Are you busy on the last Saturday in November? That’s November 30th this year. In case you didn’t know, it’s a special event day that encourages all of us throughout Canada to shop locally and support the many hard-working small business owners in our neighbourhoods. The popularity of Small Business Saturday is much the same in Ireland, Australia, the United States and elsewhere, according to Eddie Bruce, Owner, Paul Davis Restoration, Fort McMurray, AB. “By showing up personally and then, should something offered catch our eye, buying it on the spot is the purpose of Small Business Saturday. What a great way to spend a day and meet new people.” You too can celebrate Small Business Saturday. An estimated C $2 billion was spent in Canada last year on Small Business Saturday. Shopping in a small locally-owned or locally -operated small business really makes a big difference. For the merchants in your area and throughout the country. Here are some facinating facts to consider.
Small Business is Still Really Big
In Canada, there are approximately 1.3 million small businesses operating in 2024. This does not include holding companies and businesses with no employees. In total, 99.8% (1.29 million) of all businesses in Canada are small businesses. And small businesses are major contributors to the Canadian economy. Businesses with 1 to 99 employees comprise 98.0% of all employer businesses in Canada and employ 10.7 million individuals which is almost two-thirds (63%) of all employees. By comparison, businesses with 100 to 500 employees employ 3.6 million individuals (21.0% of employees) and businesses with more than 500 employees employ 2.7 million individuals (16.0% of employees) in Canada. As such, smaller businesses play an important role in employing Canadians and are a significant driver in shaping the economy.
Is Paul Davis a Small Business?
Bruce explains. “None other than a visionary entrepreneurial man named (you guessed it) Paul Davis, launched in 1966 his concept of a caring, damage mitigation and recovery small business company concept. His vision was to bring highly trained and skilled local experts to towns and cities throughout North America to help those in need after suffering damage to their personal home or commercial business. My company in Fort McMurray is a good example.” After 58 years locally-owned and locally-operated franchise Paul Davis Restoration companies source their equipment and materials from (you guessed it) other small companies. Not only on Small Business Saturday, but every day. The lifeblood of the many communities, our many businesses serve also small businesses. And we salute them on their special recognition day – and every day – for their investment, energy, and commitment to serve their customers in the community with enthusiasm and smiles whenever we visit them.
