Small Business Week Showcases Nova Scotian Entrepreneurs’ Passion and Perseverance

Small Business Week 2023 – taking place October 15 to 21 – is an opportunity to recognize and honour small business owners across Nova Scotia and the significant contributions they make to our province.

“Small businesses are the core of our communities. They’re where many of us got our first jobs. They’re our favourite local spots, we visit regularly. They’re the sponsor on our kids’ team jerseys. But their impact goes far beyond what most of us see,” said Economic Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek. “Small businesses are a big employer in our province. They fuel innovation and power our economy. That’s why this week and throughout the year, I encourage Nova Scotians to get out into their communities and support small businesses.”

As part of fulfilling her mandate, the Minister is working to attract and grow innovative, sustainable and green businesses in all regions of the province. The Minister is also working to implement Nova Scotia Loyal, an economic strategy and incentive program to drive demand for locally made products.

Quotes:

“Local businesses do so many things. They give your children their first jobs, they donate products to their schools and they buy local services when they need help. The money you spend in your community, stays there and is then spent locally over and over. The butcher may need a car repair from his local car repair shop. The mechanic likes the farm fresh vegetables from the farmers market. The farmer buys fresh bread from the town baker and the baker likes the meat from his local butcher. It is a circle that supports the middle.”

– Allan Keefe, owner, Chapel Cove Chocolate

“Small businesses play a critical role in our economy. Over the past five years, employment growth among Nova Scotia’s small employers is more than 30 per cent greater than employment growth among large employers. Together, these entrepreneurs and business leaders drive innovation, create jobs and grow our communities. I encourage everyone to discover what your neighbourhood small businesses and service providers have to offer and make buying local your first choice."

– Wendy Luther, President and Chief Executive Officer, Halifax Partnership

Quick Facts:

• most Nova Scotia businesses are small businesses
• Nova Scotia is home to about 30,000 small businesses
• the goal of Nova Scotia Loyal is a 10 per cent shift in demand to local products

Additional Resources:

Small Business Week 2023 promo video: https://vimeo.com/873788762/de58f608f8

Invest Nova Scotia: https://investnovascotia.ca/

Nova Scotia Loyal: https://nsloyal.ca/

Nova Scotia’s business navigator service: https://www.novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity/business-navigators.asp