Small Business Saturday this weekend celebrating ‘heart of Canadian communities’

Canadian small businesses are crucial to Canada’s economic success.

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL Small Business Expo brought small Comox Valley businesses together recently at the Native Sons Hall. Small businesses unite again this weekend for Canada's Small Business Saturday.

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL Small Business Expo brought small Comox Valley businesses together recently at the Native Sons Hall. Small businesses unite again this weekend for Canada's Small Business Saturday.

Canadian small businesses are crucial to Canada’s economic success.

They are responsible for creating millions of jobs across the country. Small business entrepreneurs are powering our economy through innovation, job creation and new, exciting ideas.

Canada would not be the same without our small business owners. Our economic success depends on them:

• Small businesses are responsible for 42% of Canada’s private sector GDP;

• Approximately 5 million Canadians are employed by small businesses, which is 48% of Canada’s private sector labour force; and

• Between 2001-2010, over 47% of new jobs were created by small businesses in Canada.

Small businesses are the heart of Canadian communities. They create vibrant cities, beautiful storefronts and promote a family-friendly living environment.

Shopping at a small business is a special experience – you cannot get it at a big-box store. Many products are unique and impossible to find anywhere else.

Small business owners are reputable and know their products intimately. They are often family-run, handed down from generation to generation.

When you buy from a small business, you support local families and local jobs. Small businesses matter to our economy, to our communities, and to our friends and neighbours.

Oct. 20 is Canada’s Small Business Saturday. It’s where we thank small businesses for all their work. Join thousands of Canadians who are committing to shop small and keeping our communities vibrant and strong.

Because if we all shop small, it can make a big difference.

Why should small businesspeople join Small Business Saturday?

When you participate in Canada’s Small Business Saturday, you are joining thousands of Canadians all across the country who are standing up and supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Increase awareness of your small business

Canada’s Small Business Saturday will help build awareness about your store or service. Each business will be published on the website. Consumers will be able to search for small businesses in their area.

Be part of the small business community

Canada’s Small Business Saturday is more than just a one-day event — it brings together small businesses all across Canada to celebrate their role in their communities. Local entrepreneurs will realize they aren’t alone and can lean on others for support. Increased awareness will create a larger community and stronger ties between small businesses all across Canada.

For more, visit shopsmallbiz.ca.

Comox Valley Record