What qualifies as small business, is actually a pretty big deal.
There are more than 1.2 million businesses in Canada, 98% of which have less than 100 employees. This seems to be the magic number to delineate micro and small businesses from their heftier captains of industry.
Wellington County features businesses of all types and sizes. Some are involved internationally with exports, but most businesses in this area serve Ontarians and locals.
In the spirit of Small Business Week we thought it fair to suggest a few points of reflection on small business to raise consumer awareness. Many small operations are quite generous with community functions and events. Typically, local ownership adds a sense of obligation to support families who support their business. It’s a mutual affair that makes communities stronger.
Most local businesses source products and services within the community, unlike franchises and large businesses that use their own preferred suppliers, often from out of town. It’s a give-and-take relationship that if used and encouraged, lifts all boats in a local sense. This is good for everyone.
Small business pays its share of property taxes and more. Commercial and industrial tax classes contribute mightily to the tax base in Wellington County. Goods and services purchased from businesses within Wellington perpetuate the circulation economy. It is good business all around.
Successful store owners have money to reinvest in their business and beautify their storefronts.
Every community from Clifford to Aberfoyle, Erin to Mapleton, Mount Forest to Ariss and all points in between, have lovely shops and service businesses waiting to earn your business. A healthy community, supported in part by township and county initiatives, creates an inviting environment for tourists and locals looking for a personal shopping experience.
Multi-generational businesses offer confidence and are built on solid reputations. Most often, these successful enterprises continue family traditions of good value, exceptional service and satisfaction guaranteed.
And the jobs – a key ingredient of any successful local economy. Small businesses often host co-op students within their ranks to help a young person gain hands-on experience. This teamwork between schools and local business feeds the bigger picture: hope that people have job opportunities within their home community. While the education component is valuable, so are the wages that local jobs provide. Chances are those funds will circulate locally too, which is another win for local communities.
As Small Business Week unfolds Oct. 20 to 26, take a minute and thank a local business. They make big things happen in communities across Wellington County.
