Source: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20211018003
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the province have had to adapt to new ways of doing things to stay open and keep Nova Scotians safe.
Small Business Week 2021 (October 17-23) is an opportunity to recognize the perseverance of small business owners and the significant contribution they make to the province.
“The past year and a half has presented challenges never seen before, and I want to thank entrepreneurs and their employees for working through these extraordinary times,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development. “Whether it was an alcohol distillery that started making small-batch hand sanitizer, restaurants that adopted touchless payment options or a local gift shop that moved their products online, small business owners came up with solutions to meet their customers’ needs. For that effort and innovation, I invite Nova Scotians to join me in celebrating Small Business Week by buying local whenever they can.”
This week, the government will be sharing stories about Nova Scotia businesses that have adapted the way they do business by using technology to connect with consumers, sell products and broaden their reach.
As part of fulfilling her mandate, the Minister of Economic Development will implement buy local approaches, attract and grow innovative, sustainable and green business start-ups and work with small businesses to support them in reducing emissions.
Quotes:
Carla Arsenault, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cape Breton Partnership
Small businesses are anything but small when it comes to the impact they have on our economy and communities. These are the businesses that support our charities, give freely to fundraisers and children’s sport teams, and employ our friends and families. With such an overwhelming impact on our economy, it is so important for Nova Scotians to support local, especially local small businesses, during Small Business Week as well as year-round.
Leigh McFarlane, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Soap Company of Nova Scotia Ltd.
Small Business Week offers a great opportunity to highlight the impact so many enterprises have on our communities. Every day, countless entrepreneurs greet their team members, flip the open sign and get down to the business of building the economy right here at home in Nova Scotia. When I started the Soap Company of Nova Scotia Ltd., I made the conscious decision to grow it on the Eastern Shore. I also decided our number one value would be accessibility, meaning products are affordable for use on an ongoing daily basis and easily available. That’s why I fully embrace digital technology and am so grateful it allows me to live and work where I want to be, while still being out in the world.
Quick Facts:
- most Nova Scotia businesses are small businesses (1-99 employees)
- small business makes up about 27 per cent of Nova Scotia’s GDP
- approximately 24 per cent of the total payroll in Nova Scotia is from small business
- the Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative seeks to connect all homes and businesses to reliable, high-speed internet, which will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, wherever they live in the province
Additional Resources:
- Provincial programs for businesses: https://www.novascotia.ca/grow-your-business/
- Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative: https://internet.developns.ca/where-we-are/
- Information on Nova Scotia’s Business Navigator service is available at: https://www.novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity/business-navigators.asp
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Media Contact:
Gary Andrea
Cell: 902-456-6196
Email: Gary.Andrea@novascotia.ca