It's always fun to cheer for the little guy, and Small Business Week is a chance to do just that. 

Officially proclaimed last night at Swift Current city council, Small Business Week will be running from October 15 to 22. It grants folks the chance to celebrate local, small businesses in Swift Current, and across Canada. 

Taking to the council chambers to bring the week before the City was the Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce. It was presented by Chief Executive Officer Karla Wiens and Chair of the Board of Directors Mark Clements. 

"We, as a Chamber, celebrate small business week every week of the year, actually," noted Wiens. "But it's great that nationally, across Canada, this week is recognized every year to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in Canada and indeed, southwest Saskatchewan."

The goal is recognizing small businesses is to not simply acknowledge their existence, but to take the time to appreciate all that they do in their communities. 

Here in Swift Current, these are the businesses that sponsor local sporting events, provide donations during charitable functions, and stand up for local groups seeking support. 

Not only do they actively step up in the community in extracurricular fashion, but they also are major taxpayers, venues for official functions, and providers of daily use goods in Swift Current. They make up the majority of businesses and therefore make up a very sizable portion of the fabric of the community. 

"I would just like to remind people that, especially in this digital age, the importance that there will be for liking and sharing posts of your favourite small businesses," mentioned Wiens. "Sending a referral, that's often the best source of business for many people. Tagging your friends and just a simple saying thank you to our local entrepreneurs for a job well done."

The Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce understands the impact of local businesses perhaps even better than the City. They have worked together with businesses for decades, ensuring that these small businesses are able to form meaningful connections in Swift Current, and have worked towards creating a thriving environment for them within the southwest. 

"Personally, I joined the Chamber because I wanted to have a positive impact on our business community," said Clements. "When I look at our board and our staff, we have a very engaged group that has the same values as many in the room around influencing the things in our community. I think everyone in the room here has a mutual interest and a vested interest in seeing our business community grow and thrive. We really appreciate the partnership with the City, and really look forward to the many opportunities that we can work together on this week."

 

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