Summertime always seems to bring a sense of renewed hope, and here in Ontario, after a long winter, life can be felt buzzing all around us. More people are out and about, on bike rides, runs or walks, as they pass children playing in parks, dogs saying hello, or friends sitting on patios. It’s as if the world breathes more life into us during this time of year, as people yearn for some much-needed community (and a healthy dose of vitamin D). 

School’s out, the days are longer, and opportunities feel more abundant. With an increased number of people enjoying local businesses, camps, events, farmers' markets and travelling (whether you opt for a vacation or staycation), spending comes more naturally this time of year. This is why, for many businesses, summertime is their most lucrative season. However, as we move into summer here in Ontario, many Canadian business owners are navigating an environment that may feel less certain to predict than it has in quite some time. 

From interest rates and labour shortages to transportation costs and continued geopolitical tensions, the way Canadian businesses plan, hire, invest, and manage cash flow is changing. For many owners, the challenge is no longer simply growth, but rather, focusing on resilience and sustainability for their business. With the rising costs of goods and transportation, this year might look different for some, but with the right plan in place, it can still be as successful a summer season as ever. 

But before we can establish a plan that’s right for our businesses, it’s important to address concerns and answer the questions on many people’s minds. We’re seeing individuals across industries, from professional services to agriculture, quietly asking the same questions: 

How cautious should we be right now? 

How much cash should we keep available? 

How do we continue planning for the future when so much feels uncertain?

At Boakes Wealth Management, we’re here to answer any questions you may have relating to your business or personal financial goals. 

Strategic Priorities for Businesses in Summer 2026

In more stable economic periods, business owners often focus heavily on growth, expansion, and investment opportunities. But over the past several years, many Canadian businesses have learned that liquidity and flexibility matter just as much as profitability.

Rising borrowing costs and persistent inflation have made cash flow management increasingly important. For some businesses, that may mean reassessing capital expenditures, hiring plans, inventory purchases, and expansion timelines. 

The businesses that often navigate uncertainty most effectively are not necessarily the ones growing the fastest, but the ones that create enough flexibility to adapt when conditions change. This is why creating a plan now will help ensure smooth sailing (metaphorically and literally) this summer.

Geopolitical Issues and Their Effect on Canadian Businesses 

Although summer here in Ontario may bring a sense of hope for many, it isn’t the case for all, whether here in Canada or in many other places around the globe. Although we can sometimes feel disconnected from what’s happening in the world as we navigate our day-to-day operations in Canada, it’s important to recognize the impact it has on so many. 

At Boakes Wealth Management, we work closely with farmers. Many businesses across industries are continuing to feel the effects of geopolitical instability as they navigate supply chain disruptions, energy price volatility, shifting trade relationships, and rising transportation costs. 

For individuals in agriculture in particular, these pressures are especially tangible. 

One agricultural business owner recently shared that they had planned to upgrade several major pieces of equipment this year, but with rising financing costs and uncertainty around commodity pricing, they questioned whether they should pause on these purchases.

Their questions became less about growth and more about timing, asking “Do we move forward now and risk taking on higher debt costs, or wait and potentially face even higher equipment prices later?” 

At the same time, they were also trying to balance seasonal cash flow needs, family financial goals, and long-term plans for the farm. For many producers right now, strategic planning is no longer just about expansion; it’s about preserving enough flexibility to adapt as conditions continue to change. And what works for one person in a situation like this might not be doable for another, which is why getting professional help to review all aspects of a business is so important for informed decision-making. 

Questions many other farming families are asking right now include:

• How will rising fuel costs impact transportation and operating margins this season?
• How much operating debt is sustainable in a higher-rate environment?
• What does long-term succession planning look like when margins feel less predictable?

For many Canadian farmers, increased fuel and fertilizer costs are directly affecting profitability at a time when commodity prices and global markets remain difficult to forecast. Transportation expenses alone can significantly affect margins, especially for producers managing large-scale operations or shipping across longer distances. Additionally, agricultural families often face another layer of complexity: planning for the next generation while protecting the financial stability of the current one.

As someone who married into a dairy-farming family, supporting farmers and Canadian businesses is incredibly important to me. Although times may feel uncertain, my team and I are here to help. 

Many Business Owners are Re-Evaluating Risk

It’s important to remember that the best way to approach uncertainty isn’t with panic, but rather caution. As a business owner, I implore you to focus on intentionality, in terms of where you choose to allocate capital, how much debt you carry, and how aggressively you pursue expansion. In some cases, that means prioritizing stability and operational efficiency over rapid growth. 

For incorporated professionals and entrepreneurs, this may also include questions around:

• Retaining earnings within corporations
• Compensation planning
• Tax efficiency
• Investment strategy during market volatility
• Protecting personal wealth from business uncertainty

The reality is that uncertainty does not necessarily eliminate opportunity, but it does often change how opportunity is approached.

A Mid-Year Opportunity to Reassess

June and the start of summer can serve as an important checkpoint for business owners and families alike, and a great opportunity to step back and ask questions like: 

• Is the business financially positioned for the second half of the year?
• Are current spending and growth plans still realistic?
• Is there enough liquidity to navigate unexpected challenges?
• Are personal financial goals still aligned with business decisions?
• Is the current strategy creating long-term sustainability rather than just short-term momentum?

Final thoughts

Within environments like the one we’re in now, financial planning becomes less about reacting to headlines and more about building clarity and resilience to make thoughtful decisions in the face of uncertainty. 

It’s important to remember that for business owners, the state of their business directly impacts the quality of their life. For many Canadian business owners, as we stand right now, this season may bring uncertainty, but with the right plan in place, this summer can be one full of hope, joy, success, experiences, and just the right amount of vitamin D.  

Shannon

Shannon Boakes, CFP, FMA, CIWM, FCSI | Investment amp; Wealth Advisor, Financial Planner, RBC Wealth Management | RBC Dominion Securities | T. 519-758-1270 | C. 226-208-0357 | 22 Colborne Street, 2nd Floor Brantford, ON N3T 2G2 | www.boakeswealthmanagement.com 

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