Oct. 21 to 25 is Small Business Week and a time to support businesses that are "vital" to the Saanich Peninsula Community, said Morgan Shaw, executive director of Sidney BIA.
"When you walk through our streets, it’s the small boutiques, cafes, and local artisans that give Sidney its quaint, friendly vibe. These businesses add so much character, making Sidney a destination for both locals and visitors," Shaw said.
Over 24 new small businesses have been added in Sidney in the past year alone, Shaw said.
One of these is Smor Scandinavian Bakery. Owner Leah Hayward turned to her passion for baking after her past career left her burnt out, and opened her Scandinavian bakery in July.
The greatest challenge she's had to overcome in these first few months is not having prior business experience, she said.
"I underestimated how much work and hours owning a small business takes; the immense workload and balancing that with the community [being] so excited and so supportive," she said.
She also cited additional challenges: finding staff with industry experience and high labour costs.
"I've been very lucky finding staff who don't have experience but have an excellent attitude and willingness to learn," she said.
Turning an idea into a business is completely different than dreaming about it, Hayward said, but her advice to those thinking of starting their own business is "I'd say do it.
"That's the best way to learn about yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses so you can address them."
Supports for small businesses
Hayward said one of the "best resources" she found was Futurepreneur, a free program supported by the Government of Canada geared towards entrepreneurs without previous business experience.
"I'm under 40, so I was able to access both funding and business idea development training sessions through Futurepreneur program," she said. "I was able to access startup capital for my business and that was hugely helpful," she said.
The Sidney BIA also offers support including marketing assistance, business promotion, networking opportunities, educational workshops, while working with local government and other organizations to get businesses the resources they need.
Community connections are also integral to the success of a small business, Hayward said.
"A business like mine will survive or fail based on the quality of connections I'm able to make in the community."
Luckily, Sidney is a supportive community she said and has "enthusiastically embraced" her.
Small business increasing as Sidney grows, said Shaw
Shaw said Sidney BIA has been hearing "plenty of positive feedback from business owners and customers" through surveys and their business development program, run in partnership with the Town of Sidney.
"Anecdotally, we’re seeing increased foot traffic, strong sales, and a steady flow of returning visitors, all of which are great signs.
"It's no secret that Sidney is growing."
Other new small businesses that opened in the past year in Sidney
Jacks On The Water, dot. NATURALS, Waypoint Insurance, Sapodilla's Smoothie & Juice Bar, Bubby's Early Learning Childcare, Sacred Somatics, Westcore Training Centre, Robin Evan Willis Counselling & Psychotherapy, Victoria Leather & Shoe Repair, First Nations Health Authority, Pure Sunshine Picnic Co., Acrewood Daycare and Early Learning, Peninsula Veterinary Clinic, Sidney Gold Buyers, Eclective CoWorking, Sidney Gold Buyers, Specsavers, Florencia, Pure Glow Laser & Wellness, Skin by Angela, Nails by Loi, Sea Breeze Restaurant, iSpa Wellness
