Creepin' It Local: The Scary Good Reasons to Support Small Businesses this October!

October is Small Business Month and Women's Small Business Month:

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

– L. M. MONTGOMERY, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

Hello, October! We've been awaiting your arrival—not just for the magical fall wonders and Halloween fun, but also to honour the incredible contributions small businesses make to our communities during this special month.

As we kick off October, a month dedicated to celebrating small businesses (and Women’s Small Business Month), both in store and online, let’s talk about why these hometown heroes are the real MVPs. Local businesses are like the unsung champions of our communities, especially when the economy’s on a rollercoaster.

On a personal note, I recently picked up some items on the Yonge strip and chatted with a wife-and-husband team at a shoe store. We spent a good half hour connecting and discussing our experiences as entrepreneurs. I also wanted to show them the sandals I bought from them just before summer and complimented them on their unique shoe selection. :)

Here’s why backing these small-scale entrepreneurs is seriously cool:

First off, they’re all about creating jobs and cooking up fresh, innovative ideas. They’re like the secret sauce for our local economy—keeping it vibrant by pumping money back into the neighborhood through their shops and services. Plus, they offer unique items that you just can’t find in big-box stores.

But here’s the thing: when times get tough, small businesses can really feel the pinch. They don’t have the deep pockets the big dudes do. And that’s where we come in. By showing them some love and support, we’re giving them a much-needed boost to stay afloat, keep locals employed, and keep the local economy moving forward.

The cherry on top (of the banana split)? Small businesses often deliver customer service with a personal touch. Small businesses often deliver customer service with a personal touch. They’re like that favourite uncle you joke around with. You build relationships with the folks behind the counter/through email/telephone, and that’s something big corporations just can’t replicate.

• Women-owned businesses are led by female entrepreneurs.
• Family-owned businesses involve multiple family members, creating personalized experiences.
• Solopreneurs are solo entrepreneurs managing all aspects of their business independently.
• Farm-to-Market businesses

So, as we cruise through Small Business Month (also Women's Small Business Month), let’s remember that every time we shop and support local (in-store and online), we’re not just scoring cool stuff or taking part in fun local lessons (music, tap dance, dance etc.) or experiences—we’re strengthening our community, boosting our local economy, and preserving that unique, special vibe only small businesses can bring. It’s like we’re all superheroes for our hometowns. So go ahead, show some love to your local shops and services—you’re making your neighborhood a better place, one purchase at a time.

These businesses remind us that small businesses can make a big impact by bringing laughter and joy too.

1. The Codfather: A fish and chips shop in the UK with a play on the famous movie title, "The Godfather."
2. Planet of the Grapes: A wine bar in the UK that plays on the name of the movie "Planet of the Apes."
3. Curl Up and Dye: A hair salon in the US with a witty name that combines hair styling and a play on words.
4. Florist Gump: A florist in the UK named after the famous movie character Forrest Gump, with the tagline, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get."
5. Pulp Friction: A smoothie and juice bar in the UK with a punny name inspired by the film "Pulp Fiction."
6. Jurassic Perk: A dinosaur-themed coffee shop in the United States that offers a unique blend of coffee and prehistoric ambiance.
7. Brewed Awakening: A coffee shop in the US that plays on the phrase "rude awakening" to emphasize the energizing effects of their coffee.
8. The Dirty Apron: A cooking school in Canada and delicatessen with a        playful name that evokes the messiness of cooking.
9. Thai Tanic: A Thai restaurant in Vancouver with a funny play on the infamous ship, bringing humor to dining.