Small businesses are acknowledged this week for their contribution to community growth, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to lean on each other during tough times.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) selects a different theme each year for Small Business Week. This year, the theme is one of sustainability, inclusion and innovation for business growth.

Michelle Bezditny is the Executive Director for the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce. She says the BDC has chosen a timely theme.

“They recognize that, as the economy roars back to life, it’s become clear that the past 18 months has fast forwarded long-term disruption,” she says. “From a growing labour shortage and the rise of remote work, the expansion of digital business and increasingly frequent climate events, Canadian entrepreneurs will need to focus on innovation, inclusion and sustainability to maintain their growth amidst these changes.”