27 Ways Supporting Canadian Businesses Is Easier Than Ever

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Whether you’re sipping maple-infused cold brew, streaming a Halifax-based comedy show, or buying socks made from Saskatchewan alpaca wool, choosing local has never been easier or more fun. Here are 27 ways Canadians can now support homegrown talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship without breaking a sweat.

E-Commerce Platforms are Booming

E-commerce platforms are booming across Canada, making it easier than ever to support local businesses from the comfort of your own home. In 2023, Canadian e-commerce sales reached $84.4 billion, a sharp increase from $62.9 billion in 2020, according to Statistics Canada. Platforms like Shopify, based in Ottawa, empower over 1.7 million merchants globally, many of whom are Canadian entrepreneurs. Marketplaces such as Etsy Canada and Well.ca also provide curated spaces for small Canadian brands to thrive. Additionally, government initiatives such as Shop Local campaigns and digital adoption grants have further accelerated this shift.

Canada Post Delivers (Literally)

Canada Post has adopted small business shipping with the same enthusiasm as a goose migrates south. In 2023 alone, Canada Post processed over 361 million parcels, many of which were from homegrown sellers. Their flat-rate carbon-neutral shipping pilot programs make it an affordable and eco-conscious option. Plus, their Shop Small initiatives spotlight local entrepreneurs online. According to Statistics Canada, small businesses make up 98% of employer businesses, so every package shipped is a vote for Canadian innovation.

Made-in-Canada Product Labels Are Clearer

In recent years, Canada has revamped its “Made in Canada” labelling rules, making it easier for consumers to support local businesses. As of July 2023, updates from the Competition Bureau clarify that for a product to be labelled “Made in Canada,” at least 51% of production costs must be incurred in Canada, and the final substantial transformation must occur domestically. Labels must also be accurate and not misleading—a move praised by groups like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Social Media is a Maple-Scented Megaphone

Platforms like TikTok have catapulted small Canadian brands—like Peace Collective or Saje Wellness—into viral fame, often doubling their sales overnight. The federal government has even launched the “Shop Local” campaign, funded through the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), to boost the digital presence of SMEs. Online reviews, influencer partnerships, and local business tags amplify visibility and trust. In short, every like, share, and comment is a vote for Canada’s economy.

“Support Local” Campaigns Are Everywhere

“Support Local” campaigns have become a nationwide mantra in Canada, particularly since 2020. From #BuyCanadian hashtags to major initiatives like Shop Local by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), there’s a concerted effort to boost homegrown enterprises. The federal government committed over $33 million in 2021 to support local economies through promotional campaigns and e-commerce tools for small businesses. Platforms like Think Local First, Made in Canada Directory, and BuySmart.ThinkLocal.ca have made discovering Canadian brands as easy as clicking a maple leaf.

Farmers’ Markets Go Year-Round (and Online)

Gone are the days when farmers’ markets died out with the summer tomatoes. These markets support over 60,000 small-scale farmers and artisans, providing them with vital income while reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances. Also, the pandemic accelerated the shift online, with e-marketplaces ensuring continuity during lockdowns. Now, hybrid models are standard, giving Canadians the convenience of shopping local from home or in-person.

Local Loyalty Programs Are Getting Smarter

With AI-driven insights, businesses can now tailor incentives to individual preferences—whether it’s double points on rainy days or birthday discounts. Even municipal programs, such as Toronto’s ShowLoveTO and Vancouver’s Support Local BC, integrate loyalty features that enhance community ties. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reports that 78% of small business owners consider loyalty programs essential to customer retention. Simply put, the smarter these programs get, the easier it is to shop small, shop smart, and feel good doing it.

Ethically Sourced Means Locally Produced

Conscious consumerism is trending harder than TikTok dances. Canadians are increasingly asking, “Who made this, and where?” The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, along with programs like Buy BC and Aliments du Québec, also ensures traceability and adherence to ethical production standards. Plus, local producers are more accountable, often offering transparency in their sourcing and labor practices. So whether it’s Ontario-grown produce, Nova Scotia seafood, or Alberta leather goods, buying Canadian isn’t just patriotic—it’s practical, sustainable, and ethical.

