The IT Nerd

Intuit has released a new survey on how Canadians view using artificial intelligence (AI) to manage their finances. 

The survey found that when it comes to the role of human experts in financial management, most Canadians want their financial advisors to be augmented, not replaced, by generative AI (GenAI).

The data revealed:

• 69% of Canadians want future financial tools to be a hybrid of financial advisors and GenAI.
• Only 12% believe that financial advisors will be replaced by GenAI or other technology.
• Confidence among Canadians to use GenAI as a personal financial management tool would be greatly increased by on-demand access to human expertise.

Intuit’s AI platform works hand-in-hand with experts to help them better advise clients—from uncovering strategic business insights to creating time-saving efficiencies and workflows.

ABOUT THE STUDY

The study, conducted leveraging the Leger Opinion Panel on behalf of Intuit, included a 15-minute survey among 1,500 nationally representative Canadians to develop a deeper understanding of Canadians’ relationship/comfortability with using generative AI. The survey was conducted in English and French and took place online September 28–October 4, 2023. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error (95% confidence interval) of +/- 2.51%.

Today, Intuit launched the Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Index, a powerful monthly indicator of employment and hiring among small businesses in Canada to help inform policies that impact the small business economy. 

The Index’s unparalleled focus on small businesses shines a brighter light on the challenges faced by this community, which are often underrepresented in economic data. It serves as a single source of truth to facilitate productive dialogue among small business owners and policy makers to ensure the backbone of our economy continues to thrive.

The first monthly Index report provides fresh insights on Canadian small business employment, with critical insights from February outlined below: 

• Small business employment decreased by 0.17% in February: Small businesses with one to 19 employees employed 8,700 fewer people nationally compared to the previous month, which is a monthly decrease of -0.17%. Despite the drop, the Index indicates that Canadian small businesses with one to 19 employees still accounted for 5,201,500 jobs – following a relatively stable employment rate over the last six months.
• Finance and real estate experienced the largest decreases in employment: Sectors that experienced the largest decreases in employment in Canada were finance and real estate (-0.43%), construction (−0.26%) and professional services (−0.17%).
  • Alternatively, employment increased in industries including accommodation and food services (2.45%), education (1.19%) and business services (1.16%). 
• Quebec small business employment saw the most growth: The region saw a 0.91% increase in growth to 1,070,500 jobs. Ontario saw the largest decrease, with a drop of -0.29%, to 1,917,100 jobs. 

More information about small business employment, including regional and sector data can be found in the press release and blog. 

In acknowledgement of Black History Month, Intuit QuickBooks released new small business survey findings, emphasizing the persistent economic and social hurdles the Black entrepreneurial community faces. 

The survey reveals that 55% of Black business owners have been denied a business loan at least once. Despite this, and the many barriers Black business owners face, they have the courage to take risks, show up for their community, and support future generations of business owners. In fact, 70% view their success as important for the success of future generations of Black entrepreneurs.

Key themes and findings from Black business owners in Canada for 2023 include:

1. Financial struggles and disparities are barriers to success 

• 66% have had to pay expenses and/or employees with personal funds in the last two years 
• 58% needed $10,000 or more to start their businesses – compared to only 41% of non-Black business 
• 56% of Black business owners were able to pay themselves in 2022 – compared to 71% of non-Black business owners

2. Community is crucial 

• 83% have volunteered their personal time to community service in the last year 
• 70% feel a need for their business to give back to the Black community
• 49% of Black business owners agree that successful Black businesses are critical for a thriving Black community

3. Educate and inform future generations

• 75% think mentorship of the next generation of Black business owners is important for the advancement of successful Black businesses  
• 52% of Black business owners think the next generation will experience less hardships than they have

Methodology and Sample 

Intuit QuickBooks commissioned online surveys, completed in December 2022, of 1,000 (500 Black and 500 non-Black) business owner respondents in Canada (adults aged 18+). There were 432 small business owners out of 500 Black respondents and 456 small business owners out of 500 non-Black respondents. The approximate average annual revenues are $71,200 for Black business owners and $83,750 for non-Black business owners. The average number of employees per business is 36 for Black business owners and 35 for non-Black business owners. Among Black business owners, 35% have 1-10 employees. Among non-Black business owners, 41% have 1-10 employees. Percentages have been rounded to the nearest decimal place so values shown in charts and graphics may not add up to 100%. Responses were collected in online surveys using Pollfish audience pools and partner networks with double opt-ins, random device engagement sampling, and post-stratification based on local census data to ensure accurate targeting and results. Respondents received remuneration.

Generation Z, the first generation of digital natives who are more than twice as likely to compare themselves to others on social media, feel like they are falling behind their peers financially, according to a new survey by Intuit, the global financial technology platform that makes TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks and Mailchimp. 

Just as heavily doctored images of beauty on Instagram contribute to insecurities, ‘filtered finances’ are having a massive impact on 18 to 25-year-olds. Increasingly, honest conversations around formerly taboo subjects are the norm. But new data shows that Gen Z’ers would rather talk about politics, parenting struggles, sex and infertility than debt, their salaries and bad investments. In fact, despite their modern lives, they are part of the 55% of Canadians who would rather talk to their children about sex than speak to them about their own finances.

Survey data also identified a new trend: “soft saving” —the financial spinoff of the boundary-setting ‘soft life’ trend focused on comfort and minimizing stress. Currently taking over TikTok feeds, this philosophy extends to money. A stark departure from the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, hustle culture and the Girlboss ethos dominating the past decade, Gen Z is embracing “soft saving.”  Three in four Gen Z’ers say they would rather have a better quality of life than extra money in the bank. In fact, experiences matter more than money to Gen Z, as  68% say they are only interested in finances as a means to support their current interests.

Gen Z has more access to financial information than any other generation, but this doesn’t always translate into decision-making. From financial tips on TikTok to Reddit forums on investing, the survey illustrates that Gen Z is frequently paralyzed by conflicting advice and could benefit from new ways to save:

• Nearly three in four say they know how to make a budget and track their income, but haven’t done it (74%).
• Nearly three in four know it’s important to invest, but they don’t know how (73%).
• 65% say they have financial knowledge, but are unsure how to use it.
• Nearly half bought cryptocurrency even though they don’t fully understand blockchain (49%).
• Two-thirds say they’re not sure they’ll ever have enough money to retire (64%).

Additional Canadian survey findings include: 

• Quality of life is being held hostage by poor finances, especially for Gen Z, the generation that values quality of life the most. 62% of Gen Z feel like they will never have the things they want in life because of their financial situation.
• 59% of Canadians feel anxious going with friends to restaurants and bars they know they can’t afford (70% for Gen Z).
• 53% of Canadians say giving a gift for a special occasion would put a strain on their monthly finances (67% for Gen Z).
• Nearly half of Canadians (45%) say they have spent less time with friends or family due to financial constraints (56% for Gen Z).

*Statistics from 2022 Intuit survey of 1,500 Canadian consumers ages 18+. Gen Z is three times as likely to compare themselves to others on social media(30% vs. 10% Canadian general population).

Survey Methodology

The Intuit Prosperity Index Survey was conducted Dec. 2‑Dec. 9, 2022, via a 15‑minute online questionnaire. Intuit surveyed 1,500 Canadians ages 18+ plus an additional oversample of Gen Z (ages 18-25) in order to discover current attitudes around money and personal finance.

As inflation levels remain high and consumer confidence becomes more fragile, new research shows that 84% of Canadians plan to reduce their spending this year if the economy worsens, while 72% of small businesses in Canada say the 2022 holiday season is more important to their financial health than last year.

The results of Intuit QuickBooks Holiday Shopping Survey reveals holiday spending with Canadian small businesses could hit up to $10 billion if consumers shop local – leaving the fate of small businesses riding in the hands of Canadians shopping from local businesses.

What consumers are wishing for this year: 

• More than seven out of 10 consumers want small businesses to make it easy for them to buy online this holiday season. They will spend more money at small businesses with guaranteed deliveries and returns, quick and easy checkouts, and price-match guarantees.
• 52% of consumers say they will spend even more money at small businesses in-person that offer holiday promotions and discounts. 
• 36% of consumers are purchasing products from small businesses through social media marketplaces.

To help Canadian small businesses succeed during the most important sales season, Intuit QuickBooks has created a gift guide featuring Canadian small businesses from coast-to-coast that consumers can support. 

In addition, with small businesses relying on the holiday season to produce up to 65% of their annual revenue, Intuit QuickBooks has curated resources and tips in The QuickBooks Holiday Hub to help small businesses unwrap success this year.

