Our Founder of Accounting by Sal, Sal Rezai, recently participated in the CanadianSME Small Business Summit 2025, hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event’s theme – “AI-Driven Innovation: Empowering Canadian SMEs” – could not have been more timely for today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
As both a speaker and exhibitor, Sal spent the day surrounded by entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders who were all exploring a shared question:
How can AI help small businesses become stronger, smarter, and more human?
This may seem like an unorthodox approach to running your business in today’s ever-changing landscape, but this is exactly why Sal felt compelled to be part of this initiative.
AI for Every Human | Simple, Intuitive Tools That Empower
Sal joined the panel discussion surrounding the topic “AI for Every Human: Simple, Intuitive Tools That Empower,” alongside senior leaders from Visa, Dell, ASUS, CDW, and PRAKTIKAI. The panel was moderated by Kristin Wozniak, Chief Data + Growth Officer at Labelium Americas.
The group of panellists shared a unified belief: AI should EMPOWER, not OVERWHELM, small business owners.
Together, they shared their unique perspectives that catered to each of their own industries, and emphasized why and how technology only becomes truly valuable when it feels accessible and aligned with real human needs and requirements.
Throughout the conversation, one consistent message resurfaced: the future is not AI versus humans, but AI working alongside humans as a technical tool or assistant to support creativity, productivity, and decision-making, rather than replace human intelligence.
Demystifying AI Tools | Guidance for Small Business Owners
Many small business owners still view AI as something complicated, costly, or intimidating. Something that may replace them and make their specialty obsolete. But during the discussion, Sal highlighted the practical, human-centred way AI has been introduced within Accounting by Sal.
AI-driven tools have slowly been integrated into our bookkeeping processes – not to replace our “human” expertise, but to enhance accuracy, reduce repetitive work, and provide clients with clearer financial insights. Automations now help catch discrepancies faster and simplify day-to-day bookkeeping tasks better than ever before.
However, the real transformation occurs when small business owners learn to utilize these tools themselves.
At Accounting by Sal, our team acts as mentors and guides, helping entrepreneurs understand not just the financial management software but the systems behind it.
The goal remains the same: to empower business owners through clarity and education.
When technology feels approachable, business owners begin to trust it – and themselves – more deeply, resulting in confidence not only in themselves but also in their financial literacy and management skills.
Human-Centred Innovation | With A Little Help
A key theme from the panel at the CanadianSME Small Business Summit 2025, was designing AI that supports – rather than replaces – human creativity and decision-making. The best AI tools free up time, enhance insights, and strengthen forecasting, ultimately allowing small business owners to focus on what matters most: connection, creativity, and legacy.
In Sal’s work, this balance is seen every day! When business owners stop fearing technology and start understanding it at a deeper level and utilize it to fit their needs, they gain confidence – not just in their systems, but in themselves as leaders in their industry. This simple yet impactful shift in mindset is often the spark that transforms the way they operate and boosts their confidence in themselves.
The Impact of Education | World-Class Mentorship
Education and empowerment have always been the heartbeat of Accounting by Sal. Through our Bookkeeping Academy courses, entrepreneurs are expertly guided as they learn how to simplify their finances and build sustainable business systems. That same philosophy shaped Sal’s own perspective on AI and its place in the world of business owners – it isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning, mentorship, and continuous growth. In Sal’s experience: knowledge = confidence.
Supporting small businesses in adopting AI tools requires not just technology, but human connection and guidance. Empowerment comes from understanding, not from doing everything flawlessly on day one.
We all have to start somewhere.
Beyond the Panel | An Insightful Experience
Beyond the intriguing discussion on stage with experts across the industry, Sal also hosted an exhibitor booth at the Summit – a true highlight of the event. Throughout the day, she connected with entrepreneurs from all across Canada, each with their own unique ambitions, challenges, and stories. Conversations ranged from struggles with bookkeeping to long-term business desires, and many attendees walked away feeling lighter, seen, and supported.
A particularly meaningful moment came from having her two daughters, ages 10 and 13, present at the booth. Watching them learn and interact with entrepreneurs and witnessing one of Canada’s most vibrant business communities firsthand was a proud milestone. Their curiosity served as a reminder of why this work matters: to build not only businesses, but legacies of knowledge, leadership, and confidence for the next generation.
A Moment of Gratitude | Celebrating The Wins
Sal expressed deep gratitude to the CanadianSME team for creating an inspiring and inclusive space that spotlighted the voices and innovations of Canadian small businesses. The Summit reaffirmed a long-held belief at Accounting by Sal: when innovation meets intention and education, extraordinary things become possible.
AI is reshaping the landscape of small business – not by replacing human connection or ability, but by expanding and strengthening it.
The future of Canadian entrepreneurship is collaborative, informed, and deeply human – and that kind of expansion is possible when we have the right tools and knowledge at our disposal.
Take the Next Step | Accounting By Sal Has Your Back
Small business owners who are ready to embrace leading-edge technology – while keeping the human touch and focus at the heart of their business – can find the support they need with Accounting by Sal.
From AI-powered bookkeeping solutions to hands-on training, mentorship, and financial guidance, Sal and her team at Accounting By Sal help entrepreneurs simplify their systems, gain clarity, and grow with confidence – all in a supportive and approachable way.
Connect with us at Accounting by Sal today to learn how intentional technology, paired with expert guidance, can elevate your financial clarity and literacy and empower your business management for the future.
