Feature story
No matter how you measure it, Ottawa’s small businesses are a huge part of the local economy. There are an estimated 28,000 businesses in Ottawa with fewer than 50 employees. This makes up more than 90 per cent of the businesses in Ottawa.
Ottawa Small Business Week is October 20 to 26 and we’re challenging you to do something for a small business every day this week. You don’t have to go in order. Mix them up any way you like.
For the record, you can do these things any time of year, but then you wouldn’t be doing the Ottawa Small Business Week Challenge!
Challenge 1: Visit a new business
For the purposes of this challenge, “new” means you’ve never been there before. You’ve never used their services before. New businesses struggle for survival every year. Find a new shop in your neighbourhood or on your daily commute. Even if you are not in the market for their service right now, you can at least say, “hi, welcome to the neighbourhood,” and wish them luck.
Challenge 2: Follow a small business on social media
If you’re not in a position to spend money to support a small business, make a point of following one through your social media channels. The increased following will help them promote their business among your followers and will maintain a connection for you until you are ready to spend.
Challenge 3: Eat out
You gotta eat, right? There are so many places where you can get a quick treat or a full meal. Eat in a restaurant, or out on a patio while you still can, or just take it home to enjoy at your own table. Oh, and don’t forget to tip your server.
Challenge 4: Tell a friend
Don’t keep your favourite little shop a secret. Tell a friend or, better yet, go there with your friend. If you’ve had a good experience with a small business, the best reward you can offer is repeated business. But the next best thing you can do is tell the world. After all, the first rule about #supportlocal: Talk about #supportlocal.
Challenge 5: Experience your local Business Improvement Area (BIA)
A BIA is an association of commercial property owners and tenants who work with the City to create thriving, competitive and safe areas that attract shoppers, diners, visitors and new businesses. The Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas OCOBIA and the 18 BIAs in Ottawa collectively represent more than 6,400 businesses who employ 120,000 people. Find one near you and discover what they are doing to help small businesses and customers alike
Challenge 6: Repeat
We already said you could mix these up anyway you want. Well, now we’re giving you permission to go back and repeat your favourite one. You probably know by now, you can repeat all of them every day if you really want.
Challenge 7: Collect a prize
We are not giving out prizes for the Ottawa Small Business Week Challenge. Really, the prize is knowing that you supported small businesses. But if you really want a prize, go shopping and buy yourself one. You’ll be glad you did.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.