Small Business Saturday

Small Business Every Day

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner — a perfect opportunity to show your favourite local businesses some love. Unlike international brands and franchises, where a transaction is just another footnote in a quarterly report, one purchase from a local business can mean the world to its owner. 

Launched in 2010 as a response to the corporate sales frenzy of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday was created to promote small, brick-and-mortar businesses and encourage people to shop locally. 

Should it be the only time we do so? 

Of course not. 

Small businesses depend on their community. And their community depends on them. When you shop locally, you’re helping to sustain an entire ecosystem, as a large portion of your spending stays right here, at home.  

Think of it as a sustainable circle where money keeps circulating, feeding communities, jobs, and opportunities. 

Let’s say you spend $100 at a local shop: 

The owner might use that money to pay local staff, buy supplies from other local businesses, or hire local services. When those people, in turn, spend their earnings in the same community – on groceries, dining, or entertainment – the circle continues. 

Economists call this the local multiplier effect: every dollar spent locally can generate several more within the same community. 

That’s why, in spirit, every day should be Small Business Saturday. 

Here in the ByWard Market District, more than 400 local businesses depend on their community. 

On us. 

Let’s show them some love, not just once a year, but whenever we can!  

Visit our new Business Directory to discover all the local businesses in the ByWard Market District and plan your next visit.