Canadian Subscription Boxes Are a Thing

Want to try snacks from Nunavut or skincare from Nova Scotia? Subscription boxes like The Maple Box or The Northern Craft Box curate Canadian goodies and ship them to your door. In Canada, this trend is reflected in the success of companies like TrueLOCAL, a meat subscription service that reported a 193% year-over-year increase in new subscribers as of February 2025. Similarly, The Little Shop Box supports over 21 small Canadian businesses annually and donates 5% of its profits to community organizations. Other notable subscription services include The Local Mile Box, Acre75 Gathered, and Local Box Co., each dedicated to promoting Canadian artisans and small enterprises.​

Even Amazon Has Canadian Sellers

While Bezos may still reign supreme in the e-commerce galaxy, many Canadian businesses also sell on Amazon.ca. By checking the “Ships from Canada” box, you’re still putting your dollars to work locally—even if it arrives in a cardboard spaceship. This not only helps small businesses thrive but also creates jobs, fosters innovation, and provides consumers with more diverse and locally-sourced products. With the growth of online shopping, supporting Canadian businesses through platforms like Amazon has become more accessible, offering convenience without compromising the importance of buying local.

Digital Gift Cards Keep It Local

Buying a gift card used to mean a trip to the mall. Platforms like Shopify, Tango Card, and GiftUp! Enable Canadians to purchase and send gift cards instantly, promoting local brands in an environmentally friendly and convenient way. Additionally, when you purchase local digital gift cards, you’re supporting the economic benefits within your community. Studies show that spending locally generates more jobs and fosters a healthier local economy.

Canadian Influencers Are All In

Influencers from coast to coast (and even the Arctic Circle) are shining spotlights on Canadian brands. A prime example is the growing wave of lifestyle influencers who promote eco-friendly Canadian brands, such as Sappho New Paradigm and Frank and Oak, a Canadian fashion label. Through partnerships, influencers help local businesses reach a national, even global, audience. Not only do these collaborations boost visibility, but they also foster a sense of community, as consumers are drawn to supporting the brands endorsed by their favorite influencers.

Canadian Banks Offer Small Biz Perks

TD, RBC, and BMO have all launched initiatives to make life easier for small businesses. These government-backed initiatives provide loans up to $1 million, with the federal government guaranteeing 85% of the loan amount. Eligible expenses include equipment, leasehold improvements, and working capital. Also, over the past decade, more than 53,000 loans totaling $10 billion have been disbursed under this program.​ Additionally, lower interest rates, marketing support, and digital tools enable local shops to better compete with international behemoths.

Tech Is Leveling the Playing Field

From POS systems like Lightspeed (a Montreal-based company) to Canadian fintech innovations, small businesses are equipped with the same tools as their larger counterparts. Only with fewer corporate slogans and more local charm. Additionally, the rise of payment solutions like Interac and contactless payment methods ensures seamless transactions, boosting convenience for both customers and businesses. As a result, technology has leveled the playing field, offering Canadian businesses the opportunity to thrive in a competitive global market.

Local Directories Are Better Than Ever

Gone are the days of flipping through dusty phone books thicker than a hockey playbook—now, with just a few clicks, you can find everything from a Montreal bagel shop to a Toronto tech startup. According to a 2023 StatsCan report, 87% of Canadians prefer buying local when given the option. Why? It boosts the economy, reduces carbon footprints, and hey—your neighbour’s sourdough is probably better than some mystery loaf flown in from who-knows-where.

Online Farmer Co-ops Exist Now

Platforms like Open Food Network and Local Line let you order directly from Canadian farmers. Additionally, co-ops reinvest profits into their communities—think food literacy, sustainability, and the occasional tractor maintenance. A study from the Canadian Co-operative Association shows that co-op businesses are more resilient in economic downturns—unlike your kale in January. So next time you shop, skip the mystery lettuce from Who-Knows-Where and opt for something grown with love.

Canadian Crowdfunding Sites Are Growing

Canadian crowdfunding sites are sprouting faster than dandelions in spring, and honestly, it’s about time. Platforms like FrontFundr, Kickstarter Canada, and GoFundMe are providing maple-loving entrepreneurs with a way to raise capital without having to ask their aunts for the millionth time. According to the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA), Canada’s crowdfunding market has seen consistent growth, with over $300 million raised annually across platforms. FrontFundr alone has helped fund more than 100 Canadian startups, turning good ideas into great businesses.

Canadian Brands Are Cooler Than Ever

From Roots and Herschel to indie labels like Kotn and Frankie Collective, Canadian fashion is making a strong statement. According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), 97.9% of Canadian companies are small businesses, and supporting them keeps the economy thriving. Bonus: you’re backing ethical practices and sustainability, because many Canuck brands are all about eco-friendly vibes (looking at you, Tentree and Kotn). And, with platforms like Shopify (also Canadian, by the way), it’s never been easier to discover and support homegrown greatness.

