Ontario Small Business Community | Resources | Events | Support

You make great goods, offer delicious eats, create wonderful art and offer great services. We want to help get the word out. When you #tagus , that sends us a notification that you have something you would like us to share. In our stories and with our growing community of small businesses, local enthusiasts and community supporters. You can tag us in EVERY post or reel you want to share. . -| Help Us Help You |- ⇢ Spread the word by sharing this post with your audience. So the small businesses, artisans, makers, artists and service providers in your community. Know about about this free opportunity to share their content and boost their engagement. ⇢ Kindly be following this account, so we can tag you in the share and we can find your account quickly. . -| What You Can Tag Us In |- ⇢ Posts about new products and service launches. ⇢ Posts about your upcoming sales and promotions. ⇢ Posts about upcoming events, pop-ups or markets. ⇢ Posts about job openings or community content. ⇢ Reels showing you manufacturing, creating or offering services. ⇢ Reels about events or community spaces. ⇢ Reels from events or markets you have attended or local businesses you want to bring attention to. ⇢ Reels showcasing your work space or processes. . -| What We Don’t Share |- ⇢ If it’s rude, offensive or politically charged, we will not be sharing it. ⇢ If it spam and not true, we will not be sharing it. ⇢ If it’s bad mouthing other businesses or people, we won’t be sharing it. . Ontario Small Business Community reserves the right to not share content we believe to be spammy, abusive or harmful to our community. Our mandate is to share content in a equitable manner and can not guarantee sharing. . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #shoplocal #shopsmall #shoplocalontario #shoplocalcanada #shoplocalonline #ontarioartist #ontarioartisan #ontariomakers #ontariocrafters #ontariocreator #ontarioblogger #ontariocreatives #community #smallbusinesscommunity #tagus #sharethelove #explore #discover #connect #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #supportisfree #supportlocal

| @pinkbananasparkles | Sometimes we like to let small businesses do the sharing. So meet Pink Banana Sparkles, a proud #lgbtq owned business from Toronto ON. I’m Shannon! I’m a queer, polyamorous single mother and under the name Pink Banana Sparkles, over the past 4 years I’ve used #colour , #whimsy , and #affirmingart pieces to cultivate a #community that #helps and #encourages others to embrace their true selves, struggles and all. My hope for every piece that I create is to help someone deal with the stresses of everyday life, with feelings of ease, comfort and understanding. Whether it’s with a piece of #art that holds deep meaning, or simply something aesthetically pleasing, it all matters and it can all make a difference. I started Pink Banana Sparkles in 2020, after I lost my job working nights at a club. My daughter was only 2 at the time, and I started making ooak Christmas ornaments. It re-ignited my love and passion for creating. Before I knew it, I was successfully selling them through the Christmas season. After that, I began to paint larger scale body portraits as I went on my own #bodylovingjourney . Then came #whimsical food-themed genitals, and handsculpted magnets. Those turned into stickers and keychains, then the swimwear and clothing collections were born. Pink Banana Sparkles is an amalgamation of everything that goes through my mind, as I embrace, navigate, and share my journeys of #parenthood , #sexuality , #bodyloving , #mentalhealth and #wellbeing , all in the hopes of it helping, or bringing #joy to others. Get to know Shannon better, connect via her links below and in our Linktree. You are gonna love Pink Banana Sparkles and Shannon! We promise! . |Online Platform| /projects/pinkbananasparkles/anxious-shark-plushie . |Instagram Platform| /pinkbananasparkles . |TikTok Platform| /@pinkbananasparkles . |Facebook Platform| /pinkbananasparkles . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness

