Shawn Freeman, President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) in Calgary, shared his insights on the challenges Calgary’s entrepreneurs face, especially amid potential U.S. tariffs set for March 4. Freeman highlighted the resilience of local business owners, emphasizing their ability to adapt to volatility. He explained that EO members are already strategizing to mitigate the risks, such as pre-purchasing products and expediting shipments to avoid tariff impacts.
Freeman noted that the entrepreneurial community thrives on collaboration, with members supporting each other through platforms like WhatsApp groups to share strategies and ideas. He underscored the value of these peer connections, which provide business owners with vital perspectives and solutions that can help them navigate tough times. The pressure of being a business owner can be overwhelming, he said, but having a network of fellow entrepreneurs offers crucial emotional and practical support.
On the broader challenges facing entrepreneurs, Freeman discussed inflation, rising costs, and labor issues, acknowledging that running a business can be gruelling, yet rewarding for those driven by passion. He explained that perseverance and forward planning are key to success, with entrepreneurs constantly needing backup plans for unforeseen obstacles.
EO Calgary, which includes 120 members, offers entrepreneurs access to a global network of peers for learning and support. Members range from smaller businesses just hitting revenue milestones to larger companies with revenues in the hundreds of millions, creating a diverse environment for growth and mentorship. Freeman emphasized that both seasoned entrepreneurs and newcomers benefit from the group’s resources, regardless of their stage in business development.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
About Us
Canada’s Podcast is the number one podcast in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Established in 2016, the podcast network has interviewed over 600 Canadian entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast.
With hosts in each province, entrepreneurs have a local and national format to tell their stories, talk about their journey and provide inspiration for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey and well- established founders.
The commitment to a grass roots approach has built a loyal audience on all our social channels and YouTube – 500,000+ lifetime YouTube views, 200,000 + audio downloads, 35,000 + average monthly social impressions, 10,000 + engaged social followers and 35,000 newsletter subscribers. Canada’s Podcast is proud to provide a local, national and international presence for Canadian entrepreneurs to build their brand and tell their story.
