As Small Business Week 2025 spotlights the backbone of Canada’s economy, nowhere is that story of resilience, innovation and community impact more evident than in Atlantic Canada. From traditional industries like the fisheries of Newfoundland and Labrador, and forestry in New Brunswick, to Nova Scotia’s tech startups and PEI’s life sciences sector, the region’s small businesses aren’t just economic drivers; they are essential to the cultural fabric of our Atlantic communities.

Thriving in today’s economic climate is no small feat. Rising costs, labour shortages, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical challenges are pushing small business owners to their limits. That’s why a strong, responsive partnership between government and small businesses is more critical than ever.

For this partnership to work, small business owners must have a seat at the table and be willing to work with government to find new and innovative solutions to this region’s challenges.

Small Business, Big Economic Driver

According to Statistics Canada, in 2023 small businesses accounted for more than 98% of all businesses in Canada, employing close to 46% of Canada’s private sector workforce. From family-owned tourism operators in PEI to innovative clean-tech firms in New Brunswick, local enterprises are creating jobs, attracting investment, and revitalizing rural communities across Atlantic Canada.

Yet, there remains a disconnect between the small business community and government organizations. Many small business owners lack the resources, time, or required connections to engage meaningfully with policymakers. This disconnect can lead to policies that unintentionally harm the very businesses they aim to support or a lack of awareness of the challenges facing the industry. A recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business report highlighted this challenge, adding that only half of small business owners believe their municipal government is small-business friendly.

The Power of Advocacy

When small business owners speak up, government representatives listen. Advocacy doesn’t have to be combative, in fact, there is an opportunity to work as like-minded partners to benefit local economies, communities, and constituents.

During the pandemic, quick and responsive policy actions were the result of continued advocacy by small business owners, industry associations and chambers of commerce across the region. It showcased how powerful coordinated engagement can be.

Whether it’s tax relief, broadband access, or removing archaic regulatory requirements, there are a host of potential challenges that small businesses can work with government to solve.

Policy making and positive change happens when local small business owners work in partnership with local, regional, and national representatives to identify challenges and find innovative solutions. From sector-wide challenges to the removal of red tape, small businesses can chart their own path to prosperity working with, instead of against, all levels of government. This isn’t a one-way street; business owners have a role to play in both identifying and developing recommendations but also supporting and recognizing the government when they make these positive changes.

How to Get Involved

As Atlantic Canada faces ongoing challenges—including demographic shifts, labour market issues, and supply chain disruptions—the policies shaping the future of business must be informed by those on the frontlines. Government programs for funding, workforce development, export support, digital transformation, and red tape reduction measures are all designed to help. But without input from the small business community, these programs risk missing the mark.

Engaging with government doesn’t have to mean donning a suit and walking the halls of Parliament. It can start locally, with a phone call or email to an MLA(MHA), attending a town hall, or requesting a meeting with the relevant Minister responsible for your industry. These small acts can have big impacts as you can provide a frontline perspective on the issues your business and sector are facing and opportunities to find solutions to these challenges.

This discussion is particularly timely, as governments across the region begin the process of budgetary planning and consultations for the next fiscal year, so now is the time for your voices to be heard. Reach out to your local Councillor, MLA (MHA), or MP and tell them you want to be a partner in finding solutions to benefit your community.

Shared Responsibility

For small businesses, government should not be a distant institution—it needs to be a partner. And like any good partnership, communication is key. By sharing your realities, successes, and struggles, business owners can help shape policies that are both effective and impactful.

As we celebrate the important role of small businesses during this year’s Small Business Week, let’s also recognize their power to influence change. Atlantic Canada’s future prosperity depends on collaboration between the entrepreneurs who drive our economy and the governments that shape its economic environment.

Advocacy isn’t optional; it’s essential. And every small business has a voice worth hearing.

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Jeff Brennan is a seasoned government relations, strategic communications and public affairs professional based in Halifax, with extensive experience helping organizations navigate the intersection of business, policy, and government. As a Senior Consultant with Crestview Strategy, Jeff supports clients in achieving their local, regional and national goals

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