The calendar is filled with days, weeks and even months designated to recognize and honour a variety of causes, people and celebrations.

During October, British Columbia’s small business community is recognized for its contributions to our province.

Some might question whether the small business community is, in fact, deserving of such an official, calendared designation. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), a big voice for Canadian small businesses for over 35 years, confidently points to two facts on small business’ economic foothold:

Small businesses comprise 98 per cent of B.C.’S enterprises.

Small businesses generate 33 per cent

of B.C.’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Moreover, the impact of small enterprises on our economy has been on the rise for

years; there are no signs this growth is letting up.

Ted Mallet, CFIB’s chief economist, confirms statistics show small businesses continue to adapt

and grow when the “going gets tough,” including the most recent economic downturn from which we are only now beginning to emerge.

In other words, small business is steadily and consistently becoming a bigger and bigger stabilizing force for our economy and workforce.

Did you know small businesses under 50 employees account for 56 per cent of jobs in the private sector in our province? Furthermore, 83 per cent of small businesses have fewer than five employees. Much of the new job creation comes from small businesses.

Scholars and economists have many theories why small businesses are so important to our economy. Factors that help small businesses succeed include:

Opportunities created by decentralization and subcontracting.

Organizational flexibility in a fast-moving, information-based global economy.

Workplace flexibility for parents with children, older workers, and youth earning their first paycheque.

Value placed on local specialty goods and services.

Rewards for creativity and innovation.

Plain old British Columbian entrepreneurial spirit.

The message is clear — small businesses are a force to be reckoned with. As they grow in number, strengthen communities and create new jobs and opportunities for British Columbians, small businesses claim

stake to an unquestionable economic significance more than worthy of a spot on our calendars.

For the millions of British Columbians who benefit from the strength of small businesses at any given moment, the October designation of small business month is the formal recognition of the small businesses who should earn our support the whole year long.

Brian Bonney, CFIB director of provincial affairs, B.C.