October is the month dedicated to honouring Canadian entrepreneurs and celebrating small businesses. Canada's Small Business Month began in 2006, which spun off of Small Business Week dating back to 1979.
Small and local businesses form the foundation of the Canadian economy. This year, it's especially important to recognize and support the growth of small businesses, who are facing hardship and adjusting to this new normal. During the month of October, many events, seminars, resources, and other opportunities arise to celebrate and honour small business owners.
Some Highlights of Community Support for Small Business Month
Canada Post - Tuesdays Ship Free
Ship one free parcel within Canada every Tuesday all October-long
For eligibility and more details, visit: https://www.canadapost.ca/cpc/en/business/shipping/free-shipping-tuesday.page
Small Business BC - Free Webinars
Thursday, October 15. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Doing Business with the Government of Canada
Thursday, October 22. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Decolonizing, Indigenizing and Reconciling Entrepreneurship
Friday, October 23. 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Government Funding for International Growth
Friday, October 23. 1:00pm - 2:30 pm - Early Stage Financing for Small Business
Visit Small Business BC to register
CIBC - Support for Economic Inclusion in Entrepreneurship
In celebration of Small Business Month, CIBC is sponsoring the second annual Startup & Slay Digital Series, which features seven women and one non-binary entrepreneur who are starting and scaling a business in Canada. In addition, CIBC will partner with the Government of Canada to launch a Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund to support Black-led businesses in Canada to recover and strive during this pandemic.