On Saturday, October 20th, all Canadians are invited to visit a local business to celebrate the many ways small businesses contribute to their communities.
For the sixth year in a row, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is partnering with Interac to promote Small Business Saturday, a day that honours the contribution of the men and women who took a significant risk and became entrepreneurs.
“Starting a small business is a big decision,” said CFIB President Dan Kelly. “It means taking a leap of faith without knowing what lies ahead. Over a million Canadians have taken the plunge, and Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate them.
“Our local business owners work hard to offer high-quality products and services, support initiatives in their communities, bring life to our neighbourhoods and create jobs. We need to recognize the work they do, which is why we encourage consumers to shop at their local independent businesses on Small Business Saturday and share their experience on social media using the hashtag #SmallBizSaturday.”
To help Canadians support unique, locally-owned businesses, CFIB and Interac created ShopSmallBiz.ca – Canada’s only directory exclusively dedicated to small firms. Small business owners can register for free, joining the more 14,000 businesses that have already posted a listing.
The big impact of small businesses on the Canadian economy
Small Business Saturday also highlights the fundamental role that small business owners play in growing and strengthening the Canadian economy. More than 95 per cent of Canadian businesses have fewer than 20 employees. They employ nearly 60 per cent of the private sector labour force and create the bulk of new jobs.
“Running a small business has allowed me to follow my passion and contribute to the community in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” said Alex Mclean, co-founder of Alvéole, an urban bee-keeping company operating in Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City.
“I’m proud to take part in Small Business Saturday this year and to celebrate the hard work of all small business owners, who really are the backbone of our economy.”
