Proclamation for Small Business Week 2025

Whereas Small Business Week has been recognized across Canada since 1981 as an opportunity to celebrate the small business owners who provide essential services, local jobs, and an invaluable touchpoint in our communities; and

Whereas the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) organizes Small Business Week to pay tribute to Canadian entrepreneurs; and

Whereas there are 1.1 million businesses in Canada, of which 98% of them have less than 100 employees and 38% of Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses are found in Ontario; and

Whereas this year to kick off Small Business Week, the BDC is hosting a webinar entitled “Get your business ready for the economic revolution” which aims to help participants stay informed and gain expert insights to help them capitalize on a shifting business landscape; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior recognizes the importance of small businesses to the growth and development of our Town and County; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior will continue to bring awareness of opportunities to support local small businesses by:

• Shopping – through participation in the Shop Arnprior program;
• Sharing – through sharing messaging from local businesses;
• Suggesting – through recommending that local businesses add themselves to the Town of Arnprior Business Directory; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior supports businesses year-round with Financial Incentives through the Town’s Community Improvement Plan to assist businesses in beautification, expansion, and start-up; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior in partnership with the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce and onTrac are holding an Espresso Exchange Speed Networking event at PJ's restaurant at 2:00 PM on the October 21^st.

Now Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor, do hereby proclaim October 19^th to 25^th, 2025, as Small Business Week in the Town of Arnprior and encourage local residents to shop, learn about and support local small businesses across the Town of Arnprior.