Five ways to support small businesses

​​This week is Small Business Week ( October 15 - 21, 2023 )

According to the Government of British Columbia, there are over 500,000 small businesses, constituting 98% of the total businesses in the province, meaning roughly one in 10 British Columbians are small business owners or entrepreneurs. In 2022, small businesses contributed 34% to B.C.’s GDP, the highest in Canada.

We've noticed that the past few years have been challenging for small business owners, not only due to global inflation but also because of rising interest rates and other factors.

So, how can we support these entrepreneurs, store owners, and restaurants through our small actions?

Here are five ways to support small businesses in the service industry:

1. Shop Local:
Explore small businesses in your community, including restaurants, coffee shops, dessert shops, and grocery stores. You might discover some surprising treasures during your unexpected shopping experiences.

Credit: Pexels

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​2. Word of Mouth:
Share your shopping experiences with your family and friends through messages or social media. Don't forget to tag the store on each platform to help them gain more visibility.

3. Your Feedback Matters:
It's always nice to leave a review or comment on platforms like Yelp or Google to help others discover these hidden gems. Your feedback is also valuable in showing appreciation to store owners and letting people know about them.

Credit: Pexels

​4. Attend Local Events:
Participate in local events and markets in your communities to show your support and help small businesses build their brand recognition among businesses.

5. Collaboration:
If you also run a small business, consider collaborating with other small businesses to feature and mutually benefit each other, helping both to grow.

Small Business Week is not just a celebration; it's a reminder that your choices, no matter how small they may seem, can shape the future of these dreams. Don't forget to support those hidden gems that you may have passed by. They're worth every bit of our support and appreciation.

If you're about to start your own business, consider seeking support from https://smallbusinessbc.ca/. Small Business BC is a non-profit resource center that provides practical advice for your business plan!


 Reference: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/small-business-saturday-how-support-local-businesses-yash-pandey
• https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023JEDI0061-001597
• https://smallbusinessbc.ca/articles/