More much more than a celebration, Small Business Week (SBW) is recognition, much deserved exposure and the power and value of connection.
The facts and figures, the importance and the tremendous value of small business are sometimes overlooked – but undisputable. Small businesses are critically important to the Canadian and Edmonton economy, providing the majority of private-sector jobs, contributing significantly to GDP and driving Edmonton’s economic activity and community vibrancy.
“Small businesses aren’t just the backbone of our economy, they are the heartbeat of Edmonton,” says Laura Kinghorn, the Edmonton Chamber’s vice president of community relations and partnerships. “They take risks, spark innovation and give our city its character. From your favourite coffee shop to the startup tackling tomorrow’s problems, small businesses bring Edmonton to life.”
It’s why October 20-24, 2025, will be exciting and special in Edmonton.
“Small businesses make up over 98 per cent of all businesses and employ millions of people in Edmonton and across the country,” explains Craig Segal, a spokesman for BDC, which created Small Business Week 46 years ago. “In Edmonton and other areas in Canada, SBW is more than a celebration. It’s about connection and bringing entrepreneurs together to learn from each other, share ideas and get ready for what’s next. As Canada goes through major changes, it is an event to help businesses stay informed and inspired. It’s also a great time for the community to support local businesses. Entrepreneurs today are navigating major changes. Global trade is shifting, AI is evolving rapidly and many businesses are undergoing ownership transitions. These changes bring opportunities, but also real challenges.”
He adds that many small businesses are realizing how vulnerable they are to external shocks, whether it’s supply chain disruptions, market volatility or economic uncertainty. That’s why diversification—of markets, supply chains and revenue streams—is becoming more important than ever.
There’s a cautionary consensus that while small business is important, it may not always be easy.
“Edmonton’s entrepreneurs are resilient, but they face big challenges such as attracting and keeping talent, cutting through red tape, securing capital and keeping pace with rapid tech change,” Kinghorn notes. “What they want and need is simple. The best conditions to do business: clear rules, smart policies and the right tools to grow with confidence.”
Two of the many Edmonton small business entrepreneurs vouch for the importance and opportunity that is Small Business Week.
Mike McCormick is the president and co-owner of Word Floorcoverings, the respected and innovative leader in the Edmonton flooring industry. It’s a small business with sales and service expertise in all areas of local flooring and design.
“Small businesses drive innovation, create local jobs and reinvest directly into our communities in ways that larger organizations often can’t. In many ways, they set the tone for Edmonton’s culture of resilience, creativity and community spirit,” the McCormick says. “There’s no denying that small business owners also face some significant challenges, such as the rising costs of doing business, navigating labour shortages and remaining competitive in a market where consumer expectations are higher than ever.
“Access to capital, adapting to new technology and managing economic uncertainty are also real hurdles. Yet, despite these pressures, Edmonton’s small business community continues to demonstrate adaptability and a determination to succeed.”
While World Floorcoverings readies for SBW, McCormick underscores that it will be a vital opportunity to pause and celebrate the entrepreneurs who keep Edmonton thriving.
“It creates space for connection, learning and recognition – three things every small business owner needs but rarely takes time for.”
He enthusiastically emphasizes the value of building relationships, sharing best practices and leaving inspired by the successes and perseverance of others.
Percy Wiredu is a dynamic entrepreneur and owner of Edmonton’s El Corazón, the popular Latin American restaurant with a tremendous local following for creative dishes and its modern spin on Latin-American plates.
“While Edmonton is known for being in oil country, we are a city that services over a million people, with a population set to grow to above 2 million in the coming years,” Wiredu says.
“Small businesses directly impact the culture of the city. Locally owned and operated businesses not only provide jobs, they also provide a more dynamic and organic offering to people,” he points out. “They not only generate revenue for the city, they contribute new goods and services that give the city more character, personality and influence Edmonton’s attractiveness.
“Small business is critically important for the city. Money spent at small businesses stays in the local economy, helping the local community while helping retain the amazing talent that Edmonton has to offer.”
Kinghorn adds that SBW showcases the entrepreneurs who make Edmonton strong, forward focused and collaborative.
“Every workshop, panel and networking event is designed to celebrate achievements, share strategies you can use right away and connect business owners to the people and resources that fuel growth.”
SBW offers entrepreneurs a chance to pause, connect and reflect. With so much change happening, it also helps business owners stay sharp and ready to adapt.
It’s also a celebration of the resilience and creativity of Canadian entrepreneurs— and a reminder of everything they do to keep our communities and economy strong.
“While efficiently running a business is challenging, hard work and can often be all-consuming,” Kinghorn says, “having a moment like SBW to step back, share ideas and learn from peers really matters.”
SWB will be days of inspiration, practical tools and connections that open doors with expert insights, practical strategies and actionable tools designed specifically for small business challenges and opportunities. It’s a chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts and business leaders who understand the journey.
Each day focuses on critical areas that matter most to Edmonton small businesses. Marketing strategies. Navigating the protocols of dealing with government. Practical tech solutions that save time and money. The customer experience. Human resources and building strong teams.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Servus Credit Union as presenting sponsor. Some of the highlights include a Servus-led panel on fraud prevention; a government and business leaders panel; workshops on branding, innovation and operational excellence and an open house at the World Trade Centre. But it’s also about important recognition,” Kinghorn notes. “When small business owners see themselves celebrated as part of a larger community, it gives confidence to take that next step. When they succeed, the whole city prospers.”
The Edmonton Chamber’s small business focus is a bold dynamic.
“Small businesses aren’t just part of Edmonton’s economy—they ARE Edmonton’s economy. From the corner café that knows your name to the tech startup solving tomorrow’s problems, small businesses create the character and community that makes our city home.”
Learn more about SBW on the Edmonton Chamber’s website.
