Best Canadian Software and Digital Tools (Made in Canada)

Olivier Rousseau
3 February 2025 2 min read

As a small business owner in Canada, you know how important it is to choose the right technology tools for your needs. Unfortunately, Canadian Software are often less well known than American software.

In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of choosing Canadian software, and introduce you to several digital tools from Canada.

Whether you’re looking for project management software, a CRM, an accounting tool or an online registration platform, there’s no shortage of Canadian-based options.

By choosing a Canadian tool, you’re doing much more than improving your productivity: you’re actively participating in the vitality of the Canadian economy.

Disclaimer: Activity Messenger is a Canadian software built to meet the needs of entrepreneurs like our co-founder Olivier, who had to juggle several American tools such as Mailchimp, SurveyMonkey, Jotfrom and Eventbrite to manage his small business for over a decade. Today, Olivier shares tips for managing digital tools that he’s learned over the past ten years as the owner of an SME in Canada.

List of popular Canadian software

Here’s a list of digital solutions from Canada.

1. Online survey

  • Activity Messenger: Activity Messenger is a versatile platform for creating personalized surveys and sending them by e-mail or SMS. Activity Messenger is useful for companies wishing to centralize the management of their communications while collecting data through surveys on their services or events.
  • SimpleSurvey: Quebec-based solution designed specifically for online surveys. SimpleSondage stands out for its ease of use, while offering robust features for analyzing responses and generating reports.

SimpleSurvey Alternative in Canada

2. Email Marketing

  • Cyberimpact: An email marketing tool distinguished by its compliance with Canada’s anti-spam laws (CASL). It offers simple tools for creating marketing campaigns, and is ideal for Canadian SMEs looking to automate their email without having to worry about complex regulations.

Cyberimpact

  • Activity Messenger: Activity Messenger goes beyond email marketing by offering an all-in-one solution that includes email, SMS and online forms. Activity Messenger stands out for its flexibility and integration with Canva.
  • Envoke: A privacy-focused email marketing platform designed for organizations that prioritize data security and compliance. Envoke is particularly suited for businesses and nonprofits that need advanced consent management features, ensuring compliance with CASL and other data protection regulations.

3. Accounting

  • Acomba: One of the most popular accounting software tools in Canada. Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, it offers features for managing invoices, payroll and finances. It offers functionalities for managing invoices, payroll and finances.
  • Sage 50: Financial and accounting management software for small and medium-sized businesses, Sage 50 provides complete financial, reporting and payment management.

Sage 50 Canada

  • Aleop: Quebec-based solution that simplifies accounting and financial management for SMEs. Aleop offers a simple interface for tracking revenues, expenses and invoices.

4. Online ticket sales

  • Ticketpro: Ticketpro is a Canadian event ticketing platform that serves a wide range of events, from concerts and theater performances to sports and festivals. It offers robust ticketing solutions, including assigned seating, access control, and promotional tools to help event organizers maximize attendance.

Ticketpro Alternatives

  • Tixigo: Tixigo is a Canadian ticketing solution designed for event organizers who need flexible and user-friendly tools. It allows for online ticket sales, group bookings, and dynamic pricing while integrating with various payment processors to streamline the purchasing experience.
  • Activity Messenger: Activity Messenger not only manages event ticketing but also automates communications before, during, and after the event. It enables organizers to send SMS and email reminders, track attendance via QR codes, and automate post-event surveys for valuable feedback.

5. CRM Tools

  • 1CRM: 1CRM is a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to help businesses manage client interactions, sales tracking, and task management. It provides an all-in-one solution with insights into business performance, ensuring streamlined operations and improved customer relationships.
  • Kiwili: Kiwili offers an integrated CRM module that allows businesses to manage customer relationships, track sales follow-ups, and organize tasks while providing an overall view of company performance.

kiwili crm in canada

6. Online registration

  • Amilia: Amilia is a Quebec-based platform that simplifies online registration management for sports activities. It offers payment options, attendance tracking, and the ability to manage monthly memberships.
  • Activity Messenger: Activity Messenger provides online registration features, allowing organizations to customize forms, send SMS reminders, and manage payments. It is particularly well-suited for recreation organizations and sports clubs.

