Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre/Media Release
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Oct. 26, 2023) – The W.E. Shop Local Show, a signature event hosted by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) and presented by VistaPrint, was held this evening at the Fogolar Furlan Club in Windsor. The event was an overwhelming success with hundreds of shoppers who came out to support 50 diverse small business vendors from across Windsor-Essex.
A special thank you is extended to this year’s event sponsors, VistaPrint, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Community Futures Essex County, whose contributions helped to further support the local small business community and ensure the event’s success.
Participants had the opportunity to shop for local fashion, beauty, artisanal, homeware and wellness products and services as well as indulge in food and beverages from local restaurants, caterers, bakeries, wineries and breweries.
The month of October is recognized nationally as Small Business Month and is dedicated to celebrating and supporting small businesses. SBEC recognizes Small Business Month by communicating and marketing the services of the SBEC with the goal of connecting with current and prospective clients. As well, SBEC also creates opportunities such as the W.E. Shop Local Show to highlight its local independent small businesses and provide them with the opportunity to promote their products and services, to connect with the wider business community and to sell directly to Windsor-Essex residents.
“Helping small businesses prosper is a winning economic development strategy as entrepreneurs and small businesses stimulate job creation, develop crucial innovations and promote the diversification of local economies. This year to-date, our small business team has facilitated the startup and growth of 196 businesses, resulting in the creation of over 336 jobs in Windsor-Essex. These businesses are essential to the economic vitality of our community and we will continue to provide them with the support they need to be successful in our region.” – Stephen MacKenzie, President and CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
“At the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre we take pride in helping entrepreneurs turn their dream of starting a business into a reality and supporting existing businesses to succeed and grow. We are thrilled that so many people came out to support our local small businesses at this year’s W.E. Shop Local Show. All our vendors were wonderful to work with, and their excitement and enthusiasm is inspiring. We are happy to provide them the exposure and an avenue to showcase and sell their goods and services to the public.” – Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre
Learn more: weshoplocalshow.com
Contacts
Natasha Marar
Manager, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Programs
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-995-6780 | Phone: 519-997-2922
Email: nmarar@webusinesscentre.com
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223 | Phone: 519-255-9200 Ext. 2228
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com