British Columbians urged to support Buy Local Week and boost provincial economy

British Columbians are being encouraged to spend their money at small businesses as part of the province’s Buy Local Week.

It will run from Monday to Sunday.

For every $100 spent locally, as much as $63 is then recirculated in the community, according to a study from non-profit organization LOBO BC.

That cash creates 4.6 times the economic impact when compared to money spent on non-local firms.

Local restaurants, for example, recirculate 67.9% of all revenues locally – compared to multinationals, who recirculate 30.4%.

"When you shop local, you help advance the local economy and allow your community to thrive and benefit all British Columbians," said Bruce Ralston, minister of jobs, trade and technology.

"Local businesses are vital to our communities. Not only do they create good jobs, they also enhance the community by contributing to worthy causes."

There are more than 500,000 small businesses in BC, generating 34% of overall provincial GDP (making the province a national leader).

Those businesses provide work for over a million people and account for 53% of all private-sector employment.

"Buying local has many great benefits for consumers," said Amy Robinson, executive director of LOCO BC.

"Our study shows how it strengthens communities and the local economy. We need our local businesses, growers and manufacturers to thrive. For that, they need our full support all year-round."