%), price, and performance are the top decision drivers, while brand advertising plays a minor role in the US (10%) but is more influential in China (20%) and India (24%). Notably, brand affinity remains strongest in Japan but is less relevant in the UK and US.


Actionable Insight: Automakers should emphasize quality, performance, and ownership experience in marketing, as brand loyalty declines and price sensitivity rises. | Read more.


 

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Entrepreneur Olivia Lovenmark-Hay on Overcoming Cervical Cancer

Olivia Lovenmark-Hay, a Vancouver-based entrepreneur, shares her battle with cervical cancer, highlighting the emotional and professional challenges of facing a life-altering diagnosis. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she used her experience to advocate for women’s health awareness while continuing to navigate the demands of business ownership. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, self-care, and workplace flexibility for entrepreneurs facing health crises.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should prioritize health and work-life balance, ensuring they build businesses that allow for flexibility in times of personal hardship. | Read more. | See Also: The Entrepreneur Mindset. Pursuing Meaning Over Happiness.


 

PacifiCan Invests $17M to Boost BC Business Growth

The Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) is investing $17 million to support business expansion, innovation, and job creation across British Columbia. The funding will help entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies scale operations, enhance competitiveness, and drive economic development in key sectors. This investment aligns with Canada’s strategy to strengthen regional economies and foster long-term business sustainability.


Actionable Insight: BC businesses should explore grant and funding opportunities from economic development agencies to accelerate growth and innovation. | Read more.


 

CFIB Responds to Trump’s 25% Tariffs, Citing Concerns for Canadian Businesses

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has issued a statement expressing concern over former President Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs, warning of potential disruptions for Canadian small businesses reliant on US trade. CFIB urges policymakers to negotiate fair trade terms to minimize economic strain on exporters and supply chains. The organization stresses the need for government support to help businesses adapt to shifting trade policies.


Actionable Insight: Canadian businesses should diversify supply chains and explore new trade partnerships to mitigate risks from US tariff changes. | Read more. | More of our posts covering tariffs.


 

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Google’s 2025 Marketing Tips: Automation & AI Take Center Stage

Google’s latest insights highlight AI-driven automation, personalization, and data-driven decision-making as key trends shaping 2025 marketing strategies. Marketers are advised to leverage AI for campaign optimization, audience segmentation, and real-time ad performance adjustments. The report also emphasizes the importance of privacy-first marketing, urging brands to adopt first-party data strategies as third-party cookies phase out.


Actionable Insight: Businesses should invest in AI-powered marketing automation and develop first-party data strategies to enhance targeting, efficiency, and compliance. | Read more. | See Also: What Can AI Do for SMBs?


 

Homegrown Ventures 2025: Celebrating Sudbury’s Entrepreneurs

Greater Sudbury is set to host Homegrown Ventures 2025, an entrepreneurial showcase highlighting local startups, small businesses, and innovators. The event will provide networking opportunities, business insights, and exposure for entrepreneurs looking to grow within the region. By fostering community-driven economic development, Sudbury aims to strengthen its reputation as a hub for innovation and business growth.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should participate in local business showcases to expand their network, gain visibility, and attract potential investors or customers. | Read more.


 

Okotoks Entrepreneur Honored in Agriculture Hall of Fame

An Okotoks entrepreneur has been inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame, recognizing their innovations and contributions to the farming industry. Their work has advanced sustainable practices, agri-tech development, and rural economic growth, solidifying their impact on Alberta’s agricultural sector. This honor highlights the role of entrepreneurship in driving innovation and sustainability within farming communities.


Actionable Insight: Agri-business entrepreneurs should explore industry recognition opportunities to enhance credibility, attract investment, and expand their market influence. | Read more.


 

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Young Entrepreneur Revives Nelson’s Iconic Game Shop

A young entrepreneur has brought new life to a beloved Nelson game shop, ensuring a fresh future for the iconic local business. By restocking classic favorites, expanding inventory, and fostering a welcoming community space, the revival taps into nostalgia-driven retail while appealing to modern gamers. The shop’s resurgence reflects the power of local entrepreneurship and customer engagement in sustaining small businesses.


Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs can revitalize legacy businesses by blending nostalgia marketing with modern trends, attracting both loyal customers and new audiences. | Read more.

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