The Downtown Kelowna Association recognizes that small businesses play a vital role in Kelowna’s economy. They provide jobs and preserve the downtown neighbourhood and, for every $100 spent, $46 is recirculated back into the local economy (LOCO BC).
On Saturday April 25, more than 100 participating businesses in Downtown Kelowna will be offering a special sale or demonstration during Small Shop Saturday to help promote themselves and encourage customers to come into their store.
With spring finally here, Downtown Kelowna fashion will be highlighted in the Small Shop Saturday Fashion Show, produced by Déjà vu Modelling. Two complimentary shows at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. will be presented at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, featuring 20 Downtown Kelowna businesses, their fashion and accessories.
New this April for Small Shop Saturday, when visitors to downtown make a purchase in a participating Small Shop Saturday business they will be given a ballot for a chance to win $250 to spend in downtown Kelowna.
As an added bonus the Downtown Kelowna Association has worked with the City of Kelowna to provide free parking at all street level, and city-owned parking lots and parkades. Free parking makes it easier for the public to join in on this wonderful event.
Small business is the lifeblood of our community, come downtown this Saturday and make the pledge to support your local businesses.
For a complete list of participating merchants click – http://www.downtownkelowna.com/what-to-do/smallshop/.
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Additional Info: According to the BC Stats
• 95 per cent of businesses in Kelowna have fewer than 20 employees
• There are 83.4 small businesses per 1,000 people in B.C., the highest rate in the country
• Small businesses account for 98 per cent of all businesses in B.C.
• Small businesses employ 55 per cent of B.C.’s private sector workforce
• Small businesses represent one-third of B.C.’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
• An estimated 1,032,900 people are employed by small business in B.C.