Across Canada, Small Business Week is underway, October 17-23. It is a time to celebrate entrepreneurship and recognize small and medium-sized businesses and the sacrifices they have made over the last 18 months and the value they bring to communities and people alike. 

Small businesses are the heart of communities everywhere and have been enormously affected by the pandemic. The Governments of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Canada have partnered on a number of funding initiatives for small and medium businesses. 

This year, Small Business Week has even more significance. Many businesses have pivoted and adapted to the challenges of the pandemic; some keeping their core business afloat, and others expanding into new areas that have opened up other opportunities. 

Small Business Week in the NWT offers lots of activities and options for businesses to participate in, like the Business Development Investment Corporation (BDIC) and their 10 online business training sessions, or the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce (YKCC) and their daily online business sessions.

Wherever you live, get out in your community – wearing your mask and observing all of the safety protocols of course – and show your support of the businesses that continue to serve you and your families. Shop and spend local! 

Related: Read the Prime Minister’s address on Small Business Week across Canada

Businesses check out these activities happening across the territory:

North Slave region 867-767-9212

• Week-long Women in Business workshop for the Akaitcho Business Development Corporation (ABDC) 

Sahtu region 867-587-7171

• Economic Development Officers will be hosting Open Houses in the communities over Small Business Week. They will be marketing ITI’s programs and emphasizing community projects. 
• In collaboration with ECE, the following series of workshops are happening in the Sahtu over the coming months 

Dehcho region 867-695-7500

• Email blast for online supports available to businesses
• Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce AGM – October 20 – POSTPONED 
  • rebuilding and revitalizing the chamber, rebuilding the business community and its purpose 
• Business Week Popup – October 21 – POSTPONED 
  • meet and greet with funding partners within the GNWT and other supports
  • BDIC online platform and the supports available there

Beaufort Delta region 867-777-7196

• Buy Local campaigns in Fort McPherson, Aklavik and Inuvik
• #ShopInuvik passport campaign – October 15-31