Small Business Week activities reinforce shop local message
TRURO – The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce believes thriving communities and a healthy economy go hand and hand. That sentiment was at the root of the business organization’s annual Small Business Week celebrations, aiming to grow awareness about the importance of supporting local businesses.
“We understand the challenges many businesses are facing right now,” said Executive Director Sherry Martell. “Labour shortages across many sectors, increased pressures of high interest rates, supply chain demands, a seemingly endless quagmire of “red tape” and a growing need to reboot consumer confidence, among many other challenges, are hampering business’s ability to grow and thrive.”
Martell said it is vitally important for consumers to adapt to a “local-first” mentality to support the overall health of their communities.
In Canada, about 98 per cent of businesses are considered “small” by meeting the criteria of employing less than 100 people. Looking at the membership of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, 82 per cent its members employ 25 people or less.
“These small businesses are the backbone of our community,” said the Executive Director.
For every dollar spent at a local, independently owned business, 60 to 70 per cent is returned to the local economy by way of payroll, commercial taxes, sponsorships, donations to local charities, etc. to support economic growth.
“There are other ways to show support for your local business community that have no cost. Like or share their social media posts online to boost their reach, give them a positive Google review, recommend their products or services to friends and family and be kind,” said Martell
During the week-long business celebration, the Chamber hosted a Women in Business Breakfast and a Small Business Awards luncheon where 14 awards were presented to outstanding business leaders. This year a new award, Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, was presented.
“The Chamber’s Small Business Week awards program is an opportunity to celebrate excellence within our local community and allows us to share stories about the successes of our businesses while creating a greater awareness that we hope translates into increased efforts by consumers to support local,” said Martell