Small businesses in British Columbia have given so much to our community for so long.
They are truly the cornerstone of B.C. communities.
But for the most part, it goes unnoticed.
Did you know that 98 percent of all businesses in B.C. are small businesses and 83 percent have fewer than five employees? That's what small businesses do best: Employ our friends, relatives, neighbours, children, parents and even grandparents.
Small businesses in British Columbia account for 56 percent of all private sector employment and they hire more than 60 percent of all new employees. Independent businesses are the most likely to try to hold onto their staff in slow economic times.
Small-business owners are the first to forgo a paycheque themselves at the end of the month in order to first pay their No. 1 resource and asset, their loyal employees.
In addition to the economic and employment benefits they provide, small-business owners lead the way when it comes to giving back to the communities in which we live, work and play.
A recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows a staggering 96 percent of small businesses give back through cash donations to non-profits, donations of in-kind goods and services, and even donations of their own time by volunteering for local non-profit groups.
The next time you see a sports field full of children, remember that their uniforms were most likely donated in whole or in part by a small British Columbia business owner.
The coach is also more than likely a small-business owner, or works for one. CFIB found that 22 percent of small-business owners are also likely to be donating their employees' work time back to the community in one form or another.
Many small-business owners work more than 60 hours a week and spend their nights and weekends doing government paperwork and remittances to keep their businesses going. We often don't think about this time commitment or the risk they take when they finance their small business with a mortgage against their home.
After the recent bustling holiday season, many small businesses in British Columbia are struggling. If you are lured by flashy advertising, bright lights and big parking lots, take a moment to think of our local small-business owner and what they do for us. Give back to our small-business community by supporting them through the purchase of at least one item this winter season. Small businesses are truly B.C.'s economic engine and they will be the first to lead us out of this economic downturn.
During these troubling economic times, let's support the backbone of our community. Nothing could mean more to a small British Columbia business than to know you made a special effort to buy local.
Your gift to them could be a dinner or lunch out with a friend or family member at a local restaurant or cafe. Purchase a service, or maybe a gift for your uncle, neighbour or favourite pet. It could be that you need something for the house, the yard or in the kitchen. Buy a book, a cake or a new pair of pants or shoes.
Let's help small businesses survive so they stay afloat and continue to give, donate, volunteer and hire our citizens.
(Bonney is the CFIB's director of provincial affairs in B.C.)