Online registration software in Canada

  • Uplifter: Uplifter is a Canadian platform designed to streamline registration and membership management for sports clubs, recreation centers, and camps. It enables organizations to create events, track attendance, manage payments, and offer flexible membership options.

7. SMS Platform

  • Activity Messenger: Activity Messenger offers mass SMS messaging for reminders, communications and event management. It also integrates subscription management and SMS surveys.
  • Raange: SMS marketing solution designed for companies wishing to engage their customers through effective, targeted SMS campaigns. Raange is particularly popular in Quebec for promotional and customer engagement communications.

Raange alternative Canada

8. HR Management

  • Folks RH: Folks RH is a Canadian-based platform dedicated to the complete management of human resources, from hiring to performance evaluation. It offers tools for talent management, scheduling, training follow-up and performance evaluation.
  • Altee: Altee is an innovative Canadian-based solution that facilitates human resources management, particularly for SMEs. The platform covers the management of schedules, absences, payroll and employee performance appraisals.

Altee Software

9. Online Donations

  • Zeffy: Zeffy is a Quebec-based platform designed specifically for non-profit organizations (NPOs) looking to collect online donations without any fees. Unlike most donation platforms, Zeffy does not take a commission on transactions, allowing NPOs to maximize their contributions.
  • MakeaChamp: MakeaChamp is a crowdfunding platform designed for athletes and sports clubs. It enables athletes to create fundraising campaigns and collect funds to support competitions, training, or sporting events.

Make a Champ

  • CanadaHelps: CanadaHelps is a national online fundraising platform that allows charities across Canada to collect donations easily and securely. It provides tools for managing fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and tax receipt issuance.

10. Employee Management

  • Agendrix: Agendrix is a platform for managing work schedules, absences, and leave requests. Accessible via a mobile app, it allows employees to check their schedules anytime.

Agendrix

  • Evolia: Evolia is a Quebec-based platform specializing in employee scheduling management. It stands out with its automation features, enabling managers to create and adjust schedules based on employee availability and operational needs.
  • Push Operations: Push Operations is a Canadian staff management software designed for businesses that need efficient payroll, scheduling, and HR management solutions. It offers features like automated payroll processing, employee time tracking, and compliance tools, making it a great fit for service-based industries.

11. Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Management

  • Yapla: Yapla is an all-in-one Quebec-based solution designed for NPOs. It helps manage memberships, donations, events, and fundraising campaigns. It automates administrative tasks and provides tools for creating web pages for campaigns.
  • Activity Messenger: Ideal for NPOs looking to manage registrations, payments, and communications via email and SMS. Activity Messenger also allows organizations to create forms for their members and conduct online surveys.
  • Membee: Membee is a Canadian membership management software designed for non-profits, associations, and clubs. It automates member sign-ups, renewals, payments, and communications, making it easier for NPOs to manage their communities efficiently.

Membee Alternative

1. Canadian customer service

One of the key advantages of using a Canadian-based software solution is access to local Canadian support. Having direct communication with support and customer success teams is crucial when issues arise or when assistance is needed to navigate specific features.

A locally operated software company ensures that its support teams understand the unique challenges faced by Canadian-based small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and are familiar with Canadian Privacy laws and regulations.

They operate in the same time zone, making it easier to receive timely assistance. Additionally, response times are often faster, as there is no need to coordinate with overseas teams working in different time zones.

Quebec SMEs spend millions every month using American digital platforms. Activity Messenger’s mission is to bring a portion of this spending (and employment) back to Quebec.

2. Data Storage in Canada

Managing and securing your data is a top priority for any business, and the location of the servers on which it is stored is paramount. Choosing Canadian software means that your data is stored locally, which offers a number of legal and security advantages.

Canadian legislation, in particular the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Bill 25 in Quebec, imposes strict rules on data management.