| @pinkbananasparkles | Sometimes we like to let small businesses do the sharing. So meet Pink Banana Sparkles, a proud #lgbtq owned business from Toronto ON. I’m Shannon! I’m a queer, polyamorous single mother and under the name Pink Banana Sparkles, over the past 4 years I’ve used #colour , #whimsy , and #affirmingart pieces to cultivate a #community that #helps and #encourages others to embrace their true selves, struggles and all. My hope for every piece that I create is to help someone deal with the stresses of everyday life, with feelings of ease, comfort and understanding. Whether it’s with a piece of #art that holds deep meaning, or simply something aesthetically pleasing, it all matters and it can all make a difference. I started Pink Banana Sparkles in 2020, after I lost my job working nights at a club. My daughter was only 2 at the time, and I started making ooak Christmas ornaments. It re-ignited my love and passion for creating. Before I knew it, I was successfully selling them through the Christmas season. After that, I began to paint larger scale body portraits as I went on my own #bodylovingjourney . Then came #whimsical food-themed genitals, and handsculpted magnets. Those turned into stickers and keychains, then the swimwear and clothing collections were born. Pink Banana Sparkles is an amalgamation of everything that goes through my mind, as I embrace, navigate, and share my journeys of #parenthood , #sexuality , #bodyloving , #mentalhealth and #wellbeing , all in the hopes of it helping, or bringing #joy to others. Get to know Shannon better, connect via her links below and in our Linktree. You are gonna love Pink Banana Sparkles and Shannon! We promise! . |Online Platform| /projects/pinkbananasparkles/anxious-shark-plushie . |Instagram Platform| /pinkbananasparkles . |TikTok Platform| /@pinkbananasparkles . |Facebook Platform| /pinkbananasparkles . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness

| @shopmigs | This is an extra special post, all our posts about small businesses are important but this business and our team have a special link. Allow us to introduce you to Marc Salvador and his LGBTQ2S+ small business from Guelph ON. Marc, who before he was a #smallbusinessowner was a #shoplocalsupportlocal enthusiast. Marc and people like him, are the reason we revitalized this platform and made it what it is today. Watching Marc go from #localsupporter to #businessowner has been one of our greatest joys and we’re so proud to support and showcase him today. We don’t forget people who raise others up when they are down and it’s fitting that MiGS is an inspirational #fashion & #apparel business Marc the very person he is, #empowers , #inspires and #supports others. Learn a bit more about MiGS in Marc’s own words below. MiGS is a lifestyle brand that believes in empowering, motivating and inspiring the world to be who you are, unapologetically. The “I AM” Signature Collection was created with one of the most powerful #affirmations we can say to set intentions for our day and to chase our wildest dreams without explaining to anyone. We are #inclusive and #diverse and believe in promoting BIPOC & the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We truly appreciate your support. We are currently headquartered in Guelph with a shelf at Next Time Around in Cambridge. We would love and appreciate if you showed MiGS some support and love. Goodness knows over the years he’s done that for many of us and we’re so proud to have businesses owners in this community like Marc Salvador and MiGS. Check out their clothing and remember #youareworthy of #kindness from others and yourself, always. . |Online Platform| . |Instagram Platform| /shopmigs . |Facebook Platform| /shopm1gs . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness #shopmigs

| @shopmigs | This is an extra special post, all our posts about small businesses are important but this business and our team have a special link. Allow us to introduce you to Marc Salvador and his LGBTQ2S+ small business from Guelph ON. Marc, who before he was a #smallbusinessowner was a #shoplocalsupportlocal enthusiast. Marc and people like him, are the reason we revitalized this platform and made it what it is today. Watching Marc go from #localsupporter to #businessowner has been one of our greatest joys and we’re so proud to support and showcase him today. We don’t forget people who raise others up when they are down and it’s fitting that MiGS is an inspirational #fashion & #apparel business Marc the very person he is, #empowers , #inspires and #supports others. Learn a bit more about MiGS in Marc’s own words below. MiGS is a lifestyle brand that believes in empowering, motivating and inspiring the world to be who you are, unapologetically. The “I AM” Signature Collection was created with one of the most powerful #affirmations we can say to set intentions for our day and to chase our wildest dreams without explaining to anyone. We are #inclusive and #diverse and believe in promoting BIPOC & the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We truly appreciate your support. We are currently headquartered in Guelph with a shelf at Next Time Around in Cambridge. We would love and appreciate if you showed MiGS some support and love. Goodness knows over the years he’s done that for many of us and we’re so proud to have businesses owners in this community like Marc Salvador and MiGS. Check out their clothing and remember #youareworthy of #kindness from others and yourself, always. . |Online Platform| . |Instagram Platform| /shopmigs . |Facebook Platform| /shopm1gs . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness #shopmigs

