RBC poll finds Canadian entrepreneurship aspirations hit eight-year high, but official numbers lagging

But while the RBC poll highlights a growth in entrepreneurial aspirations, official labour force data shows only a fraction are currently self-employed.

According to Statistics Canada, as of March 2025, about 2.7 million Canadians were self-employed, representing 13.1% of all employed workers. This is slightly below the pre-pandemic average of 14.9%.

And among those who are self-employed, roughly 1.9 million are “own-account” workers — entrepreneurs running businesses without employees — which equals about 9.4% of the workforce.

Ontario leads in entrepreneurial ambition

“Small business owners have faced many hurdles in recent years – from the pandemic to supply chain disruptions and now shifting tariffs,” Karen Svendsen, RBC Senior Director Small Business and Partnerships, said in a statement. “They continue to pivot, adapt, and find new ways to serve Canadians in meaningful ways.”

Despite those various challenges, the appetite for small business remains high across the country. The RBC poll found:

• Ontario: 68% of residents aspire to own a business, the highest in Canada
• Atlantic Canada: 62% report entrepreneurial ambition
• Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba: 60% in each province are driven to chart their own professional path forward
• Quebec: 45%, the lowest level among provinces

This geographic split highlights regional differences in both optimism and perceived opportunity. Ontario’s strong showing aligns with broader trends in business formation, while Quebec’s lower numbers reflect a more cautious outlook.

Entrepreneurs adapt to stay competitive

Among current business owners, adaptability has become a defining trait. According to the survey, 61% adjusted their business strategy in the past year, and 51% made significant changes to their business model. Nearly half (46%) said today’s economy demands greater proactivity, while 43% see risk-taking as essential to long-term success.