As part of our Building Bridges - Big Businesses Helping Small Businesses series, this Small Business Week we’re highlighting how Google empowers small businesses. From boosting digital presence to leveraging AI and simplified tech solutions, Google is helping small businesses in Toronto and beyond thrive. We sat down with Zahra Kanji, Google’s lead for the consumer Chromebook business, to explore how the tech giant supports small businesses.
Building a strong digital presence is crucial for small businesses, and Zahra explains how Google makes that possible: “Helping businesses get discovered is one of the biggest ways we contribute. Through Google Business Profiles, small businesses can create a listing, be found on Google Maps and Search, aggregate customer reviews, and improve visibility online.”
Google’s collaboration with Digital Main Street, a local initiative supporting small businesses in Toronto, ensures that businesses transitioning online are fully supported. “We help them build websites, optimize searchability, and drive discoverability,” Zahra adds. “We want businesses to be visible to the customers searching for them, whether they’re a restaurant, retail shop, or service provider.” The initiative helps businesses move from idea to execution, supporting them every step of the way.
For small businesses, technology needs to work seamlessly without adding complexity. Zahra explains how Google’s focus on simplicity helps: "Small business owners don’t always have IT support, so our devices are designed to grow with the business—whether it’s a solopreneur or a small team expanding."
The fast boot-up times and long battery life of Google’s devices such as Chromebooks make them a reliable choice for entrepreneurs on the go. Zahra notes, "I see businesses of all sizes using these tools because they’re easy to manage and dependable."
For businesses with shared-use setups, like kiosks or retail, the multi-user functionality is another key benefit. "Devices can handle multiple logins without crossing data, which is critical for places like healthcare or hospitality," Zahra adds.
AI is transforming the way businesses operate, and small businesses are no exception. Zahra explains, “Chromebooks were among the first consumer devices to adopt AI models. Tools like Google Gemini let business owners automate tasks like drafting reports or summarizing data, freeing up valuable time.”
In addition to data management, AI helps streamline everyday operations such as managing spreadsheets or generating social media content. “For a small business, time is everything,” Zahra says. “AI handles routine tasks, allowing business owners to focus on what really matters—growing their business.”
Google’s commitment to the local Toronto small business ecosystem is evident through its partnerships and targeted programs. Zahra highlights Digital Main Street as a critical component in Google’s support efforts, helping small businesses build a strong digital presence and optimize their online profiles.
Additionally, Google partners with Coursera to provide small business owners and their teams with access to certification programs in key areas like IT security and AI. “We want to ensure small business owners are equipped with the skills they need to navigate the digital economy,” Zahra explains. These programs provide critical resources for businesses to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Zahra notes that small business owners often juggle multiple responsibilities, and that’s where Google steps in to reduce the technology burden. “There’s a lot of minutiae that small business owners need to manage, from supply chains to marketing,” she says. “Google helps by making sure the technology side is simple and reliable, so owners can focus on growing their business.”
Google also helps businesses adapt to changing market conditions with tools like Think with Google and Google Trends, which provide insights into consumer behaviors and emerging trends. Zahra shares, “These tools allow small business owners to make data-driven decisions, helping them stay ahead of the curve.”
Google continues to innovate and expand its support for small businesses, from ongoing partnerships like Digital Main Street to AI-powered tools integrated into Google Workspace. Zahra emphasizes the importance of simplifying operations and equipping businesses with resources to succeed: “We’re committed to helping small businesses focus on what they do best while we provide the technology that keeps them competitive.”
Through initiatives that enhance digital presence, streamline operations, and harness the power of AI, Google is truly building bridges that allow small businesses to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital economy.