Small Business Week is here! Supporting local small businesses is more important now than ever before. Many small businesses have had to temporarily shut down or sadly close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are still many small businesses in our city that need our support! It is up to us as a community and as consumers to support these businesses through this whirlwind of a year. How can you do that? SHOP LOCAL- in person and online! Below are three ways you can support local small businesses virtually.
1. Shop Local- In person and online!
In today’s world, online shopping has become a new normal. Who doesn’t love shopping in their sweatpants on the couch? You can support local businesses by shopping locally in-person and online! When thinking about a gift for a friend, or a new top for a zoom call, it is important to keep those local businesses at top of mind. Obby Khan and Ali Esmail recently launched a new platform called “Good Local”– Winnipeg’s one-stop-shop for everything local! This is a great platform for consumers to use when looking to support local. Check them out at goodlocal.ca
2. Engage on Social!
There is a lot of negativity on social media these days and it is sometimes hard for businesses to break through that noise. Another way we as consumers can support local is by sharing your amazing experiences at a local business on your own platform. Whether that’s a picture of a product you purchased, a video of a service you received or even just a comment about how great your experience was, everything helps! Be sure to tag the company and use any relevant hashtags they currently use. Google reviews are also another great way to help boost business.
3. Encourage your family and friends to shop local!
Do you have a friend or family member’s birthday or
special occasion coming up? Encourage everyone to purchase their gift or gift card from a local shop in the city! With the holiday’s fast approaching, we all need to get shopping. Purchase gift cards from local small businesses now to use when you start your shopping– or use it for yourself, you deserve it for supporting local!
We would love to hear how you’re supporting Winnipeg’s small businesses! Use the hashtag #WCCLocal to share your stories.
In partnership with the Mayor’s Office, every year we bring together our small business community with City staff and officials at our Small Business Summit to discuss the future of our city and how we can work better together.
During Small Business Week on Thursday, October 22, we invite you to a virtual fireside chat with Mayor Brian Bowman where he will address our small business community. Take part in one-on-one virtual networking with 100+ attendees, virtual tradeshow booths and have your voice heard at video breakout sessions with Civic Leaders. Registration for the event is free for all members. Register today!
