Chamber Network Highlights Importance of Small Business to Ontario Economy and Communities

(Toronto – October 21, 2019) Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) launched Small Business Too Big To Ignore, a campaign taking place October 21 to 25, 2019 for Small Business Week highlighting the important contributions of small businesses to communities across the province.  

“Small businesses of 100 or fewer employees are the core of our membership and employ nearly 3 million Ontarians, accounting for over two-thirds of all private sector workers. They are powerful economic drivers in local communities and across the province. That is why for Small Business Week, we’re identifying the challenges small business owners face and celebrating everything they give back to our province,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. 

The OCC’s report, Obstacles and Opportunities: The Importance of Small Business in Ontario, highlights the contributions of small businesses to the provincial economy, while also recognizing, and offering solutions to, the most pressing challenges that small business owners face.  

The report identifies the top three obstacles for small businesses in Ontario:  

1. Small businesses need access to talent. 

1. Small businesses need government investment in infrastructure; and 

1. Small businesses are concerned about the rising costs of doing business. 

“Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all Ontario businesses and 30 per cent of the provincial GDP. They are backbone – and heart – of our community,” said Rossi. “This week, we’re proud to engage with small businesses across Ontario to show them that we recognize the significant role they play in our province and to discuss how we can support them to ensure they are not ignored.” 

Resources: 

• For more information about Small Business Week: https://occ.ca/small-business-week/ 

• Small Business Week Report: Obstacles and Opportunities: The Importance of Small Business in Ontario 

For more information or to arrange an interview: 
Ceara Copps – Edwards
Senior Communications Advisor
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
647-936-6734
cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca