It was small business week a few weeks ago and I am more and more aware of what that means. Partly because I’ve recently been asked to do some freelance work for the Chamber of Commerce at a town south of Red Deer and I’ve been interviewing business people about their goals and dreams. Also because some small business owners near where I live in Red Deer have recently become kind and familiar visitors to my home, as we worked to figure out some quirks in an old electrical system I needed to replace.
The electrician came by as needed, bringing bits and parts, patiently explaining things to me and never making me feel like an inconvenience – even when I would call his cell directly! Once when he was at my place, I took the opportunity to ask a question that had nothing to do with electronical systems at all and he patiently answered that, too. He showed me how to tend some new systems on my own and then stood back while he watched me practice so I’d be comfortable. I was full of gratitude for his support, which he claimed is simply part of doing business. Well, it must have been a bit more than that, because his company was named Business of the Year for one of the Red Deer Chamber Awards! Very pleased for him with that well-deserved award.
It has become clear to me that small businesses are the force behind entire communities, whether in large cities or small towns. Last week I heard about a smalltown realtor who was showing a 100 year-old building to a potential young buyer. That little scenario is supercharged with optimism, gumption and community spirit – as the start of any enterprise must be.
Whether it’s a person seeing the need for their skills and stepping up to deliver services from a home-business, or a group of entrepreneurs with financial backers who take the risk of opening a bricks and mortar shop, small businesses take an idea and then they take the community by storm. They set down stakes in neighbourhoods large and small, they provide core goods and services and then they collaborate with each other to create even more forward momentum! They open employment opportunities that support entire families – and then they donate their time and treasure to local organizations that support others even further!
There are small businesses along our paths every day, full of people who remain dedicated to their goals (and their staff) through economic uncertainty and a changing social dynamic. Hats off to them! Their work makes our lives better – their services might even be saving lives. Let’s commit to supporting them and shopping local during Small Business Week and throughout every week of the year.