| @revoltergeist | The LGBTQ2S+ small business community is diverse and full of all kinds of unique businesses and voices. One is revoltergeist, an artist and illustrator from Kitchener & Guelph ON. Who’s excited and eager to share their offerings with Ontarians. Let’s get to know revoltergeist and the artist behind this small business (Pepper) better. Revoltergeist is a one-person (Pepper) project by an autistic non-binary lesbian living on the stolen land of the Haudenosaunee Six Nations of the Grand River. They use a clean and cartoonish art style to create bold, colorful designs that express anti-capitalist and community-care values in subtle and unsubtle ways. As a disabled person, they are empowered and emboldened by their art. Selling their designs and custom work allows them to survive, participate in their community, and expand into bigger projects. They commit 10% of all income from sales to mutual aid, with a current focus on Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and COVID-19 mitigation efforts. See something that strikes your fancy? Awesome! You can grab some revoltergeist stickers via their website, linked below and in our Linktree. Alternatively, if you were looking for something extra special, Pepper does take commission requests and would love to create some wonderful art for you! Connect with revoltergeist on their socials to see what new and exciting designs they have coming down the pipeline, and to show your support. . |Online Platform| www.revoltergeist.ca . |Instagram Platform| /revoltergeist . |Facebook Platform| /revoltergeist . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness #revoltergeist #illustration #illustrator #localartist #ontarioartist #stickers #sticker #originalart #artcommission #originalartwork #nonbinaryartist #nonbinarypride #nonbinaryart #activism #communitycare #bolddesign #communityspotlight

| @gadget.of.art | One of the best things about Summer in our humble opinion is vintage and thrift shopping. It’s always fun to see the unique items and novelties. Which is something that Gadget of Art & Vintage, a LGBTQ2S+ owned small business from Toronto ON, is all about. It’s their thing, and they are so excited to share it with you and our community! Hello, everyone! I’m Aras @jann_van_eyck and I love collecting unique vintage home decor items, jewelleries, pins and more! My collection is mostly based on reflecting my knowledge of art history which I have master’s degree in Contemporary Art. As an art historian, I am curious to know the history behind the things and sharing it with our lovely customers at the markets. So far from the beginning of last spring, we’ve done 10 markets and more to go! Thank you everyone for your beautiful support “Dreaming is a beautiful action.” If you are out and about this Summer around Toronto, we know that Aras would love to see you and talk vintage and art. Gadget of Art & Vintage do pop-ups and markets pretty regularly all over the city. Do check in on their socials to see where they are popping up next. You can also visit their charming Etsy shop which we have linked below and in our Linktree. Plenty of wonderful goodies to find there and maybe some for you to take home! . |Online Platform| /shop/Gadgetofartvintage . |Instagram Platform| /gadget.of.art /jann_van_eyck . |YouTube Platform| /@GadgetofArtVintage . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness #gadgetofart #vintage #vintageseller #vintageshop #vintagestore #art #collectables #novelties #rareitems #homedecor #fashion #vintageaesthetic #vintageart #vintageartwork #vintageclothing #vintagecollection

