October 18 marks the start of Small Business Week. What can you do to celebrate? Take a moment to reflect on the enormous contribution that the thousands of individuals who operate small businesses make to Saskatchewan.
I could detail their impressive economic track record--providing over half the private sector jobs and one-third of our gross domestic product--but these numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Small businesses are the heart of our communities.
Consider how bleak life would be without our favorite restaurants, pubs, greengrocers, boutiques and bakeries. How many small businesses do you frequent without even thinking about it? Last Saturday, my small business encounters included a morning stop for coffee at my favourite cafe, picking up my dry cleaning, buying ballet shoes with my daughter and dropping off my car at the local service station.
The list of small business owners you rely on is likely a lot longer than you think. Who fixes your roof? Unclogs your drain? Styles your hair? Takes care of your teeth? Chances are good it is a small business owner. And we have not even touched on small businesses that manufacture the goods that other businesses need.
What makes small business encounters so satisfying is that they are personal. When a small business owner asks you whether you enjoyed your meal or are happy with the service, he or she really cares.
