Canadian small businesses are investing more than ever in technology. From AI tools to automation platforms, software now powers almost every part of the operations – but that progress comes with a cost. As budgets rise, so does the pressure to make every dollar count. 

In fact, 71% of Canadian SMBs are already using AI and automation tools (source: Microsoft), and 69% plan to increase software spend this year (source: Capterra). With 75% expecting to boost their tech investments again in 2025 (source: Microsoft), managing those costs has never been more important. The unfortunate truth is that over 62% of Canadian businesses expect cost-related obstacles in the second half of 2025, primarily citing inflation and the rising cost of inputs like software and labour (source: StatCan).

This environment, defined by rising tech spend and tightening margins, means finance teams can no longer afford to treat software costs as an unavoidable expense. They need smarter strategies to recapture value on the tools that keep them competitive.

From Spending to Saving

Entrepreneurs are looking for fast, tangible returns. Over half expect new tools to deliver ROI within six months, and that’s where programs like Mastercard’s Easy Savings Specials can make an immediate impact. 

Instead of waiting for long-term rewards, Mastercard helps businesses grow, scale, and manage their business by unlocking savings at leading global merchants. 

Stretching Your Software Budget with Smart Tools

Modern business spend platforms are transforming how small businesses manage technology costs. By combining expense management features with built-in financial rewards, they turn everyday purchases into savings opportunities.

Canadian banking platform, Venn, has recently introduced another way to help businesses save even more — by offering a 2% interest on all CAD and USD balances. This new feature allows finance teams to earn passive returns on funds held in their accounts, adding a new dimension to cash flow optimization.

Through its collaboration with Mastercard,  Venn helps small businesses automate this process and maximize every software dollar with a three-pronged savings approach that is fully automated:

• Mastercard Easy Savings Specials:  A global redemption-based program with time-limited merchant offers redeemed at checkout  – designed to help small businesses save on the products and services that matter most to them
• Unlimited 1% Cashback: Every single purchase made with a Venn Mastercard Charge Card automatically earns 1% cashback, with no caps or minimum spend. This means that whether you’re paying for a new CRM subscription or renewing your cybersecurity tool, you’re instantly generating savings.
• Venn Interest on Balances: All CAD and USD balances within Venn automatically earn 2% interest with no minimum balance or eligibility thresholds, meaning your idle funds can also generate additional savings. 

Together, these benefits give finance teams more control and liquidity. With virtual cards that set spending limits by vendor or department, businesses can track, save, and reinvest those savings into growth — whether hiring talent, expanding operations, or planning for the long term.

Focus on Growth, Not Clunky Systems

As Venn Co-Founder Ahmed Shafik puts it, “Small businesses make up over 98% of all businesses in Canada. They deserve tools that actually work for the way they operate.”

The future of SMB success in Canada hinges on technological adoption, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of financial control. Through Venn and programs such as the  Mastercard Easy Savings Specials program, businesses can turn software purchases into opportunities for savings, not just expenses.

With tools that combine cashback, automation, and control, Canadian entrepreneurs can focus on growth — not on chasing savings.