It’s not the size of the bag, it’s what’s in it.
INTRODUCTIONS
I call myself the Bag Lady. You know the kind…leave the house for three items, return with four hundred. Lots of bags, lots of goodies. What I started to realize was very little of what I was purchasing were from local shops or Canadian based businesses.
The pandemic has uncovered a lot. And brought about this awakening. Small businesses matter!
Admittedly, I never really took notice before. How important small businesses are to the growth of an economy. What it would look like if we had fifty percent, or more, fewer options in your neighborhood, or through online shopping. That was another thing! How many online orders had I made without considering what I could have picked up with a Canadian brand?
What’s in your bag?
THE WAY FORWARD
Things will be different for some time to come. Small business support, both locally and within Canada, is so necessary. When I realized how much business I gave to a few large retailers, on a regular basis, I was mad at myself for the reckless spending decisions.
The goal became to do something about that. My co-creator, sister Danniella and I designed Wednesday Night Market to help promote and connect Canadian small businesses with the customers looking for their products and services.
Taking it a bit further, we’re also challenging ourselves, and you, to make a certain number of purchases through small businesses, locally and online each month. The impact will be massive. Can you do it? Three purchases? Seven? Fifteen??? Tell us how many, and what items you can make part of our monthly #SmallBizShoppingChallenge.
STAT DROP
Did you know 70% of the workforce is employed by a small business, and are the main employers in every province? What about the fact that small businesses make up almost 40% of Canada’s GDP? Read more.
As more storefronts empty their shops, and online brands shut down, we continue to lose variety and options within our communities. Without those options, demand increases while available supply becomes overpriced. Not a good place to be.
I NEVER TOLD YOU MY NAME
I’m La Firn, and my blog is going to introduce you to local goodies, Canadian gems, and tidbits of my small-business-support-awakening, and growth. It’s all about doing something that helps to make the world a decent place, and support the dreams of those doing just that.
Come back often and let’s fill our bags together. So many quality businesses here you’ll want to make part of your shopping rolodex! Their stories, the value in their offerings, and the service you’ll get from these owners will make my shopping picks big hits. every time. Make sure to tell us all about your faves and top picks also.
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