Small Business Month

Whereas Small Business Week (October 19 – 25, 2026) 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 in 2006, the single week was expanded into a full national month-long celebration where Canadian small businesses are recognized and celebrated nationwide for their entrepreneurship, resilience, and collective contribution to our country’s success; and

Whereas as of December 2024 there were 1.08 million small employer businesses in Canada, representing 98.2% of all employer businesses. They employ more than 10 million people, and small businesses contribute an estimated 36.7% to Canada’s gross domestic product; and

Whereas entrepreneurs in Renfrew County have an exciting opportunity this month to grow their business while connecting with other local leaders through Enterprise Renfrew County’s four-part series, Bridges to Business Growth: Linking Passion, Purpose & Profit, offering practical tools and expert insights for small business owners at every stage; and

Whereas the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is hosting a variety of virtual and in-person events during Small Business Week that tackle today’s challenges, share practical examples and spark meaningful exchanges that will leave businesses with ideas to put into action right away; 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 promotion of the Shop Arnprior program which encourages residents and visitors to shop in Arnprior;
• Sharing – through sharing resources and funding opportunities with the 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

Now Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor, do hereby proclaim October 2026, as Small Business
Month in the Town of Arnprior and encourage residents to shop, learn about and support local
small businesses across the Town of Arnprior.