8 ways to support local entrepreneurs during Small Business Month

October is Small Business Month, which means it’s the perfect time to re-discover independently-owned businesses in your neighbourhood. Small businesses made up 98% of all employer businesses in Canada in 2020, employing 9.7 million individuals across the country.

[Photo Credit: Kzenon]

Now more than ever it’s important to recognize the important contributions the independent boutiques, restaurants, service provides, and other small businesses make to our economies and our communities. Instead of spending your money at chain stores, and online retailers, celebrate Small Business Month and you’ll be investing back into your neighbourhood by supporting resilient local entrepreneurs and their hardworking employees.

Here are eight creative ways you can support small businesses in your local area during SMB month:

1. Go out for a weekday meal: Independent restaurants were hit hard over the last 18 months, with many continuing to struggle with staff shortages and increased expenses in the pandemic recovery. Instead of booking a table on a busy Saturday night, skip the crowds and plan a dinner date during the week when restaurants are slower and need the support even more.

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Don’t fancy cooking tonight?
Let YP find Restaurants in your neighbourhood for a gourmet date night.

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2. Schedule a service for your home: Got a list of fall home improvement projects and repairs you want to complete? Outsource seasonal home maintenance tasks like gutter cleaning, window washing, and leaf removal to a local professional service provider. Not only will you save yourself time and effort, but you’ll also be supporting tradespeople in the community.

3. Skip the big-box grocery store: Instead of shopping for your weekly groceries at a big-box store, visit local retailers in your neighbourhood to pick up food and drink for your family. Rediscover the charms of selecting seasonal produce at the farmer’s market, premium meats from the butcher, artisanal cheeses from the cheesemonger on the corner, and fresh-baked bread and pastries from a family-owned bakery.

4. Enjoy some art and culture: Museums, galleries, and performing arts venues have suffered tremendously throughout the pandemic. Do your part to celebrate Small Business Month by getting back out on the town and support your city’s cultural institutions. Rediscover the thrill of a live performance by purchasing tickets to a local community theatre production, or check out an art exhibit at a nearby gallery.
 
5. Make time for self-care: Why not treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering in the name of SMB month? Hairdressers, beauty salons, day spas, and personal care services across the country were closed for months during the pandemic, so now is a great time to support these hardworking businesses by getting a fall glow-up.

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Craving some rest and relaxation?
YP can source nearby Beauty & Health Spas for an afternoon of indulgent treatments.

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6. Get your holiday shopping done: Get your holiday shopping out of the way during Small Business Month and beat the December crowds at the mall. Pop into local boutiques to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade items to spoil your friends and family with. From books and toys to clothing and fall home decor, you’re bound to find a treasure trove of artisanal gifts from small businesses in your neighbourhood.
 
7. Work up a sweat: Instead of logging on to your usual virtual fitness classes at home, sign up for an in-person sweat session at a boutique gym or an outdoor boot camp with a personal trainer. Not only will you be supporting a local business, you’ll be taking care of your health.

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Need some motivation to get off the couch?
YP can hook you up with a Personal Trainer who will whip you into shape.

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8. Plan a coffee crawl: Grabbing a cup of Joe at a local café is much more fun than making a pot at home. Mix up your morning routine in celebration of Small Business Month and get your caffeine fix at coffee shops in your community. Make a list of all your neighbourhood haunts and see if you can visit them all before the end of the month.