| @gadget.of.art | One of the best things about Summer in our humble opinion is vintage and thrift shopping. It’s always fun to see the unique items and novelties. Which is something that Gadget of Art & Vintage, a LGBTQ2S+ owned small business from Toronto ON, is all about. It’s their thing, and they are so excited to share it with you and our community! Hello, everyone! I’m Aras @jann_van_eyck and I love collecting unique vintage home decor items, jewelleries, pins and more! My collection is mostly based on reflecting my knowledge of art history which I have master’s degree in Contemporary Art. As an art historian, I am curious to know the history behind the things and sharing it with our lovely customers at the markets. So far from the beginning of last spring, we’ve done 10 markets and more to go! Thank you everyone for your beautiful support “Dreaming is a beautiful action.” If you are out and about this Summer around Toronto, we know that Aras would love to see you and talk vintage and art. Gadget of Art & Vintage do pop-ups and markets pretty regularly all over the city. Do check in on their socials to see where they are popping up next. You can also visit their charming Etsy shop which we have linked below and in our Linktree. Plenty of wonderful goodies to find there and maybe some for you to take home! . |Online Platform| /shop/Gadgetofartvintage . |Instagram Platform| /gadget.of.art /jann_van_eyck . |YouTube Platform| /@GadgetofArtVintage . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness #gadgetofart #vintage #vintageseller #vintageshop #vintagestore #art #collectables #novelties #rareitems #homedecor #fashion #vintageaesthetic #vintageart #vintageartwork #vintageclothing #vintagecollection

A few weeks ago we saw a video from a pretty well known creator talking about how if you are not giving 100% all the time then you might as well just let it go because your lack of effort means you are undisciplined and don’t care. This is by a creator that specializes in “motivating” and “coaching”. We have to respectfully disagree. As black and white or cut and dry as that sentiment is, that just not how the world, life or business works. It’s especially not how those things together, all at play, work. The truth is you can’t possibly give 100% to anything all the time. You can try but it’s not always going to be possible. Sometimes you are only going to have a certain percentage to give. Be it because of time restrictions, life obligations, mental and physical health and a million other reasons we don’t have to get into. The reality is sometimes you can only give so much. You know what though? If you give your bare minimum available, that will still yield better results and outcomes, than waiting until you have 100% of your time, energy and focus to give. The idea that it’s 100% or nothing is frankly crap. It’s bad advice, motivation and coaching to tell people it’s 100% or nothing. What is good advice, motivation and coaching is accounting in real life and affirming people that what they have to give today is enough. It’s enough because it’s something. Something is better than nothing and it’s always going to be, it always has been. So today if you have 10% to offer or you have 100% to offer a specific project, task, hobby, your self or whatever it may be. That 10% is so much more valuable than nothing. That 10% is taking you further than nothing ever will. There is no shame in effort, whatever the amount. Whatever you have to give is enough and is taking you further with your goals. Your business, your life, your development, your relationships, and whatever else, will benefit more with your minimal effort than waiting till you can give all your effort ever will. Period.

| @restorewithraquel | Summer is here. Get out and get moving! Needing some inspiration to make that happen? Perfect! Meet Restore Yoga & Wellness and it’s founder Raquel, from Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Raquel is going share more about her small business below! Finding Peace on a Paddleboard: The Birth of Restore Yoga & Wellness. Nature has always been my happy place. One day, while attempting a headstand on a paddleboard, I discovered an unexpected kind of #peace – the intense focus required brought a #calmness I craved. That feeling was the spark that ignited Restore Yoga & Wellness. I wanted to share that peace, to create a space where everyone, regardless of background or identity, could feel safe, have fun, and experience the #healingpower of the #outdoors . It wasn’t just about #standuppaddleboard & #yoga (though that’s definitely on the menu!). I envisioned guided #adventures , #canoetrips , #wellnessretreats , and a welcoming environment for all. My own struggles with mental health fueled this passion. Nature was my refuge, and I wanted to offer that same solace to others, especially those who might benefit most – at-risk groups and anyone feeling lost. Restore Yoga & Wellness was born from that desire to #connectpeople with #nature and with themselves. It’s a journey that started with a headstand and a whole lot of peace.  If you are around Sault Ste. Marie, ON or planning on visiting, consider taking a class or an adventure with Raquel. We know she would love it. Also, connect with her YouTube channel for a virtual experience. We have linked that, along with all other Restore Yoga & Wellness links below and in our Linktree. . |Online Platform| www.restoreyogawellness.ca . |Instagram Platform| /restorewithraquel . |YouTube Platform| /channel/UCY86vuZdS-6oEaN-Ptbr0Fg . |Facebook Platform| /RestoreWithRaquel . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness #restorewithraquel #wellnessjourney #yogapractice

