Western Nova Celebrates Small Business Week

October 19th – 25th

Small Business Week is October 19th – 25th. It’s a time to shine a light on the entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers who keep our local economies buzzing. Here in Western Nova Scotia, small businesses play a huge role in making our communities vibrant. They’re the people behind your favourite café, the new shop downtown, and the local services we all rely on. They are the ones sponsoring your local sports teams. They are our neighbours and friends.

Partners Joining Together For An Event-Filled Week

Every year, the Western REN joins forces with partners from across the region like CBDC, CDENE, the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce, Ignite Atlantic, Nova Scotia Works, the Town of Yarmouth, and the Municipalities of Yarmouth and Argyle — to bring Small Business Week to life. For more than a month leading up to it, our group meets weekly to plan events, share ideas, and make sure there’s something meaningful for everyone in the business community.

The result is a full week of connection, collaboration, and celebration. From October 20–24, there’s a packed lineup of events happening across Southwest Nova — from networking sessions and youth entrepreneurship gatherings to social evenings and the always-anticipated Yarmouth Business Awards. It’s a great opportunity to come together, share experiences, and celebrate all the ways small businesses keep our region strong and resilient.

If you’re a business owner, thinking about becoming one, or just someone who loves to support local, this week is for you. Pop into an event, meet new people, and take a moment to celebrate the creativity and determination that small businesses bring to our region every single day.

And if you can’t make it out in person? No worries — you can still show your support! Share a post about your favourite local business, leave a review, or stop by a shop you’ve been meaning to visit. Every bit of encouragement makes a difference, not just during Small Business Week, but all year long.

The Event Schedule:

Monday October 20th

10am – Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony/Small Business Week Kick Off

We are kicking off our week’s events with a ribbon cutting at the new Edward Jones office, 377 Main Street Yarmouth. Just drop in!

10am – Webinar with Stemma Analytics (in French)

Tuesday October 21st

10:30am – Youthpreneur Speed Networking Event at NSCC Burridge Campus

The Western REN and NSCC are bringing together NSCC Students and the Business Community for a fun Speed Networking Event! Running from 10:30 until noon, there’s no need to register for this event happening the the Cube space at NSCC Burridge Campus.

For info: wcleveland@westernren.ca

11am – Fall Job Fair at NSCC Burridge Campus

Hosted by NS Works / Southwest Employment Services in partnership with NSCC Burridge Campus. It runs from 11am – 6pm in the gym at NSCC Burridge Campus. Meet a variety of employers & community organizations!

Job Seekers – Dress for an interview & bring your résumés

Employers – Register now: kperry@swemployment.com

5pm – 7pm CDENE Social Evening in Tusket

CDENE presents a social evening at Tusket Falls Brewing. RSVP HERE

Wednesday October 22nd

4pm – 6pm The Small Business Social

Celebrate Small Business Week with an evening of networking, connection, and inspiration. Meet local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, community members, and support organizations — all in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Third Cup Café, 10 John St, Yarmouth

Featuring a Special Presentation at 4:30 PM: “Thriving During Times of Adversity” with SSI Consulting

Don’t miss our raffle! We’ll be giving away some amazing prizes toward the end of the event.

Thursday October 23rd

12 PM – 1 PM — Futurpreneur Lunch & Learn at Ignite Atlantic

If you are 18–39 and thinking about starting a business, join IGNITE and Futurpreneur for a Lunch & Learn at Ignite Atlantic, 210 Main Street Yarmouth. You’ll learn what support is available for entrepreneurs aged 18–39, including startup financing, tools and resources to help you grow, and up to 2 years of mentorship. Otni Chinenere from Futurpreneur will walk you through the process and answer your questions.

Lunch will be provided. Register HERE

5pm – Yarmouth Business Awards

The 18th Annual Yarmouth Business Awards happen at the Mariners Centre, with doors opening at 5pm. It’s an evening to honor our region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers.

A limited amouth of tickets are still available. Special Perk: Everyone who buys a ticket to the Yarmouth Business Awards will also receive a 40% discount on Nova Scotia Music Week (@novascotiamusicweek) tickets.

Buy tickets HERE

Friday October 24th

5 PM – 7 PM — Social Evening in Clare

Join us for a fun wrap-up to Small Business Week at the Rendez-vous de la Baie, 23 Lighthouse Rd, Church Point.

Follow the Western REN on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for event updates, photos, and highlights throughout Small Business Week 2025 — and help us celebrate the people building the future of Western Nova, one small business at a time.