Intuit announced today the launch of its third annual Intuit Prosperity Accelerator in collaboration with Highline Beta, a globally recognized accelerator builder-operator and venture capital firm focused on corporate innovation.

The Intuit Prosperity Accelerator: Toronto, powered by Highline Beta, is an equity-free, challenge-based program focused on advancing financial prosperity. The four-month program is designed to accelerate the growth, impact, and fundability of high-potential Greater Toronto Area (GTA) tech startups whose mission is to improve the financial prosperity of Canadian consumers and small businesses. Selected startups will have access to a corporate and investor mentorship network, dedicated coaching, and the opportunity for follow-on investment from Highline Beta.

Today’s tech startups are facing uncertainty due to the possibility of a recession, high inflation, and an ongoing labour shortage. Further, startup funding in Canada for financial technology companies in the second quarter of 2022 saw a dramatic 70% drop compared to the previous year, highlighting the need for startup accelerator programs such as the Intuit Prosperity Accelerator.

Over the past two years, Intuit has worked with 15 startup participants in its Prosperity Accelerator program to help overcome such challenges by running design experiments, validating use cases, and helping position them to raise over $24 million CAD.

Toronto is now accepting applications until January 13, 2023. Six to eight startups will be selected, with the program kicking off in February 2023. Startups wishing to join must have a solution in market that fits into at least one of the program’s challenge areas:

Help consumers with:

• Rising mortgage and rent costs
• Managing savings and investments
• Empowering income stability and mitigating debt

Help small businesses and self-employed individuals with:

• Juggling the management of multiple businesses
• Rising cost of goods sold
• Attracting and retaining labour

For more information on eligibility requirements and to apply, visit: https://www.intuit.com/ca/prosperity-accelerator.

About the Program:

The Intuit Prosperity Accelerator: Toronto powered by Highline Beta is an equity-free challenged-based program focused on advancing financial prosperity. Selected startups will come from Toronto’s burgeoning tech ecosystem and have access to a corporate and investor mentorship network, dedicated coaching, and the opportunity for follow-on investment from Highline Beta. It will also provide exclusive access to experts, business mentors, and a vibrant alumni startup community. New this year, applicants will benefit from regular virtual and in-person programming.

The Intuit Prosperity Accelerator is now accepting applications until January 13, 2023. Six to eight startups will be selected, with the program kicking off in February 2023. Applicants must be from high-potential seed-stage tech startups located in the Greater Toronto Area who have technology-driven solutions with products in market. Applications from pre-seed or later-stage companies will also be considered based on alignment with program challenges.

Intuit the global financial technology platform behind TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, today announced the official opening of its new Canadian headquarters in Toronto’s downtown core. Located in ‘The Well’ at Front Street West and Spadina Avenue, the new space is Intuit’s first global site that has implemented the company’s workplace of the future design.

The modern, 116,000 square foot office was designed to optimize Intuit’s hybrid and diverse culture, while creating the ideal environment to co-create, make connections, and innovate. Design highlights include:

• Blended neighbourhoods: A continuum of options ranging from quiet areas to active areas and open collaboration spaces.
• Project rooms: Flexible spaces designed for teams that need both individual desks and collaborative furniture settings for longer term projects.
• Library: Quiet zones that allow employees to focus without noise or distraction.
• Prayer/meditation rooms: Private space for our staff to focus on their mental health and spiritual needs.
• Social hubs: Spaces designed for social connections and wellness, such as an outdoor terrace, coffee stations, reflection areas, and an exercise area.

Toronto’s rapid growth as a key technology hub has made the city an attractive home base for innovators globally. In a recent global report, Toronto was ranked the third-largest tech hub in North America due to its depth of diverse talent.

For more information on joining Intuit, visit https://www.intuit.com/ca/careers/ to explore the opportunities across their platform.

As we move forward into 2022, recent headlines have highlighted the rapid growth and hiring sprees of technology companies around the globe. This rapid growth has also brought to light the vast under-representation of women in this male-dominated industry. Today is February 11, also known as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which strives to highlight and educate people about the importance of women in science, not only as beneficiaries but also as change agents. 