| @restorewithraquel | Summer is here. Get out and get moving! Needing some inspiration to make that happen? Perfect! Meet Restore Yoga & Wellness and it’s founder Raquel, from Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Raquel is going share more about her small business below! Finding Peace on a Paddleboard: The Birth of Restore Yoga & Wellness. Nature has always been my happy place. One day, while attempting a headstand on a paddleboard, I discovered an unexpected kind of #peace – the intense focus required brought a #calmness I craved. That feeling was the spark that ignited Restore Yoga & Wellness. I wanted to share that peace, to create a space where everyone, regardless of background or identity, could feel safe, have fun, and experience the #healingpower of the #outdoors . It wasn’t just about #standuppaddleboard & #yoga (though that’s definitely on the menu!). I envisioned guided #adventures , #canoetrips , #wellnessretreats , and a welcoming environment for all. My own struggles with mental health fueled this passion. Nature was my refuge, and I wanted to offer that same solace to others, especially those who might benefit most – at-risk groups and anyone feeling lost. Restore Yoga & Wellness was born from that desire to #connectpeople with #nature and with themselves. It’s a journey that started with a headstand and a whole lot of peace.  If you are around Sault Ste. Marie, ON or planning on visiting, consider taking a class or an adventure with Raquel. We know she would love it. Also, connect with her YouTube channel for a virtual experience. We have linked that, along with all other Restore Yoga & Wellness links below and in our Linktree. . |Online Platform| www.restoreyogawellness.ca . |Instagram Platform| /restorewithraquel . |YouTube Platform| /channel/UCY86vuZdS-6oEaN-Ptbr0Fg . |Facebook Platform| /RestoreWithRaquel . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness #restorewithraquel #wellnessjourney #yogapractice

| @laluxefemme | Fashion for everyone, what a neat concept. Now that’s something we can all get behind. We invite you to get to know Laluxe Femme, a Wellington, ON small business that’s all about fabulous #plussizefashion . Laluxe Femme is a plus size #sustainableclothing boutique located in Wellington, ON offering sizes XL to 4X which opened in December ‘22. While people over a size 14 make up 67% of the adult population, this market is often neglected or even ignored by most boutiques and brands. Plus size women deserve to be able to #shoplocal , to #buyethicallymade and #sustainable clothing, to wear #luxury designer #fashion , and to try clothes on before they buy. Laluxe Femme exists to offer people these options where they were never available before in Canada, as they are the first exclusively #plussize sustainable clothing boutique in the country. Laluxe Femme offers #trendyclothing that people want to wear. Laluxe Femme differs from their competitors in the quality of clothing they offer, the ethical wages their manufacturers pay & the sustainable materials used in production. Many of their designers create and manufacture their clothing lines within Ontario, Canada. While there are several #plussizeexclusive consignment shops in Canada that sell used secondhand clothing. Laluxe Femme sells #new and #handmade eco-friendly clothing and #accessories .  Summer style does not need to exclusive. This can be the Summer of #inclusivefashion ! Lindsay, owner and founder of this small business, is ready to help you with styles that will look good and feel good. Connect with Lindsay and Laluxe Femme via their links below and in our linktree. . |Online Platform| https://laluxefemme.ca . |Instagram Platform| /laluxefemme . |TikTok Platform| /@laluxefemme . |Facebook Platform| /profile.php?id=100087561441876 . . #ontariosmallbusinesscommunity #ontariosmallbusiness #ontariobusiness #ontariomade #madeinontario #ontariocanada #ontario #smallbusinesscommunity #supportlocalbusiness #communityspotlight #laluxefemme #sizeinclusive #lgbtqowned #lgbtowned #lgbtqownedbusiness #lgbtownedbusiness