How to deal with loneliness as an entrepreneur

Discover strategies to build a stronger network and overcome challenges

5-minute read

Published November 12, 2026

Behind the image of the invincible entrepreneur, there’s often a reality filled with doubt, challenges and isolation.

Loneliness is a source of stress for 1 in 4 small business owners, according to several editions of the BDC mental health survey.

“Business owners have a lot on their plates: sales, finances, hiring, marketing, operations, pricing… Without a support network, the situation can quickly become overwhelming,” says Sylvie Gasana, Regional Director at Evol, an organization that provides guided financing and personalized consulting services to 400 businesses with diverse, inclusive ownership across Quebec.

Running a business can be lonely

Loneliness often stems from the very nature of entrepreneurship. When you start and run a business, you may feel like no one around you understands what you’re going through. You may hesitate to talk about financial or operational difficulties because you don’t want to worry the people around you.

Often, business owners don’t want to unsettle their teams at work. Nor do they want to bring business problems home and worry their families. The result? They carry the burden alone, in silence.

Certain groups are even more vulnerable, particularly self-employed entrepreneurs and newcomers to Canada. They may experience loneliness and fear of failure more intensely.

On the other hand, just because a business has dozens or hundreds of employees doesn’t mean its owners don’t experience profound loneliness. “The pressure is immense. Business owners feel responsible for their employees and their livelihoods,” says Véronique Dargis, Evol’s Director of Business Outreach.

Often, a simple “How are you?” is all it takes to start a conversation that can break through that sense of isolation. “It’s rare for me to hear, ‘I feel lonely.’ What I hear most often is, ‘I’m at my wit’s end’ or ‘I have a problem and I don’t know what to do or who to turn to,’” says Gasana.

I often tell business owners: You don’t have to wear all the hats, but you need to know who to ask for help when you’re facing a challenge.

In situations like these, advice and support can be just as important as financing, if not more so. That’s also why Evol launched its “Advisory Brigade, a community of experts who offer free advice to businesses funded by Evol.”

“The brigade includes 80 specialists who can help with a wide range of business challenges, from understanding financial statements and optimizing processes to drafting contracts and implementing an equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI) policy,” explains Dargis. “The goal is to support business owners with different aspects of running their company throughout the term of the loan,” she says.

4 strategies to feel less isolated

1. Find a go-to person in your network

This could be your point of contact at the bank, in accounting, or in consulting services: a trusted person who knows your business, has a strong network and believes in your potential. This is who you turn to when you need advice or introductions.

When she approves a loan for a business owner, Sylvie Gasana becomes that person’s point of contact within Evol for the duration of the loan. “I’m a key contact for many of our clients. I have a portfolio of about 50 businesses that I can connect with experts in our Advisory Brigade or with other resources,” she explains.

2. Join a peer group

Check with your local chamber of commerce or an industry association to find a group of business owners who share your interests and face similar challenges. You can also connect with other business owners in LinkedIn groups.

Talking to your peers is good for your mental health. You can learn from how others do things, exchange ideas and find new ways forward. It’s incredibly valuable.

“Above all, these exchanges help you realize that you’re not alone in what you’re going through—whether it’s cash flow, contracts, pressure, or uncertainty,” says Evol’s Regional Director.

3. Find a mentor

Think of someone in your circle whose journey inspires you. Briefly explain why you’d like to learn from them and ask if they’d be willing to guide you through a mentoring relationship. Then, work together to set up a schedule for weekly or monthly check-ins. Built on trust and open conversation, mentoring can give you an outside perspective on your challenges, emotional support and sometimes even new business connections.

According to a recent BDC study, the percentage of small business owners with mentors rose from 42% in 2025 to 58% in 2026, suggesting a positive trend toward networking and mentorship.

4. Attend events

Consider attending local networking events, conferences, or trade shows specific to your industry. Meet people who share your interests, listen carefully, and try to build genuine connections.

3 steps you can take now to feel less isolated

1. Talk about it

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you’re feeling lonely or isolated. “Most problems have solutions,” says Gasana.

2. Build your network

Set aside a few hours each week for meetings, networking, or sharing ideas.

“Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs. Having a network helps you get through it more easily. That network will evolve along with your business,” says Gasana.

3. Be proactive

Keep an eye on local news, newsletters, and announcements: there are many business groups and initiatives that can help you feel less isolated, but you need to take the initiative to find and connect with them.

Like everyone else, small business owners experience successes, but also challenges, distress, and, at times, burnout and isolation. No one should have to go through this alone.

Finding support

BDC partners with national and regional organizations that share our commitment to entrepreneurs’ success, providing business owners with a strong support network and access to resources.

Canada-wide organizations, such as Futurpreneur, EDC, FCC, and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), offer entrepreneurs financing, advice, expertise, and knowledge.

Business owners from underrepresented groups can also turn to Evol, the Quebec Business Women’s Network (RFAQ) (only available in French), the National Association of Indigenous Financing Corporations (ANSAF), Groupe 3737, or the African Canadian Economic Federation (FACE), among others.

You can view the complete list of BDC partners here.

By sharing research findings, raising public awareness and providing access to support, BDC aims to help every business owner succeed and thrive. If you’re looking for information or help with your mental health and well-being, explore the information and resources available to you.

Next steps

Ready to strengthen your network? Learn practical strategies for making meaningful connections and getting more from your networking efforts in 6 Strategies to Improve Your Business Networking Skills.