Toronto is full of incredible shops and talented artisans. There’s never been a more important time to support local Toronto small businesses. Let’s #ShowLoveTO small local businesses in our city.
Small businesses (under 100 employees) make up close to 98 per cent of all businesses in the city and employ approximately 60 per cent of Toronto’s workforce. When you shop local your dollars can be returned to the local economy, raising the level of economic activity, which creates jobs, and contributes to the local tax base which contributes to create vibrant, livable communities.
Investors are attracted to communities where small businesses thrive, and this helps increase local tax revenues which in turn, get redistributed into infrastructure, amenities and programs for the community.
Supporting main street businesses supports your neighbours and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation amongst members of our community. It also attracts new talent and professionals to our city. Additionally, small businesses have been shown to support local sports teams, events, non-profits and charities in their community.
Small businesses also help define a neighbourhood’s character and image and gives people a sense of pride and identity in the area in which they live. Local businesses owners also tend to be members of the community and tend to be engaged in the area.
Shopping local can help reduce our impact on the environment. Importing and shipping goods from afar produces transportation and greenhouse gas emissions. Shipping goods also creates packaging waste such as cardboard and single-use plastics which oftentimes are not properly recycled.
Shopping local can also help promote healthy living as walking to your local store counts as exercise and often local foods need less chemicals to help retain their freshness.
Besides personally shopping at local stores, visiting local restaurants and markets, there are a lot of ways you can support local businesses. Here are some fun/free ways to ShowLoveTO!
Toronto is full of amazing and innovative artisans, designers and creators. From quality products and friendly customer service to unique experiences, Toronto has so much to offer. If you’re looking for stores in your neighbourhood, check out your local BIA website.
Here are a few directories that allow you to search local merchants in your area.