Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. The Glebe Business Improvement Area (BIA) was thrilled to celebrate Small Business Week this month with a series of exciting events and initiatives that shone a spotlight on the incredible businesses that make our neighbourhood special.
Running from October 19 to 25, Small Business Week is a national celebration that recognizes the vital role small businesses play in our economy and communities. Here in the Glebe, we're home to nearly 400 diverse businesses - from cozy cafés and boutique shops to professional services and innovative startups. Each one contributes to the unique character and vibrant atmosphere that residents and visitors love about our neighbourhood.
How We Celebrated Small Business Week
Ottawa Small Business Summit
Our week began at the Ottawa Small Business Summit, an all-day event dedicated to learning, collaboration, and inspiration. The Glebe BIA team attended alongside our OCOBIA partners, joining the Ottawa business community for a day filled with valuable insights and meaningful connections.
The summit featured an engaging educational workshop hosted by Glebe BIA member, seoplus+, offering practical strategies to help small businesses strengthen their online presence. It was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, learn from local experts, and connect, all while supporting Ottawa’s business community.
Member Social
We kicked off our local celebrations with a Member Social at the CAA North & East Ontario Head Office - a warm and welcoming morning gathering that brought together new and longstanding Glebe businesses. Fueled with coffee and a light breakfast from Glebe BIA Members Wild Oat Bakery, Olgas Catering and Whole Foods Market, members had the chance to mingle, share stories and connect over the shared challenges and triumphs of running a business.
Our Executive Director, Darrell Cox, shared a few words about the importance of community and collaboration, followed by remarks from CAA North & East Ontario’s President, Jeff Walker, who emphasized the value of local partnerships. The morning was a wonderful reminder of the strength and spirit that defines the Glebe’s business community.
Instagram Story Takeover
To bring the celebration online, we launched our Small Business Week Instagram Story Takeover series - featuring two beloved Glebe businesses giving followers an inside look at what makes their shops unique.
First up was The Bunker, an indoor golf simulator owned by Matt Williams. Matt shared how his business began to our 15,000 InTheGlebe Instagram followers. The pandemic inspired him to pursue his passion of golf and leave the world of accounting behind. He also showcased their state-of-the-art golf rooms, where visitors come not just to play, but to connect and have fun. His takeover highlighted the strong sense of community that defines The Bunker — and how they, in turn, support other local businesses.
To wrap up the series, Compact Music, led by owner Ian Boyd, took followers inside their store, which they lovingly describe as an “art gallery for music.” Ian showed off their extensive collection of vinyl, CDs and DVDs, talked about the evolving experience of running a small business, and shared why customers keep coming back — for the music, the atmosphere, and the personal touch. He also offered a few gift ideas for music lovers ahead of the busy holiday season.
Both Matt and Ian shared thoughtful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: lead with passion, have fun, connect with your community, and never lose sight of what makes your business uniquely yours.
Why Small Business Week Matters
Small businesses are more than just places to shop and dine - they are where relationships are built, where neighbours become friends, and where our community identity takes shape. They create local jobs, support community initiatives, and invest in the neighbourhood’s future.
The energy and enthusiasm we saw throughout Small Business Week reminded us why shopping locally matters so much. From the connections made at our Member Social to the stories shared during our Instagram takeovers, this week highlighted the passion and dedication of Glebe business owners.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who participated in Small Business Week. Whether you attended events, followed along on social media, or simply stopped by your favourite local business, your support makes all the difference to the entrepreneurs who call the Glebe home.
Special thanks to CAA North and East Ontario for allowing us to use their space for our member social. A special thanks to The Bunker and Compact Music for sharing your stories with our community during our Instagram takeover series.
While Small Business Week may be over, we encourage everyone to continue supporting local year-round. Every visit, every purchase and every recommendation helps our small businesses thrive.
Here's to our small businesses - the big heart of the Glebe!
