Winnipeg businesses know how to weather a storm – pun not intended (but true).
We’ve seen it time and time again, when challenges arise, our members don’t sit back and wait for solutions. They step up, support each other, and find a way forward. With the latest round of U.S. tariffs creating uncertainty for businesses across Canada, now is the time to double down on something we can control: keeping our dollars local.
How Winnipeg Businesses Benefit
When you spend a dollar at a local Canadian retail business, 66 cents of that dollar stays in the provincial economy. On the flip side, only 8 cents stay local when you buy from online giants like Amazon. Why? Because local businesses are more likely to source materials locally, employ fellow Winnipeggers, and reinvest profits into our community.
Made Here Founder Lindsey Cabato-Robinson summed it up perfectly in a recent episode of The Chamber Podcast:
Essentially, it’s a little chain. I’m putting my passion into my store in which I’m trying to support 100+ local vendors who put all their passion into their products, and these products are on the shelf for customers to purchase and support local. This supports the vendors and my store but also allows everyone to have jobs. That’s not something you’re always going to find in bigger chains, places that have these products manufactured thousands at a time. So supporting one person actually supports multiple people.
– Lindsey Cabato-Robinson, The Chamber Podcast Episode 3 (Check out the full episode on YouTube)
How U.S. Tariffs Impact Winnipeg Businesses
With U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports starting this week, many Winnipeg businesses are facing higher costs and supply chain disruptions. To understand how, we recently teamed up with Chambers across Manitoba to ask for feedback from business leaders and published the answers, plus our analysis, in our new report “The Cost of Tariffs: How U.S. Trade Negotiations are Impacting Manitoba Businesses.” You can read the full report here, but a few key stats stuck out to us:
- 62% of Manitoba business leaders told us more that U.S. tariffs have already impacted or will impact their business.
- 31% export goods or services to the U.S., and 79% import goods and services from the U.S., making retaliatory tariffs a potential concern.
- 72% of businesses expect financial impacts including higher costs and reduced revenue.
Many businesses are still uncertain about how they’ll be affected by tariffs, making proactive local support more critical than ever.
Winnipeg Businesses You Can Support Right Now
Not sure where to start? Here are just a few Winnipeg Chamber members providing high-quality products and services right here in our city:
Made Here
Made Here is a hub for curated gifts and a celebration of local artisans founded by Lindsey Cabato-Robinson. With Lindsey’s background in retail and as a maker, she’s turned Made Here into a movement that champions community and craftsmanship.
They specialize in crafting corporate gifts, offering unique, heart-selected items for all business sizes. We love that they’re also committed to supporting local children’s charities and fostering youth through mentorships and internships.
Hit this link to visit Made Here’s website and check them out at 1 Lombard Place in the Richardson Centre Concourse.
Simba Management & Cleaning
Simba Cleaning’s mission is to make clean spaces accessible, affordable, and stress free for homes and businesses alike. Today, they serve countless Canadian homes and businesses across Winnipeg and Ottawa.
They specialize in post-construction cleaning, commercial cleaning, and office cleaning, and are committed to creating personalized cleaning solutions for all kinds of projects. Simba Cleaning’s President and CEO Baraka Mulimbwa says his organization’s commitment to their clients means the job is not done until you’re 100% satisfied.
Hit this link to visit Simba Management and Cleaning’s website or visit them at 315 Des Meurons Street.
Unlock Communications
Merissa King is a passionate communicator who’s worked in Canadian businesses from St. Johns, to Toronto, to Winnipeg, for over 18 years. Then, in 2023, she set off on her own and launched Unlock Communications.
Today, Unlock Communications offers communications strategies, executive communications, content creation and internal plans to help shape employee experiences. And if you or your organization require something that doesn’t fit neatly in their services, they also offer bespoke plans to meet your needs.
Hit this link to visit Unlock Communication’s website.
Aroma Bistro
Aroma Bistro is an Asian fusion restaurant that opened its doors on St. Mary’s in 2019. Chef Louis and his team are dedicated to creating exquisite and unique Asian flavours that satisfy the palate and soul of foodies of all cultural backgrounds.
With signature dishes like Pork & Tofu Wonton Soup, and Shrimp & Seaweed Wonton Soup, Chef Louis helped Aroma Bistro win the Annual Stone Soup Fundraiser Competitions hosted by the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba in 2022 and 2023. And if you want a taste of Aroma Bistro at home, be sure to try their signature Red Chili Oil and Lala Seasoning at local Winnipeg grocery stores.
Visit Aroma Bistro’s Website or check them out at 741 St. Mary’s Road.
Your Chamber Membership Strengthens Local Business
Winnipeg business are stronger when we support each other. Whether you need office supplies, marketing services, or a new supplier for your product line, our Chamber membership directory is your go-to resource for local options. Every business listed is a Chamber member, so you can rest assured they’re investing in Winnipeg’s growth. And if you’re considering a member as your next vendor, mentor, or customer, you could read about them in our next Member Spotlight, or chat with them at an upcoming BizCONNECT.
That’s the power of your Chamber membership, but it’s also why buying local matters more than ever.
So let’s keep our dollars where they belong – right here in Winnipeg.
Explore The Chamber Membership Directory.
Join The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce today.
