Celebrating Small Business Month: Growing Local Economies, Together

Every October, Canada celebrates Small Business Month—a time to honour the entrepreneurs, farmers, and food producers who keep our communities thriving. Small businesses make up more than 98% of all employer businesses in Canada, serving as the backbone of our economy and the heartbeat of local communities.

At the Fair Finance Fund, we know firsthand how vital small food and farm enterprises are to Ontario’s local food system. These businesses create meaningful jobs, strengthen regional food security, and lead the way in sustainable production and climate-smart innovation. Yet, they are often overlooked by traditional lenders—despite their enormous social and environmental impact.

Since 2019, the Fair Finance Fund has provided over 75 loans, investing millions in Ontario’s food and farm enterprises. Together, our loan clients have in turn generated millions in local economic activity, supported hundreds of jobs, and built stronger, more resilient communities.

The Impact of Local Food Enterprises

Across Ontario, we see small business impact every day:

• Farmers regenerating soil, protecting pollinators, and reducing emissions through sustainable practices.

• Food processors and co-ops creating living-wage jobs and expanding local supply chains.

• Retailers and distributors making it easier for communities to access fresh, local, and culturally appropriate food.

These are not just business owners—they’re community builders and environmental stewards. When they succeed, the benefits ripple outward, supporting everyone from farmers’ market vendors to restaurant owners to families seeking local food options.

Why Small Business Month Matters

1. Strengthening Local Economies
Every dollar spent at a small business multiplies in impact—circulating locally, creating jobs, and supporting other enterprises in the community. Fair Finance Fund clients alone have reported significant increases in local procurement, ensuring that their growth also benefits nearby farmers, suppliers, and service providers.

2. Building Resilient Food Systems
From Northern Ontario to the Golden Horseshoe, small-scale entrepreneurs are driving innovation in sustainable agriculture. Many of our clients are transitioning to renewable energy, adopting waste reduction practices, or expanding their operations to include education and community outreach.

3. Supporting Equity and Inclusion
We’re proud to back food and farm businesses led by women, newcomers, and racialized entrepreneurs, who face disproportionate barriers to accessing traditional finance. Through inclusive lending and mentorship, we’re helping bridge those gaps and build a fairer food economy.

How You Can Support Small Businesses

This Small Business Month, there are many ways to celebrate and support the enterprises that nourish Ontario’s communities:

• Shop and eat local: Every purchase supports a neighbour, not a corporation.

• Share their stories: Amplify the voices of local producers and food makers in your community.

• Invest in community capital: Consider investing through the Fair Finance Fund to help small food and farm businesses grow sustainably.

At the Fair Finance Fund, we believe that strong local businesses create strong local communities. This Small Business Month, let’s celebrate the entrepreneurs who are feeding Ontario’s future—one field, one kitchen, and one community at a time.