BC Buy Local Week is officially underway from Dec. 3 to 9, 2018, celebrating the contributions that B.C.- based businesses make to communities.

“Buying from local shops, manufacturers, artisans and farmers keeps money circulating in B.C.’s economy,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “This holiday season, we encourage everyone to support local businesses and help keep our communities vibrant.”

Local businesses play an important role in regional growth. For every $100 spent, an average of $46 goes back into the local economy. This is more than double the impact of money spent with multi-national retailers.

“It’s the people behind the businesses that keep B.C.’s communities strong,” said Amy Robinson, founder and executive director of LOCO BC. “Our organization looks forward to celebrating BC Buy Local Week, and in the spirit of the week, we encourage everyone to discover B.C. products and #bcbuylocal.”

BC Buy Local Week reminds people that homegrown companies are more likely to contribute through sponsorship, volunteering and supporting local causes. Their unique shops and services define the character of their neighbourhoods and add to the well-being of residents.

“I am proud that my company is creating good jobs and encouraging people to eat healthily, while also contributing to my community,” said Akfe Zonderland, owner of Okanagan Rawsome. “People in B.C. love our products, and this has allowed us to expand. Growth means I can give back by donating a portion of my sales to Vernon Mental Health.”

Buy Local Week is co-ordinated by an alliance of small business owners called LOCO BC. LOCO BC encourages consumers to buy local goods during the holiday shopping season. It also conducts research and programs to support small businesses throughout the province year-round.

Quick Facts:

• More than 493,000 small businesses are operating in B.C.
• Employment in B.C.’s small business sector climbed 7.6% between 2012 and 2017, well above the Canadian average of 4.9%.
• The sector employs over one million people in B.C., accounting for 54% of total private-sector employment, above the national average of 49%.
• Small businesses are the source of 35% of provincial gross domestic product and almost one-third of all wages paid to B.C. workers.

Learn More:

To learn more about LOCO BC, visit: https://bcbuylocal.com/bcbuylocalweek/

To learn more about small businesses in B.C., visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/small-business

To learn more about resources available to small businesses, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/small-business/resources