Small Business Week 2025 in Canada

Small Business Week 2025 graphic with shops and cafes, text reads: Small Business Week – All you need to know, October 19–24.

October is here, which means Small Business Week 2025 is right around the corner! Running from October 19–24, this week is all about celebrating and empowering entrepreneurs across Canada.

But what exactly is it, and how can you get involved? Let’s dive in.

Small Business Week History

Did you know? Small Business Week started back in 1979 in British Columbia and grew into a nationwide celebration led by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Today, it’s a chance to shine a spotlight on the creativity, resilience, and impact of small businesses in our communities.

Why It Matters

Small businesses make up more than 98% of all businesses in Canada. This week is a chance to:

Gain new knowledge and skills.
Connect with other entrepreneurs.
Showcase your business to new audiences.
Access resources designed to help you grow.

How Entrepreneurs Can Celebrate

1. Attend Learning & Networking Events

Check out what’s happening in your community:

Municipal Economic Development Offices – often host free training opportunities and networking. (check your municipality for information)
Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) – provide hands-on workshops and one-on-one advisory services. Find your nearest SBEC
Chambers of Commerce – run networking mixers and speaker panels. Find your nearest Chamber of Commerce.
BDC – offers national webinars and resources during the week.
Futurpreneur Canada – mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs.
Digital Main Streethttps://digitalmainstreet.ca/events/ – support for small businesses adopting e-commerce and digital tools.
Innovation hubs/incubators – pitch nights, open houses, and startup resources.

💡 Pro tip: Many of these events are hybrid or virtual, so you can join no matter where you are in Ontario.

Promote Your Business During Small Business Week

Use the spotlight to your advantage:

Tell your story: Post about why you started your business, your journey so far, or the impact you’ve had in your community.
Use the official campaign hashtags like #SmallBusinessWeek, #SBW2025, or region-specific ones from your local Chamber or Economic Development Office.
Run a special campaign: Offer a discount, launch a bundle, or collaborate with a nearby small business for a giveaway.
Collaborate with other businesses for giveaways or cross-promotions.
Engage your customers: Ask them to share a photo or testimonial using your product/service and tag your business during SBW.

This week gives you a reason to shine—don’t miss the chance to boost visibility.

Tap Into Available Resources

Small Business Week often comes with special tools and supports, such as:

Free BDC toolkits and guides.
Mentorship opportunities through SBECs, Chambers, or Futurpreneur.
Marketing and strategy webinars to strengthen your business plan.

Small Business Week is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to learn, grow, and showcase what makes your business unique. By taking advantage of the events, resources, and promotional opportunities available, you can make this October a turning point for your entrepreneurial journey.

🚀 Mark your calendars for October 19–24, 2025 and get ready to celebrate small business in Ontario and across Canada!

Looking to take the next step with your small business? We offer the following services: