Chamber Blog

Not everyone is aware that October 17-23 is BDC Small Business Week 2021 in Canada, an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that has been organized for over 42 years by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Every year, close to 10,000 Canadian entrepreneurs gather to learn, network, and celebrate the people building businesses across the country.

This year, BDC Small Business Week is focused on the topics of sustainability, inclusion, and innovation for business growth. As the economy roars back to life, it’s become clear that the past 18 months have fast-forwarded long-term disruption. From growing labour shortages and the rise of remote work to the expansion of digital business and increasingly frequent climate events, Canadian entrepreneurs will need to focus on innovation, inclusion, and sustainability to maintain their growth amidst these changes.

“Navigating the pandemic challenges alongside our business community has been both heartbreaking and inspiring,” said Michelle Bezditny, Executive Director for the Chamber. “The Steinbach Chamber remains dedicated to maintaining a strong focus on leading growth and connecting people in our community. For us, this involves ongoing conversations with businesspeople in the community, both seasoned veterans and new entrepreneurs alike, and learning what challenges they are facing and how we can advocate on their behalf, create or direct them to available resources, or provide education to navigate those challenges.”

The Steinbach Chamber is hosting a Lunch & Learn opportunity for businesses later this month to address “Sustainability and Innovation for Business Growth.” Now is the time, more than ever before, to recognize and honour Manitoba’s entrepreneurs for everything they contribute to our economy while facing the challenges of a lifetime.

• There are approximately 102,000 small businesses in Manitoba, representing 97 per cent of all businesses in Manitoba (Peter Bjornson)
• 9 in 10 Canadians in the private sector work in small business (BDC)
• 98% of businesses in Canada have less than 100 employees (BDC)
• Small and medium sized businesses contribute 54% of Canada’s gross domestic product (BDC)

Check out testimonials from local small businesses here.

For more info on events during BDC Small Business Week 2021, visit https://www.bdc.ca/en/small-business-week.