Small Business Week continues to shine a light on local shops, stores, and centres

Small Business Week in Swift Current has been a great time to show support for the local economy.

Local small businesses have been the backbone of the community ever since Swift Current first popped up on the prairies.

The people who run these businesses believe in the community they depend on, helping to provide goods and services to those who live in it.

Brian and Stacey Westerhaug, who recently moved to town to open Akhlut Automotive, understand that sentiment wholeheartedly.

"We are enjoying the community," started Stacey.

"We love Swift Current," continued Brian. "We're glad to officially call this home."

"And we don't have anything bad to say," resumed Stacey. "We love the people we have met."

The front entryway of Akhlut Automotive. (photo by Morgan Gerwing)

Having just come to the city in August of this year, they have built up a customer base already, having seen people come in and out of their shop with vehicles that require their mechanical touch.

"It's not super busy, but we are getting more and more customers coming in, so that's good," said Stacey. "Some repeat ones coming back, which is always nice."

Just before their interview for this article, they were approached for a job on a custom vehicle that required some delicate work. After discussing exactly what would be required, they agreed to it without balking at what would be needed.

Swift Current has been embracing them and the service they bring with them. The Westerhaug’s have truly made a home for themselves here, enjoying the communities response.

"The other small businesses around town have really helped," said Brian.

"Thank you," Stacey added, addressing those businesses.

"They have been very accommodating with us being new," continued Brian. "So it's been really great to see and feel the whole community come together for that."

Brian (left) and Stacey (right) Westerhaug. (photo by Morgan Gerwing)

Of course, they weren't the only ones in town enjoying the communities support during Small Business Week.

Dairy King is a summer staple of Swift Current, with generations of folks gathering during the warmest days of the year for cool tasty treats.

Their genuine ice cream and plethora of additional toppings, syrups, and mixes make them stand out for variety and personal taste.

Wearing the crown at Dairy King is Shonnon Klassen, who is the manager of the store.

"Being a small business in Swift, Current has its challenges," she acknowledged. "But we have fantastic support from the community and the locals here have been wonderful to us. They just keep coming back and encouraging us, so it's been good."

This fall and October especially have been warm enough that they haven't had to slow down too much with their chilly coned goods. Folks have been able to continue enjoying twisters, soft serve, milkshakes and more even as the leaves have turned red and drifted down off their branches.

"Dairy King is a local ice cream shop," Klassen said. "It's a family-run, independent business."

Dairy King's beloved menu. (photo by Morgan Gerwing)

Their work in Swift Current is sweet enough on its own, but they, as a local business, have contributed back to those who have supported them. They have even contributed on a global scale, with their 'Cakes for a Cause' event seeing proceeds donated to relief efforts in Ukraine.

"We just serve ice cream and make people happy," said a humble Klassen.

Small Business Week covers the entire cornucopia of locally-owned shops and stops in Swift Current. They are run by the community for the community. As the week begins to wind down, today is a great day to go out and show them that the community recognizes and appreciates what they bring to Swift Current.