From October 20 to 26, 2024, the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal will celebrate Ontario Small Business Week, recognizing the local entrepreneurs and small businesses that form the heart of our community. We encourage you to support local vendors, especially as these businesses face increasing challenges in today’s economy. Independent shops, cafés, and service providers offer unique products and personalized experiences that larger corporations often cannot match. By choosing to shop locally you directly help these businesses thrive. Your support is essential for maintaining the diversity and richness of our community.

To find a local business, check out our Local Business Directory.

Here are seven ways to support a small business:

1. Spread the Word Online: Use social media to share your favourite local finds and experiences. Tagging businesses in your posts or writing thoughtful reviews helps boost their visibility and credibility. Your recommendations can attract new customers who trust your opinions more than traditional advertising.
2. Purchase Gift Cards: Buying gift cards provides small businesses with immediate revenue, which can be especially beneficial during slower seasons. They also encourage new customers to try out the business, helping to turn first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
3. Hire Local Services: When you need services like home repairs, graphic design, printing or catering, choose local professionals. Supporting these service providers helps circulate money in the community and creates personalized experiences that larger companies may not offer.
4. Encourage Collaborations: Promote partnerships among local businesses, like showcasing nearby artists or sourcing ingredients from local farms. These collaborations enhance the community's overall appeal and create a vibrant local economy.  To explore the exciting possibilities of collaboration, visit Follow44.ca.
5. Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer respectful, constructive criticism to help small businesses improve. If you have a negative experience, consider reaching out to them directly instead of posting online. This gives them a chance to resolve issues and maintain a positive reputation.
6. Attend Local Events: Participate in workshops, pop-up shops, and other events hosted by small businesses. These gatherings foster community involvement and support the visibility of local entrepreneurs. Visit our community calendar.
7. Be a Good Host: When you have visitors, showcase local businesses to enrich their experience. Directing guests to artisan shops and local eateries not only supports the economy but also helps them appreciate the area’s culture.  Be sure to pick up a copy of the 2024 South Grenville Chamber of Commerce Official Visitor Guide to help navigate all the hidden gems and must-see stops in the area.

By following these steps, you can positively impact our local economy while helping small businesses maintain their unique character. Supporting local businesses is a powerful way to invest in your community’s future and ensure its ongoing vitality.