According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), 9 out of 10 SMEs were still in need of assistance last December. In this context, government assistance programs and subsidies remain essential, as well as the collective commitment of citizens. “70% of SMEs have still not returned to their normal level of sales,” confirms Francis Bérubé, Senior Policy Analyst at the CFIB. “They are at 30% of their revenues.” Their projection developed at the end of the year predicted that “half of SMEs would not survive if the lockdown were to continue.” Our response can help save the day. Here’s how to continue to encourage our SMEs.

1. Make different choices

We know that it is a major challenge for SMEs to compete with big box stores and other web giants that are often a faster and cheaper choice. However, prioritizing purchases from smaller Quebec businesses contributes directly to our economic development. A product purchased locally allows merchants to pay their employees, their rent, their suppliers. This is the multiplier effect illustrated by Shopify : “ A restaurant that sources from local producers, deals with a local insurance broker, and collaborates with a local design agency will form symbiotic relationships that will help the entire community economy thrive .”

2. Motivate businesses on social networks

To help small businesses stay positive and not give up, encourage them by communicating with them on social media. Karina Serei, from the Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD), believes that right now, "they must not give up if they want to get through this, it's the final stretch." Click on like and show them some love to encourage them! Your comments help them better orient themselves to offer the products you want. Share their posts to make them known and recommend your favorite small businesses on social media. Discover the social influencer in you who wants to get people talking!

3. Buy online

The crisis has had the good side of accelerating the transition to digital. Many small businesses now have a web presence. They have had to learn to navigate social networks, master online payment systems, market their products in a completely different way or even play with virtual reality (particularly the cultural, tourism or event sectors which have offered virtual content). The Quebec Retail Council (CQCD) also offers support services for the digital shift . According to Détail Québec , two out of three retailers now offer a transactional platform to their customers. Many are in a period of adaptation with this shift, so sometimes we have to be lenient with their delivery times.

4. Experience live shopping

A concept that comes straight from China, live shopping is the future of online shopping in the current context since it combines online commerce and physical stores. It is a personalized and live service, broadcast on a web platform. It is both an interactive advertisement and a shopping session that engages customers live and offers personalized sales services with in-store salespeople. Livescale , a Montreal-based company, offers a digital platform to merchants, especially those who sell on Shopify and who don’t necessarily have a physical store. Here’s what they conclude : “Live streaming sessions average a 35% engagement rate and a conversion rate 2 to 5 times higher than standard e-commerce.” Le Cercle Api , whose goal is to improve the customer experience and encourage local shopping with innovative solutions, uses live shopping for its smart pop-up store

5. Pick up at the door to keep our local economy alive

Small businesses deemed non-essential, closed since December 25, will remain so until February 8. Fortunately, contactless curbside pickup is timely. Karina Serei of the CQCD emphasizes how important this initiative is: “For the moment, only 1 to 15% on average of our retail businesses make a profit from online purchases; 85% of the profit is made in-store.” Let’s not forget that retail is the second most employable sector in Quebec. Their success also comes from the relationship and the bond of trust that can be created between consumers, merchants, producers, entrepreneurs and artisans. So, avoid delivery fees and go get that book that just came out or that item you’ve been wanting, clear your mind and get back in touch with your favorite merchants!

6. Participate in local purchasing competitions and initiatives

Participate in contests, take on challenges. Many MRCs and municipalities have launched local purchasing initiatives. A good example is Outaouais d'abord , a local movement that has taken several forms: creating a directory of businesses and initiatives in the region, an advertising campaign, various activities throughout the region, and the 30/500 challenge, which invited citizens to set aside $30 of their weekly budget for local products, services and attractions for a year. So, use the hashtag # jechoisispme.ca set up by the CFIB to thank a small business and have a chance to win a gift box and cash prizes. Don't forget to include the hashtags in your social media posts to increase engagement and visibility of the initiatives. There are also: #jesoutiensmespme, #redécouvrezvospme, #achetonslocal, #achetezlocal. #jachetebleu and #onsesertlescoudes!

7. Take restaurants home with you!

Outside of Greater Montreal, several restaurateurs have reorganized their establishments to respect social distancing measures. Finally, it will be a take-out menu for everyone! Le Cuisinomane has listed a range of restaurant options in Montreal during the pandemic . In Quebec City, there is the reference site Québec Table gourmande which offers a third edition of menus to enjoy in the comfort of your home and available for pick-up. From weekly meal boxes to solidarity menus between restaurants like in Quebec City , as well as other ready-to-eat initiatives , restaurateurs are showing off on Facebook: Take-Out and delivery in Quebec . The Gourmand section of La Presse is also full of good addresses . Did you like your take-out? Share the good news on social networks and, if you can afford it, be a little more generous than usual with the tip! Don't forget that delivery is allowed after 7:30 p.m.

8. Subscribe to Quebec training online

From the mental and physical health of citizens to the financial health of our businesses, there is only one step. Many SMEs have invested in their premises, products and facilities to ensure compliance with health guidelines, including leisure and training centres. So, subscribe to online classes, take on group fitness challenges and participate in private virtual training sessions! Here are a few suggestions:

mongymenligne.com

espacefitness.ca

sportsmontreal.com for the whole family

cardiopleinair.ca in virtual mode

Personalized yoga on passionyogaetcie.com

or à la carte on studionamkha.com

9. Consume the blue product

At the beginning of the crisis, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Pierre Fitzgibbon, mentioned that if each Quebec household bought $5 more per week of Quebec products, it would add $1 billion to the local economy. The famous Panier bleu , whose creation was announced by the Prime Minister in April 2020, made it possible to group Quebec products on a single platform. In particular, it brought together existing local purchasing initiatives and propelled the creation of other regional directories:

mylocalchoice.quebec

buyquebec.com

mazonequebec.com

signelocal.com

faitcheznous.ca

solutionlocale.ca (citizen initiative)

And pmedici.ca and its variations restosdici.ca , creationsdici.ca , and bouffedici.ca .