Small business, big impact: celebrating Small Business Week

Every October, Canada shines a spotlight on small businesses. This year, BDC™ Small Business Week runs from October 19–25, 2025, and the theme is all about preparing entrepreneurs for the economic revolution ahead. With AI transforming industries and global trade shifting, the landscape is evolving fast. Small businesses are adapting to these new realities by continuing to innovate, connect, and build, their businesses to navigate challenges and find new pathways for future success. 

Small businesses (1 to 49 employees) make up 94% of all employer businesses in the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), according to Statistics Canada. From the local coffee shop to the tech startup, small businesses embody innovation, create jobs, and help to build a resilient community.

At the St. John’s Business Information Centre we’ve been proud to support entrepreneurs across the City for 25 years. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, we know our way around town and we’d be happy to connect you to the programs, resources and contacts you need. Talk to us first, so you get the information you need to launch your venture. You can reach us at 709-576-8107 or business@stjohns.ca.

Small Business Week is not just a celebration; it’s a time to take advantage of the resources and events designed to help your business start or grow. You can connect with the St. John’s Business Information Centre on October 23 at the Community Roots: Stories in Business event hosted by the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) and Metro Business Opportunities at the St. John’s Community Market. Hear inspiring stories from entrepreneurs during the panel discussion, enjoy refreshments, and connect directly with business support agencies at the Small Business Café. Admission is free and you can register here. 

Upcoming webinars

• Oct 21 BDC Get your business ready for the economic revolution
• Oct 22 Startup to Succession: Thriving in Canada’s Entrepreneurial Revolution – join Futurpreneur and BDC for a free virtual panel covering everything from AI to a wave of retiring business owners.

Let’s celebrate the incredible entrepreneurs who make St. John’s economy strong and diverse.

My New St. John’s Expo October 14

Does your company have employees that are newcomers to the City of St. John’s?  Don't miss MY NEW ST. JOHN'S EXPO today, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. John’s Community Market, 245 Freshwater Road. Admission is free. This event is an opportunity for new residents to discover what St. John’s has to offer, connect with community organizations and learn about programs and services. For the full list of exhibitors, visit MyNewStJohns.ca.

City accepting submissions to Art Procurement Program

The City of St. John’s is now accepting submissions to the Art Procurement Program. Individual visual artists and commercial galleries are invited to submit their artwork for an opportunity to be purchased and included in the City’s Civic Art Collection. This year, the total budget for the program is $20,000. All submissions must be sent via email to arts@stjohns.ca and received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. Further details, including the submission form, are available at StJohns.ca/Public-Art.

Women in Construction Forum - Empower. Lead. Thrive.

Join the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association (NLCA) on November 7 for the 2025 Women in Construction Professional Development Forum —presented by NLCA and TD Commercial Banking. Whether you're just beginning your journey or are an experienced professional, the Women in Construction Forum is designed to ignite your potential, strengthen your leadership capacity, and connect you to a powerful community committed to advancing women in construction. You can expect:

• Empowering Keynotes: Hear from visionary women who are breaking boundaries and setting new standards in construction leadership, innovation, and equity.
• High-Impact Workshops: Gain hands-on experience and practical tools in interactive sessions crafted to elevate your skills, grow your confidence, and drive your professional development forward.
• Strategic Networking: Build lasting connections with industry leaders, mentors, and peers who are passionate about collaboration, empowerment, and inclusive growth.

Register at www.nlca.ca.

Tech sector powers NL economy

Newfoundland and Labrador’s (NL) technology sector is proving to be a major economic driver, contributing $1.8 billion to the provincial economy in 2023 while employing nearly 10,000 people. The State of Tech in Newfoundland and Labrador—commissioned by techNL and produced by The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University—offers the most comprehensive analysis to date of the province’s tech ecosystem, examining economic impact, workforce trends, diversity, and emerging issues.

This momentum sets the stage for Innovation Week 2025, happening October 27–29, 2025, at the St. John’s Convention Centre. Now in its 12th year, Innovation Week has become the province’s flagship technology and innovation conference, drawing founders, executives, investors, students, and policymakers together under one roof.