A salute to small business this week and every week

This week, October 17 to the 23 is Small Business Week. The special week of recognition has been going on since 1979 in which Canadian entrepreneurs and small businesses are celebrated nationwide.

Small business makes up 98% of all businesses in the province of Alberta. They are a vital part of the economy which provides nearly half of all the private sector employment and generates billions of dollars every year.

In and around Cochrane, you do not have to go far to find unique and passionate entrepreneurs and small business owners who provide the backbone for the economy.

There is no doubt that the past 19 months have been incredibly hard on small businesses as they have maneuvered the choppy waters of the pandemic economy. However, one of the most important attributes of a small business owner is to be able to adapt to constantly changing conditions. It takes hard work, long hours, and a lot of blood sweat, and tears to be a small business owner at the best of times let alone during a global pandemic.

While patrons are encouraged to support small businesses as much as possible, year-round, Small Business Week is set aside to spotlight the small businesses that communities rely upon. 

The Cochrane Now Online Auction is a great way to discover and support local businesses.

One of the businesses featured on the online auction is, The Bav The Tav at the Barvarian Inn located in Bragg Creek. Owner Charlie Holschuh describes his long-time establishment as a destination dining location where people will drive specifically to enjoy alpine and rocky mountain cuisine in a unique atmosphere. It is a business that supports local as Charlie says, “Everything is basically locally sourced and in-house made.”

Another business featured on the Cochrane Now Online Auction is Four Cubs which is a brand-new children’s boutique that is just two weeks old.

Co-owner Jocelyn Kimmett says that things have been going very well thus far, “We’re really lucky to have opened a business in this town (Cochrane) specifically because people are super supportive of small businesses here.”

One of the best things about local small businesses is how they give back to the community. They are also very good at supporting one another and Kimmett says, “We do a lot of local brands as well, so we have a local clothing line in town, baby items, some plates, hats. So, we’re trying to support other local entrepreneurs.

There is an opportunity to support many local businesses in and around Cochrane by checking out the Cochrane Now Online Auction which will run until Wednesday, October 27.