Ontario Celebrates Small Business Week, Honouring Local Entrepreneurs and Economic Growth
GovPrepare News Desk – October 28, 2025
Standfirst: Ontario marked Small Business Week with new initiatives and funding programs to recognize the vital role of small businesses in the province’s economy, supporting nearly 98 percent of all businesses and millions of jobs.
Key Highlights
- Ontario honoured Small Business Week from October 15 to 21, 2023, highlighting its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs.
- Small businesses represent 98 percent of all businesses in Ontario and employ over 2.4 million people.
- The government is investing in digital tools, training, and grant programs to modernize local enterprises.
- Events were held across the province, featuring educational workshops, networking, and access to public and private-sector resources.
- Ontario continues to expand the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) network to enable local-level business support services.
- Provincial leaders emphasized small business recovery post-pandemic and the importance of boosting competitiveness.
Background and Context
Since the 1980s, Canada has celebrated Small Business Week nationally each October, led by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). The week recognizes the contribution of small businesses to the economy and provides knowledge-sharing opportunities for entrepreneurs.
In Ontario, small businesses are critical to the province’s economic vitality. According to Statistics Canada and provincial economic reports, they account for almost 98 percent of all business establishments and nearly two-thirds of private sector jobs across Ontario’s urban and rural communities.
Following the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions in operations, a shift to e-commerce, and supply chain constraints, the province has scaled up support mechanisms for small business resilience and innovation. These include digital adoption initiatives, low-interest loan support, and regional entrepreneurship development hubs.
The New Development
To celebrate Small Business Week from October 15 to 21, 2023, the Government of Ontario announced a series of programs and partnerships aimed at giving small businesses continued support, access to tools, and guidance for growth.
Premier Doug Ford and Small Business Minister Nina Tangri highlighted ongoing investments through the regional Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs), improvements to Ontario’s Digital Main Street program, and supports tailored to local entrepreneurs seeking recovery and expansion opportunities.
To mark the occasion, the province hosted local and regional events, webinars, and seminars in coordination with chambers of commerce, municipalities, and the private sector. These engagements focused on topics such as digital transformation, financial literacy, marketing, and export readiness.
Expert and Industry Reaction
Business associations and local economic development offices expressed support for the province’s leadership during Small Business Week. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce noted that sustained focus on small businesses will help create jobs and stabilize the economy long-term.
Numerous stakeholders, including the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), praised the government for providing grants, training, and resources that directly target small enterprises. Industry experts also pointed out that giving business owners digital tools and access to market insights is key to global competitiveness.
According to Minister Nina Tangri, “Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of our communities and economy. This week, we reaffirm our commitment to helping them thrive.”
Alignment with Global Standards
Ontario’s support for its small business ecosystem aligns with international economic development standards, including frameworks supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the World Bank.
These global institutions advocate for building resilient and inclusive business environments, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have fair access to markets, financing, and training. Ontario’s approach mirrors these priorities, especially in digital adoption strategies and localized program delivery.
Impact on Stakeholders
For business owners and entrepreneurs, the investments and programs announced during Small Business Week provide practical benefits. These include grants to help digitize storefronts, mentorship opportunities, and access to market development resources.
For local communities, stronger small businesses mean higher employment, more robust local supply chains, and diversified growth. Over the long term, empowered entrepreneurs may boost exports, increase innovation output, and contribute to resilient regional economies.
Workforce development is also positively affected, as many small businesses invest in upskilling and training their teams with the help of government programs.
Official Guidance
- Ontario Government – Support for Small Businesses
- BDC – Small Business Week Resources
- Statistics Canada – Business and Employment Data
Conclusion
Ontario’s celebration of Small Business Week underscores the province’s ongoing dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the backbone of its economy.
The government has signalled that more support initiatives are in the pipeline through the end of 2023 and into 2024. Business owners are encouraged to stay informed about grant deadlines, training resources, and region-specific programming through the province’s online portals or via their nearest Small Business Enterprise Centre.
For continued preparedness and growth, small businesses are urged to explore digital readiness tools, diversify services, and connect with local government business support services.
Excerpt
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Ontario, Small Business Week, entrepreneurship, provincial funding, economic development, Digital Main Street, SBEC, small businesses, Minister Nina Tangri, grants, Ontario economy, local business support
About GovPrepare News Desk
GovPrepare News Desk is the official editorial team of GovPrepare.com, providing verified updates on government programs, policy, and emergency preparedness across North America. Each article is reviewed through automated and human quality checks to ensure accuracy and public trust.
