Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) estimates potential permanent closures of up to 222,000 small and medium-sized businesses, depending on how the situation evolves. That’s 21 percent of all Canadian businesses. The corresponding job losses would range between 962,000 and 2,951,000 Canadian workers.
While most of us are struggling financially right now, it is extremely important to support local small businesses whenever we can. Not only is it stimulating our economy, helping each other is simply the Canadian thing to do. Over the last few months, I have been trying to be more conscious of where I am spending my money. Although it’s not always possible for me to support local because—lets face it—shopping at Walmart or Dollarama is often less expensive and more convenient.
So, to support local business, I have compiled a list of small and medium-sized businesses that I have personally patronized and feel that the price, quality, and customer service deserve a shoutout.
Meat & Bread
“It’s simple. We make sandwiches.”
Meat & Bread is located on 1st Street SW. They also have several locations in Vancouver. Their menu is small—featuring only six sandwiches, a feature soup, and a feature salad—but they are so good at what they do. Sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go. The sandwiches from Meat & Bread are hearty, full of flavour, and you walk away feeling like you got your money’s worth.
Escape 60
“Escape60 YYC Calgary’s highest rated escape room experience. We offer a professional atmosphere & licensed lounge with wet bar our specialty is hosting corporate team building activities & fun occasions for any guests. We believe that we are a true ‘disruptor company’ having changed the escape room/experience industry by bringing innovative approaches, enabled by technology, movie set designs/quality, enhanced social atmosphere that has made us the leader in delivering the best line of products & experiences.”
Escape 60 is an escape room owned by two brothers, located on 10th Ave SW. As someone who visits escape rooms frequently, Escape 60 was one of the best experiences I have had in Calgary. They have an array of themed escape rooms, including The Office, Mean Girls, Jurassic World, Breaking Bad, and Harry Potter. The rooms are clean and well maintained, the puzzles are challenging, and the owners are extremely personable. There is also a lounge area with delicious cocktails that match the themes of the rooms. So fun!
Poached YYC
“The classic breakfast is going through a revolution!!! Cliché it may be but breakfast is the most important meal of the day which is why we bring you Poachedyyc. Established for the Urban Dweller. Established for the Lazy Dad. Established to Start Your Day off Right.”
Poachedyyc is an amazing little breakfast spot. The baby blue walls and quiet atmosphere are welcoming and calming. The service is quick, and although the food menu is on the smaller side, everything is delicious. They also partner with a local coffee roaster, Paradise Mountain, to provide quality coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and other speciality drinks.
I recognize that these are all based in Calgary (where I live), so if these aren’t local to you, I hope this article can encourage you to research the small businesses and services available in your hometown. Let’s work together to stimulate the economy, practice environmental responsibility, and support our communities.
