SHOP. EAT. GIVE. CELEBRATE LOCAL. 

Sydney, N.S. - The Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce is encouraging our community to Step Up For Local with their new campaign, designed to empower the community to shop local and support businesses after the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Step Up For Local campaign will be promoted throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and with hope that the campaign will have long-lasting significance, there is no end date at this time.

“Small, local businesses shape our community and are the backbone of our local economy. We are launching the Step Up For Local campaign because when we step up for local with our hearts, our words, and our wallets, we all win,” says Kathleen Yurchesyn, CEO of the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Now, more than ever, the Chamber is working hard to increase community awareness about the importance of supporting local. Stepping up for local is a mindset. By giving back and putting money into the local economy, it supports businesses who are all fighting to recover from the effects of the pandemic and thrive into the future. Together, we can come back stronger than before.”

When you support local, it has an impact. Not only do small businesses add character, texture, and personality to our communities, but they are also more eager to reflect their communities’ values, needs, and feedback than are bigger chain brands. In addition to this, 45 cents of every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays in the local economy, versus 14 cents spent at larger chains.

Community members will be able to identify participating businesses by Step Up For Local posters and decals in business windows, as well as signage inside the business as well. For more information about how you can Step Up For Local or get a decal or poster, please visit (link them to our website).

If you’re a business who wants to show your shop-local-pride, contact Megan at [email protected], or phone 902-564-6453.

Shop. Eat. Give. Celebrate Local.

About the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber's mission is to empower businesses to thrive in the CBRM. Representing both large and small businesses, we encourage and play a role in positive economic growth within the region. From running events that provide network development and learning opportunities for our members, to advocating on behalf of business to overcome barriers and to realize success, the Chamber of Commerce maintains a member-focused vision and strives to support the growth of our economy. The Chamber is located at 275 Charlotte Street in Downtown Sydney and represents the business community across all areas of the CBRM.

Media Contact:

Michaela Epifano, Communications Intern

Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce

[email protected]

902-317-4018

Additional information:

Eight fast facts about ‘Step Up For Local’

1. Less money leaves the community: 45 cents of every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays in the local economy vs. 14 cents spent at large chains.
2. The money that stays cycles: This creates tax revenue to fund healthcare, education, safer communities, streets and sidewalks.
3. Local businesses pay it forward: Not only are local businesses more likely to support other local businesses, they also contribute 2.5 times more to local initiatives and non-profits than non-local owners.
4. Better service: Local businesses, including B2B, professional services and retail, are more in tune with the local landscape and the needs of community members.
5. Enrich your community: Small businesses add character, texture and personality to communities which in turn boosts property values for local homeowners.
6. Donating small makes a big impact: Local, small non-profits generally have lower overhead costs than large national or global organizations – and when you give locally, you can see the impact of your gift right in your community.
7. Create jobs: Small business employs the largest workforce base in the country, employing 70% of all Canadians.
8. Local businesses care more: Local businesses are more eager to reflect their communities’ values, needs and feedback than are big chains.