      Small business is an important part of the social and economic fabric of our community.
           Canora has always reaped the benefits of being an urban centre surrounded by a thriving agriculture industry. More recently, development at nearby resorts has strengthened Canora’s status as a hub of retail, recreational, educational and health care activity. It is ultimately our ever-developing small business sector, however, that helps drive the local economy.
           Small business owners have the ability to persevere and the flexibility to adapt when needed and this is more than evident in the opening of a new coffee franchise on Main Street and the construction of a new gas bar and convenience store on Norway road.
           Small business development happens on different levels and while some is not always noticeable right away, all of it benefits the district and our residents. Canora boasts a strong, but often overlooked, home-based business sector. Many successful enterprises start at home and eventually expand to bigger and brighter futures. New home occupations in Canora this past year have included a wedding rental business, auto repair service and a photo-and-framing business.
           A dedicated small business core provides goods and services and, in turn, provides spin-off advantages such as attracting visitors to the community and providing employment to those already here. The sale and continued operation of two long-time downtown businesses, a grocery store and restaurant, are perfect examples of this.
           For those wanting to test the small business waters, a second successful season of farmers’ markets at the visitors’ centre provided a venue for many people wanting to showcase their goods.
           This year, many businesses in Canora chose to invest back into the community, enhancing their storefronts or upgrading their facilities. These types of changes and small businesses may seem insignificant when looked at individually, but combined provide the economic drive to keep the community going.
           The Town of Canora supports business in several ways and Community Development Officer Jo-Anne Sigurdson provides support and resources to small businesses that are looking to get off the ground or expand existing services.
           Canora’s small business community deserves credit for taking the initiative and helping to make our town a progressive place to live and play.
