Small business owners, including small farms, are hoping Canadians prioritize local purchases and support small businesses during this crucial time.
“The holiday season is make-or-break for thousands of small businesses across the country,” said Ryan Mallough, CFIB’s vice-president of legislative affairs. “We’ve seen a positive trend toward buying local and Canadian goods, and we want that momentum to continue on Small Business Saturday to help close out what has been an extremely turbulent year.”
Small Business Saturday, presented by CFIB, marks the start of the holiday shopping rush and serves as a reminder of the vital role small businesses play in Canada’s economy. The initiative comes as many small firms and small farms face rising costs, labour shortages, and ongoing economic uncertainty.
CFIB’s latest data shows that one-third (33%) of small businesses rely heavily on holiday sales. However, expectations are mixed: one in five (20%) anticipate lower revenue compared to last year, while just over half (52%) expect sales to remain flat. For more than two years, CFIB’s Monthly Business Barometer® has identified weak consumer demand as the top barrier to growth.
“Supporting small businesses and choosing to shop intentionally is one of the easiest ways to strengthen our communities and economy,” Mallough added. “When you shop local, 66 cents of every dollar stays in the community. This holiday season, check out Canadian-owned businesses—including franchises—before turning to online giants. Let’s make every dollar count.”
Small Farm Canada Lite's December Gift Guide will feature local farm businesses such as:
- Metchosin Farm Originals
- ALCLA Native Plants - The Gift of Knowledge
- Berry Hill- Poultry Processing Kit
- AgPro Workwear
- Lee Valley Tools
- Small Farm Canada subscription
There are so many local farm vendors across Canada, be sure to support Christmas tree farms, maple syrup farms, honey farms, alpaca farms, sheep farms, and every time of small farm selling local products.
Canadians can visit SmallBusinessEveryDay.ca for free tools and resources to participate in Small Business Saturday® and support local businesses year-round.