THUNDER BAY – Small business is the heart of the community, said Mayor Ken Boshcoff after proclaiming this week as Small Business Week 2024 at city hall on Monday.
“When you think about neighbourhood business and who supports all the charity and community initiatives, programs... it’s so significant to our community,” said Boshcoff.
“I think now we have a real contrast between the online shopper and the personal, human experience of dealing face to face with someone who may be your neighbour or sponsor your kid’s team,” added the mayor. “Those things are in essence how you strengthen a community.”
The week-long celebration kicked off with the mayor’s proclamation and features a series of events that provide learning, collaboration, and business development opportunities.
Events include the Pitch It workshop for entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business ideas on Tuesday at the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, a PARO-led webinar on the use of artificial intelliegence and automation on Wednesday and the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association networking event on Thursday at the Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel.
Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission chief executive officer Jamie Taylor said it’s a week of celebration, but also a chance to provide resources to anyone looking to start or grow a business.
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our community,” said Taylor. “Those are the people who are working the long hours, they’re buying the local products and they’re supporting our community and our growth.”
A full list of events can be found here.
