Canadian Entrepreneurship Declines as Businesses Fall Behind on Payments

Equifax Canada data for Q1 2026 shows a sharp drop in entrepreneurship, with active young businesses (24 months and younger) decreasing 38.7 percent. The Small Business Health Index rose to 100.9, a 2.3 percent quarterly increase, supported by a 6.5 percent jump in economic sentiment. More companies fell behind on payments to banks and lenders.