Community News

Spread the word about your favourite local business

This promotion highlights the best small and medium businesses in the community.

A big thank you goes out to our readers, for nominating and voting for your favourite shops and professional services. This yearly contest would not exist without enthusiastic participation from local businesses, their staff and their customers.

According to the Government of Canada’s 2022 Key Small Business Statistics report, as of 2021 small businesses employed 8.2 million people in Canada, which works out to 67.7 per cent of the total private labour force. And medium-sized businesses employed 2.5 million people, or 20.4 per cent. That’s a huge number of employees who get their paycheques from local businesses.

So, when you shop local you are supporting your friends and neighbours and stimulating the economy in which you live. Your money circulates within the community. And your preferred stores and services will often use other local businesses as their suppliers, helping to spread the wealth.

Get out and walk in your community’s downtown or main shopping area. Make a day of it – check out the retail stores for home decor, street fashions, books and games, or specialty foods; get a haircut or a pedicure; and stop for lunch or a coffee. You may discover some hidden gems, as not all businesses operate online.

You don’t have to wait until next year’s Readers’ Choice Awards to spread the word about your favourite local business. Recommend their services to friends and family, write an online review, or post about your customer experience on social media. Positive testimonials help businesses to thrive and grow, ensuring they will continue to be there to serve you.

Use our winners’ list to find our readers’ recommended shops and services in your area to patronize. Here is what the award levels mean:

Diamond – First Place Platinum – Second Place

Gold – Third Place

COUNCIL

en-ca

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281578064908937

Metroland Media Group Ltd.