It’s time to recognize the innovation, hard work and importance of small businesses! October 15 to October 22 is Small Business Week. While supporting and recognizing small businesses is important every day, this week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship and small businesses in Canada.

Small businesses are the backbone of our downtown and help make it the vibrant, welcoming and unique community that it is. Each small business contributes it’s own unique products, exceptional services and local employment opportunities that strengthen our downtown core. From the talented salon owners to the radiant retailers, to the diverse flavours of the food scene, each small business helps make our downtown different.

Looking for ways to help support small businesses? Here are 6 ways to support small businesses this week and beyond Small Business Week.

Simply making a purchase at a small local business greatly supports these businesses. With the holiday season approaching, make it an effort to shop local this season to help support small businesses.

Just following your favourite small business or sharing their content on social media can make a big impact. Engaging with small businesses on social media helps their posts rank higher in algorithms, which helps them reach new audiences. Challenge yourself to share a post from a small business this week!

Leaving a 5-star Google Review can help influence others to visit a small business. Better yet, add some images along with your positive review. Images on Google Reviews make it more likely for viewers to visit a business’s website.

Many people find new small businesses through word of mouth. Tell your friends and family to visit your favourite small business. Better  yet, bring them with you to your favourite shop or restaurant for a great time!

Did you know that many Downtown Milton businesses have gift cards? Gift cards are a great gift both to give and receive. Purchase gift cards this holiday season to small businesses for the perfect gift!

Check out that new business that you have been meaning to check out! you may just find your new favourite. There have been many new businesses that have recently opened in Downtown Milton. Some of them include ADR Pet Stores, Viva la Tortilla and Lebo Jewlery.

Use these tips to help support small businesses this week and in the future. Looking for more small businesses to support? Check out our directory which has over 200 small businesses to visit!