When you shop local, you’re not just finding great gifts – you’re supporting your neighbours and keeping our community strong. Courtesy Photo

CHESTERVILLE – Often viewed as the back-bone of a community, small businesses in Canada have an important place in the cities, towns and villages of this country. In 2012, Industry Canada defined them as being independently owned, employing 100 persons or less while offering a service to their customers.

Small Business Week in Ontario was held between Oct. 19 and 25, 2025 and is designed to highlight the role of small businesses in this province. “On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I’m proud to celebrate and recognize the 500,000 small businesses in communities across Ontario. Employing roughly 2.5 million people, small businesses are vital to our province’s continued success, creating jobs and contributing new ideas and resources to our diverse economy.” commented Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business, Nina Tangri in an Oct. 22 press release located on the Government of Ontario’s Newsroom.

While not downplaying the role and contributions to their communities of larger businesses, there is an important role for small businesses in their communities. Need a sponsor for a sports team, a donation for silent auction, support for a community event or a response to an emergency situation? Chances are the local small businesses are ready and willing to lend a helping hand.

While many small businesses have storefronts, it would be remiss not to mention the multitude of people operating a business from their homes providing clients with the opportunity to purchase locally made products. These can range from craft items, to art work, to agricultural products, entertainment opportunities and everything in between.

Each week, The Record shines a light on one of our area’s hardworking small businesses in our Spotlight on Business column. This feature is designed to celebrate the entrepreneurs, family-run shops, and local innovators who help make our community thrive. By sharing their stories, we aim to connect readers with the people behind the businesses they know and love – building stronger local ties and encouraging support for the neighborhood economy. It’s a win-win: residents discover new favorites close to home, and small businesses gain the recognition they deserve for their dedication, creativity, and service to our community.

With the holiday season on the horizon, there will be many opportunities to purchase locally produced items for gift giving at craft shows, find special holiday gifts at the numerous small businesses in our communities, and enjoy meals made with locally produced food or purchased from stores in your neighbourhood. Let’s make every week a small business week – a time to recognize and support the local talent, dedication, and creativity that keep our community strong. If you are a local business or know of a great local business, please let us know so we can highlight them here. This is at no cost to the local business.

If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.