Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, where Kripa Anand brings you conversations with leaders creating new pathways for talent and business growth. What if the real hiring challenge is not a lack of skilled people, but the barriers preventing businesses from seeing their potential? Today, we explore how inclusive recruitment can strengthen both organizations and communities.

Joining us is Tracy F. Barry, Founder and CEO of GROW Women Leaders™. A Workforce and Talent Strategist and social entrepreneur, Tracy has built an ecosystem supporting more than 26,000 women while connecting employers with skilled talent through competency based hiring and targeted workforce programs.

Key Highlights

1. The Opportunity Gap: Why talent shortages can also reflect barriers within hiring systems.
2. Pathways to Employment: How GROW connects recruitment, training, and workforce support.
3. Competency Based Hiring: Moving beyond traditional credentials to recognize real skills and potential.
4. Inclusive Growth: How SMEs can strengthen economic mobility through better hiring practices.
5. Removing Barriers: The key hiring areas employers should review to create fairer opportunities.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx

For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.