Downtown Stratford BIA Members, we’d like to share with you this fabulous “Shop Main Street Canada” toolkit produced by our governing body, the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association. We have adopted the above logo on our socials and website. Feel free to join us! You’ll find all you need in the links below.
Downtown Stratford BIA has also sent this news release out to local media.
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| OBIAA Launches National Movement to Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) is proud to announce the launch of a nationwide campaign: Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local. This movement urges Canadians to embrace a local-first mindset, recognizing the essential role Main Street businesses play in driving economic prosperity, job creation, and vibrant communities. OBIAA believes that thriving Main Streets are the backbone of strong, resilient towns and cities. Every dollar spent at a local business fuels job creation, sustains entrepreneurs, and enhances the unique character of our communities. As businesses navigate ongoing economic challenges, investing in locally-owned and Canadian-made products is an investment in the future of our neighbourhoods. Why Support Local? 1. Employment and Economic Contribution: • Employment: As of 2022, small businesses employed approximately 5.7 million individuals, accounting for 46.8% of the total private labour force in Canada. ised-isde.canada.ca • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): In 2020, SMEs contributed nearly half of the private sector GDP, with small businesses alone accounting for 35.1%. ised-isde.canada.ca 2. Community Reinvestment and Local Support: • Local Economic Retention: Purchases from small Canadian retail businesses have a substantial local impact, with 66 cents of every dollar spent staying within the local provincial economy. In contrast, multinational corporations with physical Canadian locations recirculate only 11 cents per dollar into local economies, and a mere 8 cents remains local when Canadians shop with online giants. cfib-fcei.ca • Community Engagement: A significant majority (97%) of small independent retailers actively contribute to their local communities, engaging in various forms of support and participation. cfib-fcei.ca 3. Job Creation and Economic Resilience: • Job Creation: Between 2021 and 2022, small businesses were instrumental in job creation, contributing to 41.1% of the net employment change in the private sector, which saw an increase of approximately 802,550 jobs during that period. ised-isde.canada.ca • Economic Resilience: The significant role of small businesses in employment and GDP underscores their importance in fostering economic resilience across Canada. Their ability to adapt and sustain operations contributes to the stability and growth of the national economy. “This campaign is more than just a call to shop locally—it’s about making a conscious choice to strengthen our communities,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, OBIAA. “By supporting Main Street businesses, we ensure that they continue to thrive and that our local economies remain vibrant for generations to come.” To empower BIAs, businesses, and organizations in spreading this movement, OBIAA has developed a comprehensive Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local Toolkit. This includes campaign logos, social media assets, marketing materials, and guidelines designed to help stakeholders effectively engage their communities. How You Can Get Involved • Use OBIAA’s Shop Main Street Canada Support Local Toolkit to promote the campaign in your area. • Choose to shop at local businesses and support Canadian-made products. OBIAA remains committed to advocating for the success of Main Street businesses and fostering a strong local-first mindset. Join the movement. Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local and invest in Canadian Businesses. |
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| ABOUT: Shop Main Street Canada is a national initiative that unites Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and local businesses and organizations to encourage shopping locally. The logo is designed to be adaptable, allowing BIAs and community organizations to place their logos at the centre while maintaining a consistent national brand identity. What you will find in this TOOLKIT: Primary Logo (For Organization Use) • How to use and customize the Logo • Sample Logos • Sample Logo Uses • Sample Social Media Posts • Sample Website Banners • Sample Email Signatures • Sample Stickers • Sample Posters Secondary Logo (For Personal Use) • How to use and customize the Logo A note about the Logo. It is structured a a circular emblem with “SHOP MAIN STREET CANADA” at the top and “SUPPORT LOCAL” at the bottom, featuring a red maple leaf accent. The centre is intentionally left blank for BIAs, Businesses and organizations to insert your logos. INFORMATION ALSO ON OBIAA’S WEBSITE |
