BC Marketplace launched to help businesses and shoppers

B.C. small business owners have a new way to promote their goods and services as they continue to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small Business BC, has launched the BC Marketplace, a digital platform featuring small businesses across the province. There are over 1,600 businesses from across B.C. currently featured – including seven regional landing pages.

The BC Marketplace, which is supported by the federal and provincial governments, aims to simplify the “shop local” experience by making it easy for B.C. residents to discover small businesses across the province. At the same time, the marketplace offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase their visibility and gain new customers.

“Small businesses continue to be hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19, so we are doing everything we can to support them,” said Tom Conway, CEO of Small Business BC. “We want to showcase B.C. entrepreneurs and encourage the public to buy local, especially during the holiday season. The BC Marketplace connects shoppers with products and services, while helping business owners discover customers who want to support the B.C. economy.”

The BC Marketplace allows entrepreneurs in every industry to upload their business information and product images, as well as offer special promotions. For businesses with a website, the BC Marketplace will provide relevant site links, helping to boost online presence. For businesses not currently online, the BC Marketplace offers space to create a digital footprint, making it easier for customers to discover them. Small Business BC encourages all entrepreneurs to take 10 minutes to create a free BC Marketplace profile.

“Small business owners are the people who live in your community and they’re the people that give back to your community,” said Aura Rose, owner of House of Rose Winery in Kelowna, BC. “When you shop with them, the money stays in your community. We employ people who live locally, we support their families and it helps to keep people within our communities. It’s so important to support small businesses, especially right now.”

To search for B.C. businesses or to create a business profile on the BC Marketplace, visit marketplacebc.ca