This week, Northumberland County and the Prosper In Northumberland collaboration are celebrating the power of local business during Small Business Week. Small Business Week – observed across Canada from October 19 to 25, 2025 – is a week to celebrate entrepreneurship and to recognize how local businesses strengthen our communities.
Earlier this year, Prosper In Northumberland conducted surveys of residents and local business owners as part of a community-wide Northumberland Buy Local campaign. The purpose was to gather insights about how the community can better support local businesses, and to encourage community members to redirect spending to businesses right here in Northumberland.
The surveys, completed by over 350 Northumberland business owners and residents, revealed a strong community desire to support local businesses and a shared understanding of the challenges local businesses face.
Key survey findings
Some key findings from the surveys highlighted that:
· 71% of surveyed businesses have up to 10 employees, confirming the importance of small businesses to Northumberland County’s economy.
· 66% of surveyed businesses have operated for over a decade, showing their deep roots in our community.
· 68% of surveyed businesses anticipate rising costs in 2025.
· 66% of surveyed residents prioritize locally-owned businesses – demonstrating our community’s commitment to supporting local.
· The top influence on local consumers’ decisions about where to shop were most often driven by tight-knit community connections through word-of mouth (91%).
The findings from these surveys have been shared with the local business network via Chambers of Commerce to help inform how they can continue to meet the evolving needs of local consumers. Prosper
In Northumberland will be using these insights to help guide future supports and highlight opportunities for residents, businesses, and community partners to work together in strengthening Northumberland’s economy.
How you can support Small Business Week
By understanding what challenges local businesses face, we can better support local businesses and strengthen Northumberland as a whole.
Community members are encouraged to show their local love during Small Business Week by joining the Northumberland Buy Local movement.
Sign the online Buy Local pledge to commit to redirecting anywhere from $10 to $100 of your average monthly spending to local businesses, right here in Northumberland. All you have to do is sign the online pledge to express your commitment. Then, next time you shop, make sure to visit your favourite Northumberland store, restaurant or business, rather than seeking out products or services from a business located outside of Northumberland.
Already do most of your spending in Northumberland?
You can also sign the pledge to reaffirm your commitment to shopping local.
Take the Buy Local pledge today by visiting BuyNorthumberland.ca
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community,” states Rob Day, County Manager of Economic Development and Co-Chair of the Prosper in Northumberland Operating Group. “They don’t just keep our local economy running – they also shape the character of our community, enhance the vitality of our downtowns, provide local jobs to our neighbours, friends and family, and support our local community programs. These businesses may be small, but they are mighty. Small Business Week is a time to celebrate all they do for our community and give back by supporting them in turn.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