1. Uplift and Inspire Fresh Talent

To achieve gender equality, a growing movement has encouraged girls and women to pursue education and careers in STEM. Some large tech companies, such as Intuit, have taken additional measures to ensure women and girls feel empowered to succeed. Intuit Rise helps foster the passion that drives young girls and women to be change makers in society through education sponsorship. 

2. Create support networks

Mentoring is one of the most important confidence builders that can be found day to day on the job or in school. The value of mentorship is irreplaceable. Finding a mentor early on can do wonders for building confidence and translating it into career satisfaction. 

3. Encourage inclusivity and diversity at all levels

Representation is a key step in creating an inclusive and equitable environment where all employees can do the best work of their lives. Today’s companies are well aware that women in positions of power can lead to more innovation and better outcomes. It’s important to be intentional about building initiatives and company policies built with women in mind. Over the past few years, we have seen women in technical roles increase at Intuit. In the past fiscal year, Intuit met their goal inrepresentation of women in technology, reaching 30% of our technology organization but we want to do more both within our company and beyond. 

4. Big Tech should take notes

Let’s encourage more technology companies to take the reins, and help guide their organisations to be more inclusive, supportive, and ultimately, successful. The benefits of these female-forward initiatives extend well beyond employees themselves, with diverse companies being 45% more likely to improve their market share, and 70% more likely to capture a new market.

Whether it’s donating to organizations, promoting young women in STEM, volunteering to mentor, or developing company policies that push for more diversity and inclusivity, there’s plenty we can do to continue advancing such efforts to shape the future for many girls and women.

Canadian small businesses need our help this holiday season, but some shoppers don’t know where to start.

To make it easier for Canadians to support small businesses during this busy time, Intuit QuickBooks Canada has curated a selection of local gifts in its Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide. 

From plant-based candles and vegan body products to delicious gift boxes and high-quality socks, there’s something special for all the friends and family on your ‘nice list’. And hopefully that can help you to better support small businesses during the holiday season.

Canadian small businesses have learned many lessons throughout the pandemic. They’ve faced a myriad of challenges, and getting people to pay up has been especially difficult. 3 in 5 Canadian small businesses are experiencing up to $50,000 in late payments today causing many to cut back on resources and supplies — or worse — lay off employees.

In support of Small Business Month, Intuit QuickBooks Canada today released the results of a recent pulse-check survey, capturing key findings from 583 small business owners across the product and service industries in Canada to understand the top lessons learned to better understand how they have pivoted, optimized and overcame challenges over the past year and a half.

Survey findings on Canadian small business owners include: 

Identifying COVID-19 Challenges:

• Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) Canadian small businesses decreased their revenue by more than 20% during the pandemic.
• Over half (61%) of Canadian small businesses are experiencing up to $50,000 in outstanding payments today 
  • Late payments have a domino effect on small businesses: Nearly 2 in 5 (37%) Canadian small business owners have had to scale back on resources and supplies because of late payments.
  • 1 in 5 (20%) of Canadian small business owners have had to lay off employees because of late payments.

Identifying COVID-19 Lessons:

• Small businesses have noted the top lessons learned include building an emergency cash fund (28%), creating a flexible work environment for employees (16%). 
• Only 26% of small businesses across Canada identified that transitioning their business onlineduring the pandemic was a primary focus. 
• Over 1 in 4 (27%) Canadian small business owners say technology that automates customer reminders, as well as technology that enables payment directly through their digital invoice, would make collecting payments easier and faster.

It’s been challenging to make and receive payments of any kind throughout the pandemic. But the domino effect on SMBs puts their ability to operate and provide jobs at risk. Entrepreneurs need intuitive tools to help them get paid more quickly and easily. Intuit QuickBooks helps small businesses get invoices paid the easily with online payments, real-time tracking, and paper-free from start to finish.

SMBs need you: The pandemic is not over as small businesses continue to recover, and SMBs are looking to consumers for help. Nearly half (46%) of SMBs say the top ways to show your support as a customer is by shopping online and sharing and reposting business information on personal social media platforms using the hashtag #SmallBizLessons.

About the Survey:

The study, conducted leveraging Pollfish on behalf of Intuit QuickBooks Canada, was completed by 583 Canadians. All 583 Canadians identified as small business owners. Of the total, 262 identified as having 1-15 employees and 321 identified as the sole proprietor. The estimated margin of error for the total sample is +/- 5 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. The study took place online on September 22, 2021.