By using a Canada-based solution, you can be confident that your information complies with these regulations, reducing the risk of data exposure or breach.

You can also rest assured that your data is not sent or stored overseas.

3. Bilingual software

Software designed specifically for the Canadian market is not only available in French, but is also designed to be fully bilingual.

This means you can easily switch between French and English as needed. If you have French-speaking employees or serve customers in Quebec, you can manage all your operations without having to juggle between different solutions or manually adjust settings. This ensures greater consistency in your communications and use of online tools.

4. Support local economy

Choosing Canadian software also means choosing the local economy. Buying local doesn’t just mean buying physical products, it also includes digital services such as software and applications.

By choosing a solution developed by a Canadian company, you’re directly helping to create jobs and keep techn expertise in the country.

You are also helping to retain local talent and strengthen Canada’s technology ecosystem. This local investment not only ensures continued innovation, but also supports Canadian companies and prevents tech dollars from being sent to American giants like Mailchimp, SurveyMonkey, Jotform, Eventbrite, etc.

Conclusion

Choosing Canadian software for your business is a logical and strategic decision. Between the guarantee of French-language support, the secure storage of your data in Canada, bilingual software perfectly adapted to your market, and the positive impact on the local economy, the benefits are numerous.

By choosing a solution developed in Canada, you’re doing more than just adopting a simple tool: you’re investing in a solution designed to understand and support your business reality.

FAQ

Why Choose a Canadian Software Solution for My SMB?

Opting for a Canadian software solution ensures access to local customer support that understands the needs of businesses in Canada. It also helps keep your data stored within the country and supports the local economy.

What Are the Advantages of Local Canadian Customer Support?

A local support team ensures clear communication and a better understanding of your business challenges. Operating within the same time zone, Canadian-based customer service teams can respond more quickly compared to international providers.

Where Is My Data Stored with a Canadian Software Provider?

Data is stored in Canada, ensuring compliance with national regulations, including privacy laws such as Law 25. This reduces exposure risks and guarantees the security of your company’s information.

Are Canadian Software Solutions Available in Multiple Languages?

Yes, Canadian software solutions are designed to support both English and French, making them accessible for employees and clients across the country.

Why Is It Important to Support the Local Economy by Choosing Canadian Software?

By choosing a Canadian software provider, you contribute to job creation and support technological innovation within the country. This helps strengthen Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and preserve local expertise.

What Are Some Popular Canadian Software Solutions?

Solutions such as Activity Messenger for online registrations, Kiwili for CRM, and Altee for HR management are examples of well-known Canadian software options.

How Can a Canadian Software Solution Simplify Compliance with Local Laws?

Canadian software providers design their solutions with national and provincial regulations in mind, including privacy laws like Law 25. They integrate data security features that align with Canadian legal standards.

Are Canadian Software Solutions Suitable for SMBs in Different Industries?

Yes, Canadian software providers offer a variety of solutions tailored to different industries. They are designed to meet the specific needs of local SMBs, regardless of their sector.

Can a Canadian Software Solution Be Customized to My Business Needs?

Canadian software companies are generally flexible and open to customization. This allows businesses to tailor the software to their specific operations, ensuring a personalized solution.

Is a Canadian Software Solution Compatible with International Tools?

Yes, most Canadian software solutions integrate seamlessly with popular international platforms such as Stripe and Canva. This enables businesses to continue using their preferred tools while benefiting from local, responsive support.

Written by Olivier Rousseau Olivier is a kids sports programs owner who has been operating for over a decade with locations in Montreal, Quebec city & Ottawa. He also helps Gymnastics Club, Swim Schools and Dance Studios streamline their operations. He is the co-founder of Activity Messenger an online registration platform for the sports & leisure industry.

Manage your small business with Activity Messenger

Subscribe for exclusive content

Receive News and Updates about our product

© Activity Messenger

info@activitymessenger.com

Features

Pricing

About

Jobs

Contact

Blog

Documentation

Terms

Privacy

Security