The importance of small business

In Maple Creek, we are exceptionally lucky to be served by a diverse business sector. Rarely do we have to travel far from home to find what we need. There's a root cause for this convenience – we support our local businesses.

Without us, the customer, local businesses would not be able to grow and expand. Supporting our local businesses is critical to our region's ability to thrive and grow in the future. Spending our money at home ensures jobs are sustained and created for our children, our parents and ourselves. With the rising cost of fuel, it simply doesn't pay to travel elsewhere for items which can be bought or ordered in town.

Every business makes a gamble when they choose to set up shop. Every purchase, every new investment is a guess, but an educated one made from knowing their customer base inside-out. Shopping in a small town provides unique advantages over shopping in a larger centre. It allows for communication between the buyer and seller. Personal service isn't just an added bonus, it is integral to ensuring the elements of capitalism–supply and demand–continue to exist in our daily interactions and subsequent transactions. While economic uncertainty dominates newspaper headlines the world over, we can have a big effect on our small businesses by continuing to support the entrepreneurial spirit right here at home where it matters the most.


Sheri Monk Editor, Maple Creek News-Times
Republished with permission