Proudly Canadian Owned: Small Businesses are Canada’s Global Advantage

Locally Owned. Good Jobs. Strong 🇨🇦 Communities.

Not every product is made in Canada – but every business has an owner.

Buying Made in Canada is great when possible.

But even when it’s not, choosing a Canadian-owned business keeps money in the local economy.

Why This Matters
Download Window Flyers
Download Window Clings
Social Media Graphics
Why Local Matters
FAQ

Why It Matters

Over 70% of Canadians own or work for a small business. The more we support them, the stronger our economy becomes—leading to resilient businesses, better jobs, and money that stays in your community instead of being extracted by large chains.

This isn’t a new idea – but now is the time to truly pay attention to where we spend our dollars. Is it at an international mega-chain – or a locally owned store selling the same product?

With rent & insurance rising quickly for many businesses, shopping locally helps your favourite independent businesses stay in our communities – rather than being pushed out and replaced by big chains.

For Businesses

Show your customers that shopping with you means supporting local jobs and businesses. Download your free Proudly Canadian Owned window sign, cling, in-store signage & social media assets below.

Proudly Canadian Owned Printable Pages

Instructions for Businesses:

  • Print the page at 8.5×11” for window display.
  • Place it where customers can easily see it from outside.
  • Share it online using #ProudlyCanadianOwned to spread awareness.

We have multiple sizes below including crop & bleed marks. These can be sent to a professional printer – or printed on your own printer.

Download 6 x 4 Printable Sign (PDF)
Download 8.5 x 11 Printable Sign (PDF)

Show your customers, new and returning, that you’re Canadian owned and contributing to your neighbourhood with the Proudly Canadian Owned flyer.

Proudly Canadian Owned Window Decals

Instructions for Businesses:

  • Send the decal to your local printer using the templates below.
  • Place it where customers can easily see it from outside.
  • We have multiple sizes below including crop & bleed marks.
Download 3 x 3 Window Decal (PDF)
Download 6 x 4 Window Decal (PDF)
Download 8.5 x 11 Window Decal (PDF)

Proudly Canadian Owned Social Media Graphics

Your customers want to support local businesses – you can use these templates to make it easy for them to choose Canadian-owned.

Instructions for Businesses:

  • Download the social media optimized assets below.
  • Add your logo in the blank space.
  • Share it on your preferred social media platforms using #ProudlyCanadianOwned to spread awareness.

Instagram & Facebook Graphics

Download 2025 tall grid template (1080 x 1350 px) (ZIP)
Download classic square template (1080 x 1080 px) (ZIP)
Download 16:9 story template (1980 x 1080 px) (ZIP)

Bluesky Graphics

Download tall template (1080 x 1350 px) (ZIP)
Download square template (1080 x 1080 px) (ZIP)
Download 16:9 template (1980 x 1080) (ZIP)

LinkedIn Graphics

Download classic square template (1080 x 1080 px) (ZIP)
Download 16:9 tall template (1980 x 1080) (ZIP)

Pinterest Graphics

Download classic template (600 x 900 px) (ZIP)
Download 16:9 pin carousel template (900 x 1600 px) (ZIP)

Why Buying From Canadian-Owned Businesses Matters

The Local Multiplier Effect

 Every $1 spent at a Canadian-owned business circulates 2-4x more in the local economy than a big-box or international retailer. This has a multitude of benefits:

  • Local businesses buy from other local businesses (suppliers, services, trades, etc.) – even if their products aren’t Canadian made.
  • Employees are more likely to spend their wages locally.
  • When small businesses thrive, so do local communities – more jobs, better services, and stronger economic resilience.
  • Profitable, well-supported businesses are more likely to invest in stable jobs, wages, and training – helping workers buy local too – and help local economies thrive.
  • Independent businesses create more jobs per dollar of revenue compared to multinational corporations – keeping employment opportunities local.
Read More About the Local Multiplier Effect

FAQs & Mythbusting

What Does ‘Proudly Canadian Owned’ Actually Mean?

Is this just "Buy Canadian" rebranded?
No. “Buy Canadian” usually means “Made in Canada” or “Product of Canada”. Proudly Canadian Owned is about WHO owns a business. Even if a store sells global products, shopping there keeps profits in Canada and strengthens local communities.

Over 70% of working Canadians own or are employed at a small business. Even if they don’t sell Canadian-made products, they are integral to Canada’s economic and cultural fabric.

How do I know if a business qualifies?
It’s simple: If a business is owned and operated by Canadians, it qualifies. We trust businesses to self-identify honestly.
How do I support businesses run by new Canadians?
Newcomers to Canada start more businesses than long-time Canadians. Many of Canada’s most successful independent businesses are immigrant-run, family-owned, and deeply connected to their neighborhoods. There are several business groups that serve specifically newcomers, and are good places to start your search. Try search terms like “[ethnicity] business directory”. For example, a search for Latin business directory pulls up https://latincanadianbusiness.ca/business-directory/ and a search for Black business directory pulls up https://blackbusinessdirect.ca/.
Is there a directory of businesses using this label?
Not yet but we’re working on it! For now, look for the Proudly Canadian Owned sign in storefronts and on social media using #ProudlyCanadianOwned. If you’re a business owner interested in being part of a directory, let us know – we’d love to hear from you.
Does this mean I shouldn’t shop at big chains?
Proudly Canadian Owned isn’t about choosing between small businesses and big chains – we’re making it easier for people to support locally owned businesses. Many Canadian-owned businesses sell the same products as big-box stores, but choosing them keeps more money in your community via the local multiplier effect.

So we say support local when you can!

How do I support businesses run by Indigenous entrepreneurs?
Indigenous commerce is the OG of Canada’s economy, long before modern borders were drawn. To this day, Indigenous entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth, cultural preservation, and community self-sufficiency. We recommend visiting the Canadian Council for Indigenous Businesses for a list of Indigenous owned businesses across Canada that you can support.
Does being Proudly Canadian Owned mean I have to meet specific job standards?
No, but businesses that invest in stable jobs, fair wages, and training often see better long-term success. They retain employees longer, experience fewer disruptions, and see higher productivity.

If you want to learn more, the Better Way Alliance has extensive real-life experience and research to help you explore what good jobs could look like in your business.

Curious about how your business compares? Take our Good Jobs Quiz to see where you stand – and get tips to boost your company’s retention + productivity.

As a business owner, what options do I have to support Canadian?
Many business owners are looking at suppliers within Canada, and for some, making the switch is more feasible than for others. The decision to change suppliers rests on a number of factors, including cost, order quantity, lead time, quality, we could go on – but we know it is a difficult decision that many of you are taking seriously. Other options include looking for advertising, insurance, web design, or banking services that are Canadian – or even better, local to your province, neighborhood or city. For example, banking with a credit union means you contribute to local neighborhood initiatives. Make sure you research the service providers to ensure they align with your values, too, not just your location.

Have more questions? Contact us!

Build Canada’s Local Business Movement

 

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About Proudly Canadian Owned

Proudly Canadian Owned is a project of the Better Way Alliance – Canada’s Ethical Employer Network. We’re businesses that create good jobs in communities across Canada. From restaurants to manufacturers, Better Way Alliance members showcase how good jobs sustain resilient businesses, productive jobs, and a stronger Canadian economy.

Learn more about the Better Way Alliance – where good jobs grow.