Government Grants Fuel Small Biz Growth

Good news, entrepreneurs! If you’re running a Canadian small biz, the government wants to throw money at you. With over $30 billion in funding available annually, grants like the Canada Job Grant, IRAP, and CanExport are making it easier than ever to innovate, hire, and go global—without emptying your coffee-stained wallet. More than 80% of small businesses that apply receive some form of government support. Even better, these grants often don’t require repayment.

Curbside Pickup is Here to Stay

Supporting Canadian businesses has never been easier: order online, drive up, pop the trunk, and voilà—your goods are delivered faster than a Timbit van at hockey practice. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 40% of retailers offered curbside pickup in 2021, up from just 6% pre-2020. It’s eco-friendlier than shipping, and let’s face it, avoiding lineups in -20°C is peak Canadian efficiency. From local bookstores to indie cheese shops, curbside keeps loonies in the local economy, fueling jobs and community spirit.

Pop-up Shops Are Popping Off

These temporary retail spaces are providing Canadian businesses, especially small and independent brands, a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to showcase their products without the soul-crushing rent of a permanent storefront. According to a 2023 report by Retail Council of Canada, 62% of shoppers say they’re more likely to buy from a local business they discover in a pop-up. Even big malls like Toronto’s Eaton Centre are jumping on the bandwagon, offering flexible leases to local makers.

Local Breweries Are Everywhere

Canada boasts over 1,200 craft breweries, and most of them are brewing up some seriously tasty patriotism in a pint. From coast to coast (yes, even Nunavut has one!), these small businesses are the heart of community hangouts and experimental hops. Drinking local means your beer didn’t fly halfway around the world—it just took a short drive in a Subaru. Plus, you’re supporting over 20,000 Canadian jobs and contributing to the $15 billion beer economy (cheers to that!). Need another reason? Many breweries use locally sourced grains and support regional farmers.

Virtual Events & Craft Fairs

Since 2020, virtual markets have experienced significant growth in Canada, with platforms like Shopify reporting a 94% increase in online sales for local merchants (StatsCan supports this claim). You’re not just buying stuff; you’re fuelling hometown dreams and dodging mass-produced blah. From Nova Scotia soap makers to BC woodworkers, virtual fairs bring coast-to-coast creativity to your screen. Plus, you skip the long drive, crowded aisles, and the heartbreak of “Sorry, we only take cash.”

Thrift and Vintage Stores Are Online Now

Thrift and vintage stores have officially entered the 21st century—yep, grandma’s sequin blazer is just a click away. Thanks to platforms like Depop, Poshmark Canada, and Etsy, supporting Canadian businesses is now as easy as scrolling through your feed on your couch (but guilt-free). According to ThredUp’s 2023 resale report, secondhand fashion is growing three times faster than traditional retail, and Canada is catching the wave with local gems like Common Sort (Toronto) and Mintage Mall (Vancouver) selling online. Not only are you supporting small Canadian shops, but you’re also reducing textile waste—Canada discards nearly 500 million kilograms of clothing per year.

Canadian Food Delivery is on the Rise

Food delivery in Canada is skyrocketing—so much so that your couch might start feeling a bit neglected. In 2024, the market reached a value of $14.59 billion and is projected to grow to $19.78 billion by 2028. That’s a lot of poutine and butter tarts on the move.​ This surge isn’t just about convenience (though who wants to cook?). It’s also a lifeline for local businesses. Platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash connect Canadian entrepreneurs with customers nationwide, boosting visibility and sales. Additionally, many services are promoting sustainable practices, ranging from eco-friendly packaging to supporting local sourcing.​

Canadian Podcasts and Content Creators Rock

Supporting Canadian businesses has never been easier, thanks to a growing army of Canadian podcasts and content creators who are promoting local gems. Whether you’re into tech, food, fashion, or obscure trivia, there’s a Canadian creator out there turning their niche into your subsequent favorite discovery. Podcasts like The Canadaland dive deep into politics, while The Foodie gives you mouth-watering reviews of local eats. So, why not give those local heroes a listen?

Word of Mouth Still Reigns Supreme

Good ol’ fashioned recommendations still work. ​Word of mouth is the unsung hero of supporting Canadian business, like that friend who always knows the best local spots and never steers you wrong. A staggering 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over any other form of advertising. Supporting Canadian businesses is now easier than ever. Platforms like the ‘Made in Canada’ directory have seen a surge in traffic, especially after recent U.S. tariff threats, with over 100,000 visitors in a single day.

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